Moylan would not have been ‘daunted’ by cuts
Minister of State Tony Killeen made the claim when he spoke at Moylan’s graveside in Kiskeam, Co Cork, yesterday, during ceremonies commemorating the soldier and statesman, who died in 1957.
He said Sean Moylan, whose concern for the poor and the downtrodden was always tempered, as it had to be, by the economic realities of the time, would not have been deterred from taking the action which would be in the best interest of the people of the country.
“In fact, one suspects that high-profile demonstrations or unbalanced phone-in radio shows would be more likely to galvanise his views and confirm his conviction than the opposite and let nobody doubt his willingness to make the tough choices.
“I think we can rest assured that no distinction would be made between welfare recipient and worker but that a very large gap indeed would separate the percentage cut for those on lower income from the cut imposed on the well paid.
“If the late Sean Moylan were making the choice I would expect to be hit to the tune of 30% or more, or at least five or six times what would have to be applied to those at the lower levels,” he said.
Mr Killeen said Sean Moylan stood up for the interests of people who were not blessed with huge resources, the farm labourers, the small farmers, the widow, the pensioner and the downtrodden. He was not, however, “a soft touch”.
“Not only would he see through the self-serving political cant of some of those who currently champion the cause of the pensioner or the child benefit recipient, regardless of means or need, but he would gladly challenge them in his uncompromising style,” he said.
Cullen Pipe Band and a colour party led a parade to the local cemetery where Donal Óg O Laoghaire presided at the commemoration during which Mr Killeen and Sean O’Connor placed a wreath on Moylan’s grave.
A minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to the late John Moynihan, Rowels, Meelin, whose nephew Michael Moynihan, TD, is the commemoration committee vice chairman.
