New FG TD attacked major political parties in General Election

NEW Fine Gael TD Dr Liam Twomey accused the major political parties of ignoring rural Ireland during his General Election campaign in 2002.

The Wexford TD faced a backlash from his constituents and Independent colleagues yesterday following his defection to Fine Gael.

Aside from a number of Independent TDs criticising his decision, supporters of Dr Twomey in the General Election also expressed their dismay at his decision and his record to date as a TD.

Although Dr Twomey campaigned primarily on a platform of improved medical services in 2002, he was also seeking investment in his constituency and criticised the major political parties for ignoring rural voters.

In a statement to the Enniscorthy Echo newspaper, just a week before the election, Dr Twomey said the big parties like to play down what he described as the very positive role that Independents contribute to the Dáil.

"Too many TDs outside Dublin are either disinterested or muzzled by the party whips to do what is expected of them. I hope if I am elected I can improve not only health but also the economic life of the country," he said.

Yet yesterday, Dr Twomey said he felt he could better represent Wexford and be a more effective TD as a member of Fine Gael.

"County Wexford was often very well looked after by Fine Gael in power," he said.

Denying that the threat posed by other parties, particularly Sinn Féin, had motivated his decision, Dr Twomey said the limitations of being an Independent TD had caused him to have a rethink about his status.

"I do actually feel there is a limit to the amount of clout we hold in Leinster House as the Government doesn't require us for votes," he said.

Announcing that the Wexford TD will be formally proposed as a member of the parliamentary party in Kilkenny today, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said Dr Twomey's addition was a real vote of confidence in the party.

"I know that Dr Twomey shares my determination to make politics really work for people in a way which will improve their daily lives," he said.

Credit for the poaching of Dr Twomey was given to Fine Gael's Wexford TD, Paul Kehoe, who has been in discussions with his constituency colleague for the past month.

But Dr Twomey was heavily criticised by Independent TDs who said he should have remained an Independent as this was the basis on which the electorate elected him.