Café bar plan set to spark backbench revolt
With as many as 40 TDs and senators already backing a parliamentary party motion against the proposal, there are also signs of growing impatience among backbenchers about the lack of consultation by ministers over policy.
Many TDs have criticised what they see as Government “by writ” where policies are presented to TDs as a fait accompli with no opportunity for debate.
They have focused on two of Mr McDowell’s initiatives as examples: the café bar plan and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).
The opposition will do little to dampen claims of growing tensions between FF and the PDs that may force the Government into an early election.
While, in the past, backbench mutinies have petered out, FF TDs said this weekend there was a strong groundswell of support behind the latest motion.
It is being championed by John Moloney, who is chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Health. The Laois-Offaly TD said yesterday that he would fight tooth-and-nail against the introduction of café bars. He said they would add to the problem of alcohol abuse in Irish society and not help tackle it, as Mr McDowell has claimed.
Mr Moloney said he was opposing the licences because of the opinions of medical experts given to the health committee and not because he is a publican.
“I am calling for Fianna Fáil to adopt a defined policy position on this issue as a matter of urgency. I want it done now rather than wait for the summer break,” he said.
Mr McDowell was due to meet FF TDs and senators last Wednesday but had to cancel at the last minute because of the early publication of the Morris Report.
A department spokeswoman said yesterday Mr McDowell was willing to meet FF backbenchers at the earliest opportunity.
Last Wednesday, up to 10 TDs and senators spoke out against café bars, saying they would increase alcohol abuse and also posed a threat to the pub industry.
But the criticisms extended to what some TDs said was lack of consultation with backbenchers over policy direction.
“As Michael McDowell exercises his right to publicly state his position, we in FF should be allowed express what our position is on an issue. That’s not happening now,” said Kilkenny TD John McGuinness.
Referring to recent initiatives by the Justice Minister, Mr McGuinness said: “On one side there are ASBOs, designed to control disturbances caused by people who are drunk and disorderly.
“The same minister also wants to introduce café bars, which will extend the opportunities to purchase alcohol. Society has enough outlets to purchase alcohol without giving us further outlets.”
There is frustration among FF backbenchers that Mr McDowell’s strong public views are never ‘balanced’ by FF ministers.
“He has been unchallenged up until now on all his views,” one FF TD said.
“It’s becoming a source of annoyance and concern within the ranks of FF.”
