Deasy criticises FG in magazine interview
Mr Deasy yesterday issued a short statement outlining his regrets after he defied his Fine Gael party colleagues by voting with the Government on Wednesday.
"I regret how the events of yesterday occurred and have pledged to continue to work diligently with my Oireachtas colleagues in the interests of Fine Gael. I wish to confirm again my full support for Enda Kenny in his leadership and work on behalf of Fine Gael," he said.
But Mr Deasy, who has never been far from controversy since he was first elected last year, is likely to find himself in the spotlight again over a frank interview in the latest issue of Magill, published today.
"My main problem with the party has been that I'm quite a definite person and when it comes to the issues, we haven't had definition. We're too fond of seeing both sides of every argument. And as a result, I don't think the electorate understands where Fine Gael is coming from," he says.
Mr Deasy then referred to Justice Minister Michael McDowell as arrogant. "I think he's got a big mouth sometimes. I think he can be really, really arrogant. But I also think he has a lot of positive attributes. Sometimes I think he's a little too fond of the headline. He should spend a bit more time at the desk and less on the Pat Kenny show."
Describing his approach to politics, deputy Deasy says he will not be a Bill Clinton-type politician, telling people what they want to hear. "I call things the way I see them, good or bad. If people don't like it, they can go and vote for someone else."
The son of former Agriculture Minister Austin Deasy also warns that politics in Ireland is in crisis.
"Because our Executive has so much power, the opposition is reduced to screaming and shouting and scoring points. No one cares if you spend hours on a health document. If you get up and take the head off someone, you might get a couple of lines in print," he said.
"Irish politics is in serious trouble. There's no leadership around here. Everyone compromises because they're terrified of offending someone. Well, I don't ever, ever want that sick feeling of having compromised myself."
