Tánaiste rejects talk of ‘trouble in paradise’

THE opposition clearly enjoyed the sight of the PDs’ inner turmoil yesterday, taking the opportunity to poke fun at both Mary Harney and Michael McDowell.

Ms Harney handled Government business in the Dáil yesterday morning, and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny was quick to capitalise.

“Does the Tánaiste agree that on mid-summer’s day, there is trouble in paradise?” he asked.

In response, a smiling Ms Harney said: “Unlike Fine Gael, we do not adopt a change-of-leadership strategy before elections.”

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte, meanwhile, mischievously expressed solidarity with Ms Harney, to the mirth of TDs.

“I shared a constituency with the Tánaiste for many years,” Mr Rabbitte said. “I want to explain that I do not switch sides and I express solidarity with her.”

Green Party TD John Gormley, meanwhile, raised the prospect of a new bill. “Is the Tánaiste planning emergency legislation to deal with the Justice Minister’s ego, which is clearly out of control?” he asked.

Labour TD Joe Costello, meanwhile, raised a real piece of legislation dealing with the Defence Forces. Anxious that the bill be properly discussed, he urged that it not be rushed through the Oireachtas before the summer recess with debate cut short — or “guillotined”.

“Can the Tánaiste assure the house that the bill will not be guillotined and both houses will have a proper opportunity to debate it,” he asked.

“One can never give assurances about when one would use a guillotine,” Ms Harney replied.

“Such as on Deputy McDowell’s head,” Green Party TD Paul Gogarty interjected.

“Heads will roll,” Fine Gael TD Padraic McCormack quickly added, before his party colleague, Jim O’Keeffe, summed up by saying: “Deputy McDowell has been warned.”