FF TDs criticise offers by junior ministers to quit

FIANNA FÁIL backbenchers have hit out at the junior ministers in their party for saying they would be willing to sacrifice their positions for the good of the economy.

Charlie O’Connor of Dublin South West said last night he was shocked after 11 of the 20 junior ministers said they would sacrifice their positions if asked.

“They should have waited to tell the Taoiseach when he came back instead of sending out signals while he was in Japan,” he said.

Donegal TD Pat the Cope Gallagher, who served as junior minister for 13 years, said he couldn’t understand why his colleagues were offering to resign: “It would have no impact at all. In fact I think it might have a negative impact. If I was a minister of state I wouldn’t be offering to resign.

“During my time as a junior minister I had a very positive role in the various departments,” he said.

However, most backbench TDs said they would support a reduction in minister of state positions, even though this would damage their chances of promotion.

They also suggested the move could form part of “serious decisions” on saving public money to be announced by Taoiseach Brian Cowen in the coming weeks.

One Fianna Fáil deputy said yesterday the issue has “gained so much momentum” that Mr Cowen “will have no choice but to do it”. Another suggested it would be part of reforms to be announced in the next two weeks, after recommendations are made by the so-called “bord snip nua”.

The idea of reducing the number of ministers of state was initially raised by Green Party senator Dan Boyle on Tuesday.

Minister of state with responsibility for trade and commerce John McGuinness, who is with the Taoiseach on a trade mission to Japan, said yesterday: “There is a case everywhere for improved efficiencies and in terms of that issue everything is on the table.”

He said the Government will need to find cost savings of €2 billion this year “and I think it is important we look at the number of junior ministers in that context.”

Mr McGuinness said sweeping government reform should be introduced before the end of the year.

European Affairs Minister Dick Roche said his portfolio should not be included in any cut of junior minister posts: “Each country has a Europe affairs position and Ireland shouldn’t be any different,” he said

Another former junior minister, Galway West TD Frank Fahey, said there is merit to the suggestion, but it should only be done as “part of an overall restructuring of the public service”.

Cork North West TD, and chair of the Oireachtas committee on economic and regulatory affairs, Michael Moynihan said he would support a reduction in junior ministers. “If it has to be done it has to be done,” he said.

Wexford TD Sean Connick said: “If the Taoiseach thought we could manage with 14 junior ministers, then that would be fine with me.”

Michael McGrath of Cork North Central said: “In these extraordinarily difficult times, all areas have to be looked at and there is... scope for reducing the number of junior ministers. A reduction in the number of oireachtas committees could make significant savings.”