Hanafin forced to defend beleaguered Tánaiste as row drags on
Social Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin claimed “everybody” had “great confidence” in Ms Coughlan whose handling of the enterprise, trade and employment portfolio has been heavily criticised.
However, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny claimed the Government was now “imploding”, with ministers questioning colleagues.
The row began after the cull of junior ministers announced by Taoiseach Brian Cowen last week. One of the junior ministers demoted was John McGuinness, the outspoken Carlow-Kilkenny TD who had served at the Department of Enterprise under Ms Coughlan.
On Friday, Mr McGuinness criticised Ms Coughlan’s handling of the portfolio, saying he had informed the Tánaiste of his lack of confidence in her ability.
Ms Coughlan denied that this had occurred, leading to a further statement from Mr McGuinness over the weekend in which he named the exact date on which he had expressed his lack of confidence.
“It is possible that the minister may not have heard me, given that she has heard nothing, and acted on nothing, that business leaders in this country have been telling her since her appointment,” he stated.
On Saturday, Taoiseach Brian Cowen expressed his confidence in Ms Coughlan, and under questioning on RTÉ Radio yesterday, Ms Hanafin did likewise, insisting: “I believe that everybody has great confidence in the Tánaiste.”
Ms Hanafin conceded, however, the Government’s majority in the Dáil had tightened in recent times.
Growing disillusionment among Fianna Fáil backbenchers could imperil that majority. “We do have a tight majority. We are dependent as coalition partners and also on independents.
“These are really difficult times with very difficult, serious decisions being taken, and every week brings its own problems for people.”
Fine Gael leader Mr Kenny said he had no confidence in any government minister, as they had all proven themselves to be “utterly incompetent” and were now questioning each other.
“The current Government are now imploding, and are looking at themselves internally: who’s saying what, who’s telling the truth, and who’s telling lies,” he said.
Nevertheless, despite the current row over Ms Coughlan and the seeming opportunity it presents to score some points, Fine Gael won’t be tabling a motion of no confidence in the Tánaiste for fear it could backfire, he indicated.
“Motions of no confidence are oftentimes branded as a sort of a political tactic which welds the Government together for fear of being ousted,” he said.
