Opposition hit out at Fianna Fáil infighting

THE opposition lambasted the convulsions within Fianna Fáil and said it was clear the main Government party was focused on itself rather than running the country.

Labour TD Ruairí Quinn said at a time when the need for a new government was never greater to get people back to work, Fianna Fáil remained preoccupied with internal problems.

He said Mr Cowen’s announcement that he intended to stay on as leader, and Micheál Martin’s subsequent challenge to the Taoiseach, “means that the leadership issue will continue to be [the] sole focus of attention for Fianna Fáil ministers and TDs when everyone’s efforts and energies should be directed towards turning the country around”.