Coaltion made false promises during election, says Martin
He accused the Government of “dishonesty and cynicism” during the election campaign and said they are “implementing the bulk” of Fianna Fáil policies they once opposed.
Announcing his frontbench yesterday, Mr Martin denied his party would be overshadowed by Sinn Féin as leader of the opposition, promising a “robust and constructive” scrutiny of Government decisions.
Each of the party’s 20 TDs has a frontbench position, but because of their Dáil make-up it does not include any women and has just one TD in Dublin.
Brian Lenihan will hold onto the Finance brief, despite criticism of his decisions as minister when he oversaw the arrival of the IMF. Mr Martin defended the appointment of Mr Lenihan, saying “his experience is valuable, particularly in terms of engagements with the European Union”.
“In my view, it’s important that somebody who is aware of all that went on over the last two years, has important insights to offer and important perspectives on the current situation.”
Mr Lenihan will be joined on the “economic team” by Michael McGrath, who is spokesman on Public Expenditure and Financial Sector Reform, and Sean Fleming, who is spokesman on Public Sector Reform.
Asked if he stood over the economic decisions made by Fianna Fáil in Government, Mr Martin said: “The present government clearly does because it’s implementing the bulk of that.”
He added: “Not so long ago, during the election campaign, they said completely different things to what they are now saying in relation to the banks, in relation to the pension levy.”
Mr Martin said during the election campaign “they knew well what the economic situation was, they did not have to say what they said, they did not have to make false commitments”.
He said many ministers must be “regretting the language they used” during the campaign and they have “a lot of hostages to fortune”.
Additions will be made to the Fianna Fáil frontbench after the Seanad elections on “newer policy areas that are not covered by Government portfolios”, according to Mr Martin.
He nominated former junior minister John McGuinness as chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) — a role which traditionally goes to the main opposition party.
* Micheál Martin: Northern Ireland.
* Brian Lenihan: Finance.
* Michael McGrath: Public Expenditure and Financial Sector Reform.
* Sean Fleming: Public Sector Reform.
* Brendan Smith: Education and Skills.
* Seán Ó Fearghail: Foreign Affairs.
* Billy Kelleher: Health.
* Willie O’Dea: Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation.
* Barry Cowen: Social Protection.
* Niall Collins: Environment, Community and Local Government.
* Charlie McConalogue: Children.
* Dara Calleary: Justice.
* Timmy Dooley: Transport, Tourism and Sport.
* Éamon Ó Cuív: Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
* Michael Moynihan: Agriculture and Food.
* Robert Troy: Arts and Heritage.
* John Browne: Marine and Fisheries.
* Seamus Kirk: Horticulture and Rural Affairs.
* Micheal Kitt: Housing, Planning and Gaeltacht Affairs.
* John McGuinness: Small Business Regulatory Framework.
* Dublin South East Councillor Jim O’Callaghan is the party’s legal adviser.
