Expelled Fine Gael TDs in row over offices

Expelled Fine Gael TDs resisted efforts by Leinster House ushers to move them out of their party offices and into different locations following their expulsion from the parliamentary party.

TDs who lost the whip over the abortion legislation were seen openly disagreeing with Leinster House staff yesterday.

The Dáil went into recess for the summer last week but the changing of offices for TDs expelled from parties was left until after the final day’s proceedings.

Sinn Féin’s Peadar Tóibin was moved out of his party’s office area on Friday. He has been expelled from the party for six months for opposing the abortion bill.

Rebel Fine Gael TDs Peter Mathews and Terence Flanagan were seen disagreeing with ushers in the corridors of Leinster House yesterday. One source said: “They were asking what right there is to move them on”.

Another person said: “The offices are divided along party lines to keep party blocks together. As they are no longer [parliamentary] party members, they’ve been moved to independent offices. [The expulsion] really kicks in when they have to move and have no more contact with the party press offices, too.”

Mr Mathews said issues over the move were being dealt with. “It’s all getting resolved, whatever difficulties are there. I don’t see a problem. It will all find its own level,” he said.

It is understood the pair, as well as TDs Brian Walsh and Billy Timmins, who also opposed the bill, will be moved to offices in Leinster House 2000, the newer wing of the complex.

They will be joined by Fine Gael senators Fidelma Healy Eames and Paul Bradford. Lucinda Creighton, who also lost the whip, was moved out of her ministerial offices almost immediately and into the newer wing.