Deasy critical of ‘paranoid’ Kenny
Outspoken Waterford TD John Deasy broke ranks yesterday and referred to “fear” within the party suggesting some ministers had been wrongly appointed.
Others, who asked not to be named, went further and called Mr Kenny “paranoid” in the way he led the party and handled criticism of his position and decisions.
The internal row comes after the controversial appointment of Mr McNulty and his subsequent nomination for the Seanad by-election.
Mr McNulty resigned from the IMMA board yesterday while Fine Gael parliamentary party members were raging about the issue.
Mr Deasy said the election trick was indicative of what was going on in Fine Gael.
“The process was clearly manipulated and abused,” said Mr Deasy. “This appointment was to construct a credential to allow Mr McNulty to pursue the nomination.
“People are getting sick of the way this is being conducted and it doesn’t really strike people as being what we as a party phrased as new politics.
“An element of insecurity, pettiness, has grown into the party leadership... It is an atmosphere of total non-criticism, even if it is reasonable and constructive.”
Credentials for getting senior positions were determined on how long you could “grovel” to the Taoiseach and if you could read a script, said the TD.
“There’s a sense of fear within the parliamentary party these days that if you don’t toe the line, well then you’ll be punished,” said Mr Deasy.
Other TDs privately agreed and were scathing.
“Meritocracy doesn’t exist in Fine Gael,” said one TD. If you’re someone doing what you’re told, who’ll publicly support the Taoiseach, you’ve a good chance of getting places.
“Yes, he is paranoid, fed by people who are close to him, personal advisors and others.”
Another TD described the scandal as the “worst case of Fianna Fáilism”.
“We’ve no problem with him, the problem is with the board appointment,” said the TD. “There’s anger in the party.”
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