Pearse Doherty: Michael Noonan age comments a clumsy attempt at compliment
The Sinn Féin finance spokesman said Mr Noonan, 73, was “pushing on in years” during a televised budget debate on Tuesday night.
Yesterday, Age Action criticised the remarks made by Mr Doherty, and said that age should not have been part of the conversation.
The two politicians took part in an RTÉ panel which became heated when Mr Noonan suggested that Sinn Féin constantly oppose the Government.
But Mr Doherty said his party has voted in support of the Government in the Dáil “on many occasions”, adding “you should know that Michael”.
“I know you’re pushing on in years but you’re still smart up there,” Mr Doherty said.
Mr Noonan responded: “I don’t think that we should make age an issue.
“If you don’t make age an issue I won’t refer to your inexperience and immaturity.”
Mr Doherty yesterday admitted that his comments had been ill-judged but said they had been meant as a compliment.
Speaking on Cork’s 96FM Mr Doherty said: “I think it was a very clumsy mistake by myself.
“It was an attempt actually to compliment Michael Noonan because despite what Michael might say on TV, I would say he has respect for me as I have respect for him.
“The point I was trying to make was that he was suggesting that Sinn Féin never vote for the Government and that was nonsense.”
However, Mr Doherty said there was no animosity after the broadcast despite his “clumsy and foolish” comments.
“We shook hands afterwards and we said no offence caused. I think it was in the heat of the debate and it was very very clumsy,” Mr Doherty told host PJ Coogan.
An Age Action spokesperson yesterday said: “Age should not come into it. People should simply be judged on their ability.
“If we’re going to build an age-friendly society in Ireland, that needs to be led from the top.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
