Harney misses Dáil date due to traffic jam

Tánaiste Mary Harney couldn’t represent the Government in the Dáil this morning because of a traffic jam outside Dublin, it emerged today.

Amused opposition leaders claimed it was a bad omen for the Government’s €34.4bn transport plan launched amid a blaze of publicity on Tuesday.

Ms Harney was due to deputise for the Taoiseach at the Order of Business but a multi-vehicle collision on the M50 near Blanchardstown plunged her cavalcade into gridlock.

Fine Gael deputy leader Richard Bruton told TDs in the chamber: “It is a rather bad omen on day three of the 21st century transport plan that the Tánaiste cannot get to the Dáil on time.

“Perhaps the Luas should to be extended to her constituency more speedily.”

The ’Transport 21’ blueprint promised a nationwide state-of-the-art transport system including seven new Luas projects, two Metro lines and DART extensions in Dublin.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte agreed that it was ironic that the Tánaiste was caught in traffic.

He added: “I am reminded of thefact that she was helicoptered to a famous opening in north Leitrim not long ago and I am disappointed that the same mode of transport is not available this morning.”

Ms Harney was criticised after she used a Department of Defence fishery patrol plane to fly to Manorhamilton in December 2001 to open the off-licence premises of a friend.

A businessman later sent a cheque for €1,800 to the Government to cover the cost of the flight.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell had to represent the Government in Ms Harney’s absence.

A spokesman for Ms Harney said she had addressed the Irish Nursing Homes Organisation annual conference on the Naas Road at 9.30am but encountered traffic congestion on her return to the city centre.

“She had to telephone her staff at 10.15am to say she wouldn’t be able to make it for the 10.30am Order of Business. It was unprecedented,” he said.

Mr McDowell, who has been criticised in the past for his absence from the Dáil, was welcomed by Mr Bruton and Mr Rabbitte.

“It is almost as rare as a sighting of the brent goose,” Mr Bruton said.

Mr Rabbitte added: “The Taoiseach had a bad day yesterday but I did not think it was sufficiently bad to put the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in charge, with all that it might imply."

After heckling from the Government backbenchers, Mr Rabbitte replied: “I do not know why the Fianna Fáil benches are so happy behind Deputy McDowell, when they are so glum behind the Taoiseach.”