Kenny urged to speak out in Taoiseach's 'gagging'

A minister today quizzed the Opposition over reports it urged the gagging of the Taoiseach at the European Parliament.

Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern called on Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny to issue an immediate statement of clarification on what he termed “an unfortunate affair”.

The move comes following reports that Fianna Fáil accused Fine Gael of trying to gag Bertie Ahern by asking the European Parliament to withdraw his invitation to speak there next month.

The Taoiseach is one of seven European leaders invited to address the parliament on November 29 in a speech designed to outline his views on how to proceed with the ratification of the EU constitution.

However, Hans Gert Pottering, the leader of the biggest political group in the parliament, the European People’s Party (EPP), proposed withdrawing the invitation to Mr Ahern last Thursday because the speaking engagement is too close to the next election.

It is understood Mr Pottering’s intervention followed consultations with Avril Doyle, the leader of Fine Gael’s delegation at the parliament, who told him it was inappropriate to give Mr Ahern such a high-profile international forum to speak to so close to an election.

Although the proposal was rejected, Minister Ahern is demanding to know if Deputy Kenny supported the steps taken.

He has also asked what Mr Kenny’s specific role was in the attempt, did he instigate it, did he support it, and does he now regret it?

Mr Ahern said the invite was an honour to Ireland and to the office of the Taoiseach.

“The leadership role of our Taoiseach in negotiating the European Constitution is recognised across the continent,” he said.

“The Irish people are justly proud of our national achievements in all fields on the world stage and do not take kindly to any efforts to hinder our national influence abroad.

“Irish people of all political persuasions are proud to see national figures such as Pat Cox and John Bruton perform internationally. Equally, the quality of our cross-party European Convention team in negotiation the European Constitution was a source of great pride.

“On its surface this affair looks like a crass act of political desperation by the Fine Gael Party. The Irish people expect more on the international stage.”