McGuinness criticises Taoiseach and Tánaiste’s leadership

Former junior minister John McGuinness has criticised the leadership being provided to the country by the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste.

Speaking on RTÉ's 'Late Late Show' last night John McGuinness said there was a lot of discontent among Fianna Fáil backbenchers and a disconnect between the parliamentary party and the leadership.

The Kilkenny TD was one of seven junior ministers dropped by Brian Cowen on Wednesday to reduce the number of ministers of state from 20 to 15.

Mr McGuinness said Brian Cowen needed to shift his mindset from being the leader of Fianna Fáil to being the leader of the country.

He also said Mary Coughlan did not have the ability to run the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Earlier this week he blamed the Tánaiste for his demotion claiming she had threatened to resign if he remained in office.