TD issues warning for Taoiseach
Cork Fianna Fáil TD Noel O’Flynn has warned the Taoiseach that he faces losing the support of more TDs by the end of the year.
He was speaking after the resignation of two Sligo TDs from the party, which left the Government teetering on the edge of a Dáil minority — the Government can count on the support of just 82 TDs at the moment, with another 82 TDs poised to vote
Cork TD’s warning for Taoiseach against it.
Former Junior Minister Jimmy Devins and another backbench TD, Eamonn Scanlon, yesterday resigned the Fianna Fáil whip over their opposition to the transfer of breast cancer services from Sligo to Galway.
Deputy O’Flynn today said he understood why they had resigned, and added their move was “justified”.
He warned the Taoiseach that he faces losing the support of his TDs “one by one” on tough issues within their own constituencies, and said there is unease within the party.
“I fear there are a number of issues which will affect a number of TDs in the constituencies before the end of the year. The Taoiseach has to take these issues into account and deal with them in a compromising way. I’m putting down a marker to the Government, and to the Taoiseach, he has to ensure that the party is democratic and that members are listened to — or else he’ll lose them one by one,” Deputy O’Flynn said.
Deputy O’Flynn refused to be drawn on whether he would vote against the Government on any particular issue. He said he was waiting to see which of the Bord Snip Nua recommendations were implemented, but said he would have difficulty if the old and vulnerable were targeted.
“I don’t draw up Government policy, I have to accept Government policy. But I’m still an independent thinker. No one in Government has a monopoly on wisdom.”
