Fianna Fáil TDs criticise Government saying social contract ‘strained to breaking point’

Three Fianna Fáil TDs warn of growing disconnect between voters and politics, urging renewed focus on delivering tangible results

The three TDs, who are among the youngest in the parliamentary party, said their peers do not see a connection “between what happens at the ballot box and what follows in government”.

The social contract has been “strained to breaking point” as three Fianna Fáil TDs criticise the Government over what they describe as a growing disconnect between the public and politicians.

Albert Dolan, Ryan O’Meara, and James O’Connor have criticised the Government in a joint statement released on Wednesday, placing further pressure on Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the wake of last week’s fuel protests.

In their statement, the TDs said they had viewed the events of recent weeks with “real and deep concern”.

“We must face that reality that the social contract is strained to breaking point,” they said.

The three TDs, who are among the youngest in the parliamentary party, said their peers do not see a connection “between what happens at the ballot box and what follows in government”.

“This disconnect threatens public faith in politics and our democracy. Our responsibility, as members of Fianna Fáil and as legislators, is to help rebuild that connection,” they said.

The TDs said they were not challenging any individual members of Government, but said there was a need for the party to “do better”.

“It is about rediscovering the first principles of Fianna Fáil: putting people first.”

They said this could be done by bringing community concerns to Government and “offering and finding solutions”.

“Too often today we find senior colleagues expect us to just explain their government difficulties to our communities. That is not the role we want, nor will we accept it any longer.,” the TDs said.

“The policies we back in the Dáil must produce results felt in homes, schools, and workplaces across the country.”

The three TDs added that this is a task “that has been long neglected”, adding that events in recent weeks have not helped.

“The responsibility now lies with us. We will dedicate our efforts in the weeks and months ahead to ensuring that this vital reconnection takes place and that politics once again serves the people,” they conclude.