Senator’s resignation shows her integrity

SENATOR Margaret Cox’s decision to resign from Fianna Fáil, a week after opting to vote against the Finance Bill, has been surrounded by much controversy.

However, let us not forget that she had valid reasons: the €3 billion underspend in the Galway region, the failure to roll out BreastCheck on time and the failure to provide adequate infrastructure in the west.

It is refreshing to see Ms Cox taking a stance against the Government for her region and the people who live there. I understand why she does not feel comfortable reporting back what the Government and Fianna Fáil have done for those people.

The issues she mentions are of real importance to the people of the west. There are differences between Ireland’s regions that cannot and should not be justified; they are just wrong.

Ms Cox has shown courage and integrity. I hope the Government — as it should have done when it was first elected — will show the same if it ever tackles the matters she has addressed.

Martin Brennan

29 Cabra Park

Phibsboro

Dublin 7