Harney got no thanks for lone parent plan

THE announcement by Social and Family Affairs Minister Martin Cullen of efforts to help lone parents get into the workforce is a welcome attempt to break the cycle of poverty that affects thousands of children.

However, it was with some bemusement that I recalled, as a Dáil candidate in the 1997 general election, a press conference held by Mary Harney to introduce a policy which attempted to address the same issues.

For her efforts Ms Harney was excoriated in the media and no doubt this had a negative impact on the party’s campaign. I distinctly recall one journalist at that press conference (who was subsequently appointed to a paid position by Fianna Fáil) leading the charge vehemently in questioning Ms Harney’s supposedly right-wing attempts at social engineering.

I remember thinking at the time how extreme the line of questioning adopted was, and wondering whether information had been leaked in advance of the press conference. In reality, the PDs were attempting to remove the injustice of single parents losing benefits where their parents were willing to support them in the family home.

I wonder what those journalists think of this policy now, especially given that Fianna Fáil has finally arrived at the same conclusion in relation to single parents and poverty. What strange politics we practise in this Republic.

Finian Fallon

32 Newmarket Square

Wards Hill

Dublin 8