Changing parties: TD’s outrage is misplaced

I WAS very interested in your report headlined “Fine Gael recruits ‘politically promiscuous’ Keating” (July 9) — in particular the accusations of Green Party deputy Paul Gogarty.

As a young adult in school with developing political interest, I joined Fianna Fáil and in the 1980s I was a branch member of the PDs. It is remiss of Deputy Gogarty to exaggerate my relationships with both parties and his outrage is ironic given his support for Fianna Fáil and the PDs in government.

In your report, Deputy Gogarty referred to how the 1980s saw “the worst excesses of corrupt and politically manipulated rezoning”.

It would have been productive for the deputy to reflect on this before he (to borrow his own phrase) “hopped into bed” with Fianna Fáil and the PDs.

My primary focus has always been the promotion of quality of life. The reason I have chosen to join Fine Gael is to better serve my community in Lucan and Palmerstown in Dublin. This is perhaps something that Deputy Gogarty should concentrate on rather than slinging mud at his colleagues.

Cllr Derek Keating

66 Beech Park

Lucan

Co Dublin