Fergus Finlay: A defeat for Helen McEntee would be a victory for hatred and intolerance

The far-right don’t want you to read the bill because they want you to believe it’s the forerunner of a police state

Justice Minister Helen McEntee faces a potential vote of no confidence later today, but if she loses the vote, for whom is that a victory?

If you know me, you’ll know I’m not a likely cheerleader for Fine Gael. I wouldn’t normally be chomping at the bit to vote for them, and I’d be a long way down the queue if they were ever looking for a candidate for anything at all.

Bit I wish to heavens I could be in the voting lobbies of the Dáil later today to support Helen McEntee. I’m hoping the government has a thumping great majority and that the Justice Minister emerges with the confidence of the government and the Dáil behind her. I’m also hoping—although I’ve no right to tell them what to do—that Labour, the party I’ve been a member of all my life—plays no part in this charade.