Taoiseach’s letter is a ‘distraction’ – Martin

THE Taoiseach’s letter to Micheál Martin asking for fresh talks on the agreement that props up the Government has been dismissed as a “kite”.

The letter, which was published by Leo Varadkar online, is a “distraction away from the real issues”, Fianna Fáil’s communications spokesperson Timmy Dooley said. He said the letter was a kite that should be let “fly away with the wind”.

“The Taoiseach knows we are engaged on [Brexit], he is attempting to distract from the really important discussions and he’s attempting to use it as a ruse to get you talking about elections,” the Clare TD said.

However, despite the criticism of the letter, the party opted to publish its response online shortly after Mr Varadkar did.

That letter criticises the “tone and extent of certain briefings” as a deficiency with the current arrangement that was not included in Mr Varadkar’s missive.

However, senior ministers defended the decision to publish the letter and to seek the extension.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan told RTÉ’s ‘News at One’ that the letter to Fianna Fáil was what “new politics is all about” and dismissed speculation that Mr Varadkar is seeking a pre-Christmas election. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe also rowed in behind the party leader.

A Government source said the publication of the letter “makes absolute sense” due to the nature of the agreement and said the Taoiseach is considering his response.