FF TD blasts the ‘cowardice and surrender’ deal
Rebel deputy slams Martin over Fine gael pact
REBEL Fianna Fail TD John Mcguinness has slammed his party leader for giving Fine Gael a “blank cheque” to govern any way they want for the next year.
Micheal Martin has signed up for a renewal of the confidence and supply deal with Fine Gael, promising he will not call an election until 2020.
But not all TDS in the party are happy with the decision.
Yesterday, Mr Mcguinness said: “This deal puts us in a straight-jacket, it is not the right kind of politics.
“This could have been done differently. Micheal Martin has given the Government a blank cheque.
“He’s allowed the Government to dictate terms.
“One very strong member of the party said to me this is the cowardice and surrender agreement. We are surrendering to that Government the right to represent people from the opposition benches.” He also claimed it would be disastrous for party candidates hitting doorsteps before the summer local elections.
Mr Mcguinness told the Today With Sean O’rourke show: “They will be seen to be propping up Fine Gael. We are surrendering to that Government.”
On Tuesday, Mr Martin told the Dail an agreement had been reached with Fine Gael to extend the confidence and supply deal for another year.
He said Fianna Fail would not call an election in 2020 in the interest of stability as Br exit plays out. Mr Martin was challenged on the criticism from Mr Mcguinness by reporters in Brussels.
He said: “I’ve spoken to many TDS. John made his vision clear months ago, in fact from the outset I think he was against confidence and supply.
“I respect his opinion but the majority of the party in conversations I’ve had were supportive of the stance I took.
“Of course, not everybody is happy in the heat of raw political battle in terms of wanting to contest and wanting to engage.
“But since Brexit happened politics has been overshadowed by the implications, and it’s out of that reality the decision we have taken has been based.”
Mr Martin was also asked if he is gambling on the public thanking him for putting country before party ahead of the next general election. But he replied: “I’m not a gambler.”