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Fine Gael 'double-jobbing bad for politics - O'Malley
Fine Gael ‘double-jobbing’ bad for politics – O’Malley
Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O’Malley has criticised the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny over his tolerance of what she described as ‘double-jobbing’ within his party.
She described as incredible Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny's recent insistence that he had not even discussed with his MEPs whether or not they intend to return to stand for the Dàil.
"Enda Kenny claimed he had neither asked his MEPs to give him final indications nor given them any instructions, saying this would be 'very difficult to do'. This is the man who is putting himself forward as the next Taoiseach: a leader who appears to be too timid to ask his Party members what their future plans are."
Deputy O’Malley said speculation was high that MEPs such as Simon Coveney and Gay Mitchell intended to contest the General Election for Fine Gael, and there was now an onus on them to reveal their hand to the electorate.
She questioned the Fine Gael MEPs level of commitment to their constituents. Pointing out that the dual mandate had been abolished domestically, she asked how Fine Gael could justify it in Europe?
It was simply not good enough, she said, that Irish voters elected members of their European Parliament only to have them dishonour their mandate by walking away and be replaced by somebody else because of a better career opportunity comes turns up.
“Gay Mitchell and Simon Coveney have continually refused to come clean on their intentions. Their conduct smacks of career opportunism.”
For further information please contact Mary Minihan in the Progressive Democrats press office on 01-6183615 or 087-1225140. Many thanks.