[ad_1]
There was a backlash from some new TDs and Fianna Fáil senators at the party’s weekly meeting against prominent backbenchers who have strongly criticized the performance of Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Fianna Fáil in government.
Several newly elected members criticized the constant headlines and negative reports that have emerged from their parties’ parliamentary meetings since Fianna Fáil entered government.
During the course of a two-and-a-half hour virtual meeting, Cork South West TD Christy O’Sullivan said the negativity at the party was “disgusting” and that more positivity was urgently needed.
Clare’s Cathal Crowe said some members were using the parliamentary party meeting to settle scores.
Another new TD, Paul McAuliffe of Dublin North West, said the criticism had to stop and that the Government and the new TDs now needed space to continue the government’s work.
Louth Sen. Erin McGreehan criticized what she characterized as false anger and negative headlines generated at the weekly meetings.
Two other senators, Lisa Chambers and Ned O’Sullivan, rowed out to offer strong support to Mr. Martin. O’Sullivan said that party people had to “row behind the leader and show patriotism, unity and loyalty.”
The series of contributions in support of Mr. Martin was coordinated and designed to show that the majority of the parliamentary party continued to strongly support his leadership.
In a meeting that was said to have been silenced, his most prominent critics did not address his leadership. There was little discussion about a weekend opinion poll in which the party went awry, or the controversy over the confusion resulting from the communication of the Government’s Covid-19 plan.
Eamon O Cuív, who this week said Mr. Martin should be replaced as leader, raised the issue of school transportation. Another critic of Martin’s leadership style, Marc MacSharry, asked questions about the Leaving Certificate results.
The meeting discussed a report prepared by the head of government, Whip Jack Chambers, aimed at improving relations between deputies and ministers, as well as giving TDs a contribution to party policy.
“It was positive, but there were long discussions on policy issues,” said a member of the parliamentary party.
Mr. Chambers’ document has contemplated weekly meetings of highly structured parliamentary parties with a guest speaker every four weeks.
It also envisaged new policy groupings that will monitor government departments and give support DTs access to relevant ministers. They will also participate in politics.
[ad_2]