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Taoiseach Micheal Martin renewed his criticism of Sinn Féin tonight at the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.
He told MPs, senators and MEPs that Sinn Féin was “consistently” negative and “cynically” exploiting issues in the Dáil.
Previously, Mr. Martin accused the Sinn Féin leader of taking every opportunity to speak “falsehoods”.
Mary Lou McDonald, speaking in relation to the Low Pay Commission and living wage remains unchanged, told the Dáil that thousands of underpaid workers kept the country going during the Covid-19 crisis.
She described the government as disconnected and said the Taoiseach was in a “delusional reverie.”
The Taoiseach accused Sinn Féin of carrying out an extraordinary and outrageous political accusation.
In response to the latest criticism, Mary Lou McDonald said: “As the leader of the opposition, it is my job to hold the government to account and defend workers and families.”
She added: “The Taoiseach should do its job, rather than deviate from the problems that affect ordinary people.”
Regarding the economic impact of Covid-19, Mr. Martin told members of the parliamentary party that it was necessary to provide specific sectoral support to those most affected, such as the arts, hospitality, tourism, sports and culture.
He added that the government’s continuing focus was to suppress the virus; keep as many employees as possible; and maintain non-Covid healthcare throughout the system.
Reform and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath told the parliamentary party that there will be no “slash and burn” budget next month.
While admitting that his framing would be “very challenging” due to Covid-19 and Brexit, Minister McGrath said the government was committed to providing the “necessary resources” to support both the people and the economy.
He said the approach would be “guided” by the need to support the economy next year through a “period of profound uncertainty.”
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