McDaid Issues Not-so-Veiled Threat
Deaglán de Bréadún
As Bill Shankly said about soccer, politics in Donegal is not a life-and-death matter – it’s much more serious than that. Judging from reports, Niall Blaney’s supporters beat rival TD Dr Jim McDaid’s backers to the punch in some internal party elections. The effects could be shattering for the rest of Fianna Fáil.
McDaid’s letter to Chief Whip Pat Carey is reproduced below. He is making it clear that his vote is even less to be counted on than before. The six-letter word “Budget” does not appear but that is what will be on everyone’s mind. If the Budget goes down, then we have an immediate general election, which Dr McDaid seems to think would be good for FF.
In the sense that total wipe-out gives you a theoretical opportunity to make a fresh start, then I suppose he is right. In theory.
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30th November 2009
Government Chief Whips Office,
Government Buildings,
Dublin 2,
Ireland
Dear Pat,
I am aware that you have much more important things on your agenda at this
crucial time rather than the internal machinations of the Fianna Fail party in
Donegal North East. However, as a result of a farcical inaugural meeting of the
Letterkenny/Milford C.C. last night, I feel compelled to inform you that I have
withdrawn my support from Fianna Fail.
My views on a General Election are well known. I believe it would be in the
interest of Fianna Fail and by extension in the interest of the country.
Accordingly, in a voting situation on the negative side one can abstain, be
absent or against. I have exercised two of those options in the past and now
feel free to exercise the third, if and when I deem it necessary.
It was made clear to me last night that I am superfluous to the requirements of
Fianna Fail but I will not stand over the party being decimated either locally
or nationally.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr James McDaid
