'Times' article rude and insulting, say TDs

There was sharp criticism of recent remarks by Dr Ed Walsh and the controversial article by Kevin Myers in The Irish Times on single mothers on welfare.

It was made during the debate on the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill, which was introduced by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mr Brennan. The Minister acknowledged that a lot more should be done for carers.

Labour spokesman Mr Willie Penrose said some journalists seemed to have had the bright idea to perpetuate the right-wing ideology of some "of those ivory-towered professors". "Perhaps if they read the article I wrote for The Irish Times in September 2004, some of them might not have got into trouble, and neither would their editor," he added.

"They should have taken time out to review that solid article which was based on empirical data and the real life experience of myself and my Labour Party colleagues on whose behalf I wrote it. No doubt it was written on behalf of every politician in the House who has witnessed the real poverty experienced by lone parents and those in work on low incomes."

Mr Paddy McHugh (Independent, Galway East) welcomed Mr Brennan's recent announcement about the lone parent benefit and his resolve to make it a more family-friendly payment.

"This news comes at a time when lone parents need a boost following the deeply insulting, ignorant and rude comments in The Irish Times, which described single mothers as 'mothers of bastards'," he added.

Mr Finian McGrath (Independent, Dublin North Central) said: "The article by Kevin Myers, and the Ed Walsh school of right-wing ideology, have prompted a positive reaction from society at large. It shows that the country has not lost its compassionate side or its caring image. The reaction to Mr Myers's disgraceful article amounted to a people's revolution."

Mr Dan Boyle (Green Party, Cork South Central) said the timing of the debate was useful when combined with "the ongoing controversy about The Irish Times recent opinion piece, a term that is fast becoming an oxymoron because who would want an opinion like that".

Mr John McGuinness (FF, Carlow-Kilkenny) said: "I welcome the Minister's recent views on the issue. I condemn both Dr Walsh and Kevin Myers for their comments. The Myers article, in particular, was highly insulting and his apology fell well short of the mark."