FF attacks Government's EU stance

Micheal Martin pictured during a press conference following the Fianna Fail party meeting in the Maldron Hotel, Tallaght, Dublin, yesterday. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill / The Irish Times

HARRY MCGEE, Political Correspondent

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin today accused the Government of adopting a “piecemeal approach” to the euro zone crisis.

He said it has yet to indicate how it will respond if the Greek government is placed in a default scenario in the coming days.

“Is there any scenario planning? Does the Government have a plan, or a back-up plan, or a Plan B in the event of default? The Government needs to be very clear that they are planning proactively for a number of scenarios,” said Mr Martin.

The Fianna Fáil leader was speaking at the conclusion of his party’s two-day parliamentary party leader in Tallaght, Dublin. The second day of the meeting focused on job-creation as well as a discussion among its 19 TDs and 14 Senators about the party’s continuing efforts to recover from the disastrous general election in February.

Mr Martin renewed his attack on what he portrayed as Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s failure to present Ireland’s case at a European level.

“I find it incredible that the Taoiseach has not had a substantive bilateral meeting with another European leader,” he said. “What is the status of his diplomatic initiative when he has not met with one other European leader? He has been standing back far too much.”

Mr Martin also said Fianna Fáil would vigorously contest the Dublin West byelection in October, to fill the seat left vacant by the party’s late deputy leader Brian Lenihan.

He said five candidates had put their names forward for the selection convention tonight and that many of the party’s elected representatives and members would converge on the constituency. He would not be drawn on how the party would perform, or whether it could improve on its fourth position in Dublin West in the election.

• Email Us
• |