SF taking Coalition 'screaming' to court

THE GOVERNMENT is being brought “screaming before the courts” by Sinn Féin in an attempt to force the calling of three outstanding byelections, the party’s “think-in” heard yesterday in Dublin.

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin referred to the case being taken by the party’s Senator Pearse Doherty, and due to be heard by the High Court on October 18th, designed to force the Coalition to hold the Donegal South West byelection.

“Sinn Féin are the only party that are bringing this Government screaming before the courts in order to force them not only to have the Donegal South West byelection but also Dublin South and Waterford, and we believe that their position . . . will be untenable post that.”

However, Mr Ó Caoláin said a general election should take place before then. “We’re not waiting for the byelections. If this Government have enough wit and understanding of the electorate’s appetite for a rejudgment at this point in time they should fall on their sword and go to the people en masse.”

He said Fianna Fáil had “about a snowball’s chance in hell” of entering coalition with Sinn Féin after a general election.

Mr Ó Caoláin described the recent controversy over events at the Fianna Fáil think-in in Galway, culminating in Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s apology for his performance in a radio interview, as “a modern-day example of Nero fiddling while Rome burned”.

He said Fine Gael “did not come up to the mark”, and was also critical of the Labour Party, describing Labour leader Eamon Gilmore as a “political fiance” to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny. It was regrettable that Labour was “offering a crutch” to Fine Gael.

“The real coalition that is needed is the coalition of communities, trade unions, voluntary organisations, campaigning groups and parties of the left to shape a better, fairer Ireland.”

He said Sinn Féin would contest up to 40 constituencies, “maybe all 43 constituencies”, in the next general election, but did not have a target number of seats it aimed to achieve.

A byelection in Donegal South West would fill the vacancy caused by the election of Pat “The Cope” Gallagher to the European Parliament in June 2009.

George Lee resigned as Fine Gael TD for Dublin South and left the party in February of this year.

Former Fianna Fáil minister Martin Cullen stepped down as a TD for Waterford in March for health reasons.