A second Fianna Fáil TD in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency has publicly expressed unhappiness with Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s leadership of the party.
Kilkenny-based TD John McGuinness yesterday called on Mr Cowen to “consider his position” as Taoiseach and party leader.
Mr McGuinness said there was no passion or energy in Mr Cowen’s leadership and he urged senior figures with leadership ambitions in Fianna Fáil to challenge Mr Cowen. He warned that he may withdraw his own support for the Government if Mr Cowen does not respond adequately to the criticisms.
This morning, Carlow-based MJ Nolan TD told local KCLR radio that Mr Cowen’s stewardship of the party had been “a great disappointment” and had not lived up to expectations.
Mr Nolan claimed there was “serious discontent at all levels” within Fianna Fáil. He said all three FF TDs in the constituency were unhappy with the Cabinet reshuffle earlier this week which saw the Carlow-based TD Mary White, deputy leader of the Green Party, elevated to a junior ministry.
However, Mr Nolan stopped short of calling on Mr Cowen to step down.
Meanwhile, the party’s third TD in the constituency, Bobby Aylward, repeated his dissatisfaction with the reshuffle on KCLR. However, he disagreed with the stance taken by Mr McGuinness, which he described as “a solo run”.
Other TDs to express discontent with the Taoiseach in public yesterday were Tipperary North TD Máire Hoctor, Donegal North East TD Jim McDaid, and outspoken Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath.
Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern today defended the Government’s performance during difficult times, but added that party members “are entitled to their own opinions”.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said he would prefer if Fianna Fáil members aired their grievances within the parliamentary party. He denied suggestions the Government was in trouble.
Speaking in Brussels yesterday where he is attending the EU summit, Mr Cowen dismissed the attack from Mr McGuinness as a personal opinion.
“I obviously refute and reject the contentions he makes,” Mr Cowen told reporters. “Obviously, as he says himself, he’s expressing a personal opinion. My focus at the moment is on continuing to lead the country and the Government with the very serious challenges we continue to face."
There has been strong criticism of Mr Cowen over the past two days from TDs who had formerly supported him, as well as from people like Mr McGuinness and Mattie McGrath who have consistently criticised his leadership.
It would take 18 TDs to trigger a motion of no confidence in Mr Cowen. Party sources were agreed last night that there was little chance of this happening.