Harney `failing test of competency'

GENERAL competence is emerging as one of the keys to the election campaign, according to the Minister of State for the Environment…

GENERAL competence is emerging as one of the keys to the election campaign, according to the Minister of State for the Environment, Ms Liz McManus. Accusing the PD leader Ms Mary Harney of "failing the competence test" with her proposals for encouraging single mothers to remain in the family home, Ms McManus said a programme was already in place to give single mothers this option.

The "improvements in lieu of housing programme" enabled householders to have an extension or "granny flat" built, she said. "It is incredible that somebody who leads a political party that wishes to enter government appears so ignorant of the existing provisions for extended families.

"I am sending Ms Harney an explanatory leaflet outlining these measures, which I would advise her to read before pronouncing own the accommodation needs of unmarried mothers," Ms McManus said.