TÁNAISTE MARY Coughlan and several Cabinet colleagues have called on the Labour Party to “get off the fence” in relation to the Croke Park deal between the Government and public service unions.
In an address to a Fianna Fáil regional conference in Galway at the weekend, Ms Coughlan said that it was time that the Labour Party descended from “the safety of its ivory tower”. She called on Labour to show leadership and make clear its position on the deal.
Minister for Enterprise Batt O’Keeffe said that he was “surprised and disappointed” at the attitude of Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore.
Mr Gilmore had failed dismally to show some sense of nationhood in relation to the Croke Park agreement, Mr O’Keeffe said.
“We believe we will restore confidence in the economy, and the only way is through the Croke Park agreement,” Mr O’Keeffe said, adding that he appreciated the support of Fine Gael.
However, Ms Coughlan singled out “backbiting from the Opposition” for criticism in her address to grassroot members in Galway West and East, and said that it had “progressed to new lows”.
“You will, for example, recall before the Easter recess the allegation of treason levelled by the leader of the Labour Party at our Taoiseach,” Ms Coughlan said. “Words like ‘corruption’ and allegations of unspecified impropriety are thrown across the floor of the House like confetti.
“Week after week continue the snide comments from the ivory towers on the Opposition benches. Cheap-shots about Fianna Fáil bailing out their friends the bankers, bailing out their friends the developers, and bailing out anyone and everyone else about whom there is the potential for an easy headline,” she said.
“Well, I think there comes a point when we have to say that enough is enough. I for one refute the type of smears hurled at me, at my colleagues in Government and at my party. In doing so, I reflect on my own 23 years in national politics and the work I have given my all to, both for the people of Donegal South West and in my various roles in Government,” she said.
“I know it is the same for my colleagues. Truly committed people that care deeply about their communities, this country and our people. Does anyone really believe that I or any of my Fianna Fáil colleagues in Government – Brian Cowen, Brian Lenihan, Noel Dempsey, Dermot Ahern, Micheál Martin, Éamon Ó Cuív, Mary Hanafin, Batt O’Keeffe, Brendan Smith, Pat Carey or Tony Killeen – are in some way corrupt or beholding to banks or developers?”
Ms Coughlan said attempts to smear Fianna Fáil reputations and those of party supporters were both unjustified and disingenuous. In Government, we are taking extremely difficult decisions that we believe are in the best long-term interests of this country,” she said.
“They at times involve the unpalatable and the unpopular, but we have to place the needs of our country ahead of any considerations of political popularity.
“So, to our detractors I say, disagree with us, yes; but don’t ever call into question my or my colleagues’ bona fides. It is time to grow up and start playing the ball, not the man. There is too much at stake for this country right now.”
Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív outlined his plans for “job activation” which would provide a guaranteed income to self-employed people who were struggling with a loss of income.
While stating that he would be “ruthless in pursuit” of those defrauding the social welfare system, he believed that savings could be made in terms of providing opportunities for people who were “begging for an opportunity to work”.
The schemes would not displace existing State jobs, and would help to build “community capacity”, he said. Loss of dignity and medical evidence on the negative impact of unemployment were key factors informing his efforts, he said.
Self-employed people do not qualify for jobseeker’s benefit, as their tax and social insurance is not paid through the PRSI system. Health Service Executive community welfare officers have discretionary powers to make payments but the system is oversubscribed.