Sir, –It would appear the de Valeras have difficulty with treaties! – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Surely the most interesting thing about Fianna Fáil today is that Éamon Ó Cuív has not lost the party whip because Micheál Martin (and the remainder of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party) surely realise that without him they would no longer be the largest Opposition party and will, presumably, have to cede their current benches in Dáil Éireann to Sinn Féin.
The Soldiers of Destiny are still clinging by their fingertips to the remnants of their power base. Sadly, the more things change, the more they remain the same. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – It is beyond belief that a man who was a Cabinet member in the government that reduced our nation to penury is now claiming he is leaving the party “on moral grounds”. How hypocritical can anyone be? – Yours, etc,
Sir, – From what I have seen so far, the difference between Micheál Martin and Éamon Ó Cuív is strategy and not policy. Policy is set out in Mr Martin’s keynote speech at the Institute of International and European Affairs and is available on the Fianna Fáil website.
In terms of strategy, the leader has the prerogative. The economy features strongly on the agenda for the ardfheis at the weekend as does Ireland and the EU – the theme of the keynote address. Apart from the previously announced commitment to Europe and a Yes vote, strategy has not yet been communicated and I imagine it will be high in people’s minds. It’s hinted at in the keynote speech and ironically very close to what Mr Ó Cuív is saying.Over the weekend, I expect thousands of members will be bringing themselves up to speed and taking the opportunity to express both emotion and perception. Personally, I am very much looking forward to it. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – The interest in Éamon Ó Cuív’s resignation from Fianna Fáil’s frontbench is surely prompted more by the symbolism of a “de Valera” breaking the traditional party ranks rather than by Ó Cuív’s stance on the proposed fiscal treaty referendum? Either way it begs two questions: why does anybody care what happens in that inconsequential rump of party any more? And, second, who does Mr Ó Cuív think he is codding?
Mr Ó Cuív has been a consistent opponent of EU treaty measures, whose purpose at developing EU integration, if not consistently blockaded, diluted and frustrated by his likes, would most certainly have provided some protection to the Irish taxpayer in times of economic crisis. Instead, we are being burned against a background of a flawed fiscal union, which resulted from appeasing opponents of integration (people who would rather have us jiving at cross-roads and clinging on to ridiculous outmoded notions of nationalism).
If the nay-sayers to the current proposals are looking for a scapegoat for their anger, they need look no further than the likes of Mr Ó Cuív, but at this juncture it would be nothing less for Ireland than a “historic opportunity” at shooting itself in the two feet to follow his example. – Is mise,
Sir, – So, Young Dev has finally kicked the euro toys out of the Fianna Fáil pram. I don’t suppose it would have anything to do with the huff he has been in ever since his boss scuppered his rather slim chance of becoming president? – Yours, etc,
A chara, – For Enda Kenny to sign the fiscal treaty before the referendum is even held dramatically weakens our negotiation position, na habair air an masla don phobal.
For Micheál Martin to condone this behaviour and to meekly agree to unconditionally support the Government stance is pathetic.
Maith thú Ui Cuív as ocht do seasamh ar shon an fíor slí Fianna Fáil is ar shon an Phoblacht.
It is to be hoped that at the ardfheis the different opinions on the European treaty will allowed a fair hearing and a democratic vote taken. The PR spin is that this will be a fair, open and democratic gathering to revitalise the party. But the “top table” does not have a good track record in handling dissent. There should be no historic echoing cries of “You can have Ó Cuív but you can’t have Fianna Fail!” when Éamon and other like-minded members are speaking. – Is mise,