Menu
18/09/2013
Adams Challenges Fianna Fáil Leader To Public Debate
Fianna Fáil Leader Mícheál Martin has been challenged to a public debate over the proposed abolition of the Seanad by Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams.
In a statement issued on the party's website, Mr Adams said: "Mícheál Martin now talks about political reform. But he was a key member of a government that refused to hold a by-election in Donegal South West. His government had to be forced by the courts to give citizens in this constituency their right to vote.
"Micheal Martin also fully supported Taoiseach Bertie Ahern when Mr Ahern used the Seanad to reward political cronies. In Mr Martin’s 14 years as a Government Minister, nothing was done to reform the Seanad.
"I note also that Micheal Martin is now citing Northern representation in the Oireachtas for the first time. I welcome this new support, which was committed to in 2006 and subsequently reneged upon by Fianna Fáil.
"Whatever the outcome of the referendum on the Seanad, I would ask both the Government and Fianna Fáil to commit to Northern representation in the Oireachtas.
"In the last election the Fianna Fáil manifesto committed to abolition. They have torn up this commitment in a very cynical publicity driven u-turn.
"I think it is important in terms of public engagement with the Seanad referendum that Micheal Martin publicly debate these important issues with me and I challenge him to do so."
(MH/CD)
In a statement issued on the party's website, Mr Adams said: "Mícheál Martin now talks about political reform. But he was a key member of a government that refused to hold a by-election in Donegal South West. His government had to be forced by the courts to give citizens in this constituency their right to vote.
"Micheal Martin also fully supported Taoiseach Bertie Ahern when Mr Ahern used the Seanad to reward political cronies. In Mr Martin’s 14 years as a Government Minister, nothing was done to reform the Seanad.
"I note also that Micheal Martin is now citing Northern representation in the Oireachtas for the first time. I welcome this new support, which was committed to in 2006 and subsequently reneged upon by Fianna Fáil.
"Whatever the outcome of the referendum on the Seanad, I would ask both the Government and Fianna Fáil to commit to Northern representation in the Oireachtas.
"In the last election the Fianna Fáil manifesto committed to abolition. They have torn up this commitment in a very cynical publicity driven u-turn.
"I think it is important in terms of public engagement with the Seanad referendum that Micheal Martin publicly debate these important issues with me and I challenge him to do so."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2011
Martin Appoints Lenihan As Deputy
Leader of the Opposition party, Michael Martin, has controversially announced former Finance Minister Brian Lenihan as the deputy leader of the Fianna Fail party. Mr Martin said he was pleased to confirm the appointment as he unveiled the party's candidates for election to the Seanad Éireann.
Martin Appoints Lenihan As Deputy
Leader of the Opposition party, Michael Martin, has controversially announced former Finance Minister Brian Lenihan as the deputy leader of the Fianna Fail party. Mr Martin said he was pleased to confirm the appointment as he unveiled the party's candidates for election to the Seanad Éireann.
15 February 2011
Fianna Fail Using 'Smear Tactics' – Adams
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has accused Fianna Fáil of engaging in a smear campaign against him. Responding to comments made by the former governing party, Mr Adams said that instead of offering the "public solutions to the serious problems", they were engaged in a smear campaign against Sinn Fein.
Fianna Fail Using 'Smear Tactics' – Adams
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has accused Fianna Fáil of engaging in a smear campaign against him. Responding to comments made by the former governing party, Mr Adams said that instead of offering the "public solutions to the serious problems", they were engaged in a smear campaign against Sinn Fein.
14 October 2010
SF Economic Plan Seeks NI Political Pay Cut
A series of proposals from Sinn Fein to deal with the current economic difficulties in Northern Ireland was launched today in Belfast.
SF Economic Plan Seeks NI Political Pay Cut
A series of proposals from Sinn Fein to deal with the current economic difficulties in Northern Ireland was launched today in Belfast.
05 December 2013
Public Service Bill Will Have A Negative Impact - FF
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Seán Fleming TD, has described the late publication of amendments to the Public Service Management Amendment Bill "as another cynical example of this Government's arrogance".
Public Service Bill Will Have A Negative Impact - FF
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform, Seán Fleming TD, has described the late publication of amendments to the Public Service Management Amendment Bill "as another cynical example of this Government's arrogance".
13 January 2016
Fianna Fáil Say Voters Facing Tough Choice In Coming Election
Voters are facing a choice between a government "intent on driving a two-tier recovery" or electing a new government founded on fairness, according to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.
Fianna Fáil Say Voters Facing Tough Choice In Coming Election
Voters are facing a choice between a government "intent on driving a two-tier recovery" or electing a new government founded on fairness, according to Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
