Sinn Féin Leader Hits Out At Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has attacked both the new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar over what he describes as "the sham of new politics" and Fianna Fáil for what he called their "fake outrage" when holding the Government to account.

Speaking directly to Mr Varadkar at Leaders Questions on Tuesday, Teachta Adams said: "You have been at the centre of controversy over the appointment of Former Attorney General Máire Whelan to the Court of Appeal.

"While I cast no aspersions on the ability of the former AG it appears that the normal procedure for judicial appointments was not adhered to in this case.

"Yet you have defended the appointment and the process. You stand over it.

"Indeed you pressed ahead and requested that the President ratify Ms Whelan's appointment yesterday morning.

"This controversy has overshadowed your appointment of three Super Junior Ministers when you are permitted to appoint only two.

"This is hardly new politics.

"Meanwhile, last month there were eight thousand one hundred and fifty four citizens on trolleys in our hospitals. That's a twenty three percent increase on last year.

"Almost 92,000 families languish on local authority waiting lists. There are almost 5,000 homeless adults. 2,708 children are in emergency accommodation.

"What's new about the politics that creates and sustains this inequality and stress in the lives of citizens?

"What's new about Fianna Fáil's fake outrage?

"What's new about the soldiers of destiny marching up to the top of the hill, their brass-necks glistening in the sun?

"When it comes to the crunch, as always, they simply roll-over.

"The hard, undeniable reality is that this government remains in power because of Fianna Fáil.

"It is all about sustaining the status quo.

"Do you agree Taoiseach that these 'new politics' are a sham?"

(MH/LM)