Independent TDs side with rioters and Sinn Féin for a Christmas election – Ahearn

Some independent TDs gave the rioters the chaos they want by supporting Sinn Féin in a desperate attempt to scupper the work of Government, a Fine Gael Senator said.

Senator Garret Ahearn claimed Sinn Féin and a group of select independent TDs exploited the violence and mayhem that broke out in our capital city on November 23^rd.

“Sinn Féin by now are accustomed to hindering the work of politics and undermining the institutions of the State, including An Garda Síochána, who responded diligently and professionally to the chaos which unfolded before them on November 23^rd,” Senator Ahearn said.

“Sinn Féin’s antics in recent weeks are nothing more than gutter politics and any reasonably minded public representative should want to disassociate themselves from the party.

“And now for some reason, the Independents backed their no confidence motion, which was merely a tactic to damage Government and distract from the work of coming up with constructive proposals to issues affecting communities throughout the country.

“Mattie McGrath, Micheal Healy Rae, Danny Healy Rae, Carol Nolan and Michael Collins are among the deputies from the Rural Independent Group who voted with Sinn Féin for a Christmas election.

“With them from the Independent Group were Joan Collins, Catherine Connolly, Michael Fitzmaurice, Michael McNamara and Thomas Pringle.

“We currently have a responsible Government doing all in its power to help individuals and families pay the bills, to deliver for Rural Ireland and build stronger, safer communities.

“On the other side of the House, we have Sinn Féin and their independent bedfellows who are more interested in calling for heads and tearing down the institutions of the State.

“For almost two weeks, Sinn Féin talked about taking out the Justice Minister, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald recording social media videos and interviews outside a school which had requested privacy in the aftermath of a horrific stabbing incident.

“And they are now being supported by some independent TDs. They sided with Sinn Féin, the rioters and the far right in trying to have Minister Helen McEntee and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris removed from their jobs. Thankfully, at least eight other independent TDs realised what was at stake and voted with the Government.

“Sinn Féin and these independents who voted against the Government played right into the hands of the thugs and looters who sought to destroy Dublin on November 23^rd.

“Minister McEntee and Government are firmly committed to ensuring we have robust legislation to deal with all types of criminality and that An Garda Síochána have the resources, equipment and manpower needed to adequately keep our communities safe.