Sinn Féin’s cynical attempt to tarnish the reputation of a dedicated Minister will not succeed – Ring

The campaign by Sinn Féin to target Minister Paschal Donohoe is nothing more than a cynical attempt to tarnish the reputation of a committed public servant and will not succeed, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Michael Ring said it speaks volumes of Sinn Féin’s priorities as they consistently criticise the Minister for Public Expenditure who has proven to be an exemplary representative with a formidable track record both here and abroad.

Deputy Ring said, “This is the Minister who in Government helped bring the country back to full employment and restore our international reputation. He has provided stability and leadership during extremely challenging times.

“This is the Minister who ensured there was plenty in reserve to help all families, homes, and businesses during the worldwide pandemic when those in Sinn Féin would have made sure it was all splurged in the years beforehand.

“When the Ukrainian-Russian war began resulting in an energy supply issues and cost of living demands, this is the Minister who oversaw last year’s Budget to ensure all were cared for throughout the winter.

“This is the Minister who works every day for the betterment of this country which faces numerous internal and external challenges.

“If Sinn Féin had half the calibre of a politician in their ranks as Paschal Donohoe, they would be a completely different party.

Deputy Ring said, “This deliberate attempt to discredit an honest and hard-working Minister, who has made mistakes, is utterly cynical, particularly given Sinn Féin’s repeated failings to declare payments for a poll they commissioned from a British company in the last General Election.

“Last week, Eoin Ó’Broin and others deliberately claimed the party amended the record itself when in fact Sinn Féin knew 13 months previously and it was forced to do so following a media query from the Irish Times.

“This weekend it transpires from FOI documents that SIPO had to request that Mary Lou McDonald’s party amend their election records for a third time. The surface has only been scratched on an undisclosed £6,000 sterling invoice. What else lurks beneath?

“Even more worryingly, why did Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald record a €1,000 donation from gangland criminal and torturer in chief Jonathan Dowdall on her SIPO returns if it was intended for the party as has been claimed by her and Louise O’Reilly?

“My colleague and Minister Paschal Donohoe has worked tirelessly for his constituents and stepped up for the country through adverse times.

“We can count ourselves extremely lucky to have the calibre of such a public servant and I look forward to continue working with him in his capacity as a world class Minister serving this country,” Deputy Ring said.