Mattie McGrath has described Simon Harris’ Cabinet reshuffle as akin to “moving the deckchairs on Titanic”.
The leader of the Dail's Rural Independent Group accused his fellow independent TDs of being “Fine Gael-lite”.
Deputy McGrath said he wishes the new Cabinet well but doubts it will be there for long, insisting the people want an election.
“We have a new Cabinet thanks to the three parties in Government and, indeed, the regional group of independents,” he said.
“They really are Fine Gael-lite, voting all the time with the Government no matter what happens.
“I wish the new Taoiseach and new Cabinet Ministers well but [it’s] moving the deckchairs in the Titanic.”
Simon Harris is congratulated by party colleagues and well-wishers as he leaves Leinster House to go to Áras an Uachtarain to get his seal of office, 09-04-2024. Image: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNewsYesterday, Deputy McGrath supported the unsuccessful nomination of Kerry TD Michael Healy Rae for the position of Taoiseach.
Following the Dáil’s vote in favour of Simon Harris, Deputy McGrath praised the new Taoiseach’s record in higher education but described his tenure in health as “abysmal”.
“The Government’s main efforts over the past three years have been to distract the public from its substantial failures on housing, health, crime and immigration,” he said.
“These failures are visible, consistent and undeniable.
“Our leaders appear impotent, which might explain why so many of them, including at least 11 Fine Gael TDs, are unwilling to put their names forward for re-election.”
An election must be held by March next year.
Main image: TD Mattie McGrath. Picture by: Alamy.com
