FF/FG can’t provide leadership – Clarke

(Above) Deputy Sorca Clarke.

The attendance of senior figures from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael at the Oireachtas Golf Society's dinner is further proof “that at a time when people need clear guidance and leadership this government has again proven that it can't provide it”, Deputy Sorca Clarke says.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner yesterday, the Sinn Fein deputy said that the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party have “mismanaged this crisis and that is clear for everyone to see”.

“From the failure of any strategy for people travelling onto the island to contradictory communications regarding the restrictions, the failure to have the capacity for testing and tracing in the event of a resurgence and the lack of preparation for the return of the schools. While all this is happening the Dáil is not sitting and 80 of the country's politicians, bankers and judges are having a knees up in the West. It actually defies belief.

“What's worse is this chaos and the actions of those that were in Galway is undermining the solidarity from the general public who have played their part against Covid-19”.

Calling on all of the eight Oireachtas members who attended the event to resign, Deputy Clarke said that the presence of high profile figures such as Chief Justice Séamus Woulfe and former TD/MEP turned banking lobbyist Brian Hayes helps reinforce people's perceptions about those in the upper echelons of Irish society.

“Even if you were to take Covid and the restrictions out of the equation for the moment, what happened in Galway and the attendees there shows that there is a connection between those that have a vested interest and those who are meant to legislate for the people. When you add in Covid and the restrictions, the perception is that these individuals either think that the rules don't apply to them or they are snubbing their nose at the public. We are still in the midst of a global pandemic. Even here we have seen cases in every county in the last couple of weeks.

“Very recently people grieved for loved ones in isolation, people missed milestone events and family birthdays. That's the solidarity that we saw amongst the public. The very least they deserved is to have that reflected by people who are in positions of authority.”