The spectre of Fianna Fáil backbenchers such as Noel O'Flynn criticizing Brian Cowen's leadership over their party's poll ratings would be laughable were the consequences of this government's policies so deadly serious.
Not once have these deputies voted against the government's economic policies, the bank bailouts and the vicious cuts in health and education services, nor have any of them threatened a heave over the level of unemployment. No, they are worried about their seats and think that a cosmetic change of leadership at the helm of Fianna Fáil with no change in policy is going to save their bacon.
Last week we had Fianna Fáil deputies such as Mattie McGrath from Tipperary crying foul because the government wanted to ban the hunting of stags. The treatment of human beings in our hospitals and the callous cut in funding for respite care for the carers of people with disabilities doesn't seem to worry them at all. They continue to walk into the government lobbies in vote after vote when it comes to the really important issues.
There are no dissidents in Fianna Fáil when it comes to vicious cuts. Sheep-like they have consistently supported attacks on the facilities for vulnerable people while at the same time nodding their heads to the billions poured into prop up basket-case banks. Their concern now is merely a smokescreen.
It is not the Taoiseach’s personality or his leadership of Fianna Fáil which matters at this time but the policies which he continues to pursue in government. People in need of medical treatment or on housing waiting lists couldn't care less whether Mr. Cowen comes across well (or Enda Kenny for that matter). What they care about is when they will get the justice they are entitled to. They will not get that from any government comprised of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.
Hardly a day goes by now when we don’t hear of some section of society which is being hurt by government policies. This weekend we learned of the threat to respite services for people caring for family members with disabilities. There are over 450,000 unemployed and emigration is once again a live issue. Backbenchers like Noel O’Flynn have consistently voted for cutbacks and for the government’s failed economic policies but are now trying to fool the people into thinking they are rebels”, said Cllr. Tynan.
Even if Fianna Fáil were to replace Brian Cowen tomorrow it would make no difference to ordinary people. The policies of cutting vital services and bankrolling insolvent banks would remain exactly the same. Playing musical chairs with Fianna Fáil’s leadership will fool nobody.
Monday 5 July 2010
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