News just coming in – The Fine Gael membership in Waterford has unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in Deputy John Deasy at a constituency meeting held tonight. pic.twitter.com/xva7aSuDY8
— Darren Skelton (@Deisesupes) June 24, 2019
One senior [local Fine Gael] member present at the meeting said that Mr Deasy, who has held a seat in Waterford for Fine Gael since 2002, “came in for severe and sustained criticism” from those present, and that none spoke in support of the backbencher.
“Speaker after speaker came out strongly against John Deasy and his workrate as sitting Fine Gael TD,” the member said.
A motion of no confidence was proposed by one member – not an elected representative – and seconded before being passed overwhelmingly by the meeting which was held in Lawlor’s Hotel in Dungarvan.
Waterford Fine Gael members pass no-confidence motion in TD (RTÉ)
UDPATE:
Daniel McConnell, in The Irish Examiner, reports:
Speaking to the Irish Examiner this morning, Mr Deasy said that party bosses have long been aware of problems within the Waterford Fine Gael membership and have done nothing about it.
He said: “The entire Waterford organisation needs to be stood down and reviewed by headquarters; repeated warnings have been given by myself and other with regard to the behaviour of individuals in Waterford for years now.”
Tensions have long existed between the Deasy camp and supporters of Senator Paudie Coffey and Mr Deasy revealed that because of “constant bitching” at himself by members, he and his supporters had stopped going to meetings such as that held last night years ago.
“This is well beyond typical interparty, internecine rivalries,” he said.
UPDATE:
“After receiving a mandate from the Waterford electorate at the 2016 General Election, Fine Gael Deputy John Deasy was appointed special envoy to the US by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and has since been doing important work on a special visa scheme for Irish citizens.
“Fine Gael’s General Secretary Tom Curran will soon be consulting with members and elected representatives in Waterford on finalising the party’s General Election ticket for the constituency.
“One candidate, Senator Paudie Coffey, was previously selected at convention to contest the next General Election.”
Statement issued by Fine Gael this morning.
Via Daniel McConnell
Lawlors Hotel does a fantastic ‘Steak on a hot Stone’ in all fairness.
Deasy though was Roast Of The Day yesterday.
I’d said it nearly two years ago. The grassroots of FG are turning against some of the TDs.
His father, Austin, was also an exceptionally awkward man and a poor minister – https://magill.ie/archive/green-minister
Remember this from John deasy? – https://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0406/47437-smoking/
He must have known this was coming
He’d let his Membership slip into un-renewed status
So wasn’t selected at convention
Jesus, that must be over a year ago now
What’s he upta lads?
My guess
Sum’ting to do with FFs John McGuiness
Who gives a fupp?
Day #27 of the “fortnight -long” internal FG inquiry into Maria Bailey’s dodgy compo claim. You’d have to ask yourself how low is the bar to trigger a vote of no confidence in you at constituency level and what Maria has to do to limbo dance that low.
I wouldn’t advise her to do any dancing. Probably barred from all our clubs anyhow.
John never struck me as your typical Gaeler. Maybe he is going independent, although at this rate it won’t be his decision?
Documented continuing bullying and abuse. Typical SF eh?
Oh sorry – this is FG.
Quelle surprise?