Tag Archives: Fine Gael

Tony O’Regan writes:

Regardless of your politics I think this deserves to be highlighted. The official Facebook page of Fine Gael is censoring genuine, concerned questions on the Fiscal Compact/ Stability treaty  – look at the eco fin thread and check others for examples. These comments did not have and insults/threats or foul language, they were deleted for having a different point of view or asking questions that are hard to answer. We should not let a political party get away with censoring voters genuine concerns on their Facebook page simply because it is inconvenient. For the record I was not one to have my comment censored.

Jerry Buttimer (above with Lucinda Creighton) has become Fine Gael’s first TD to come out after the party launched a new forum to push for gay equality. The Cork deputy said the creation of the group for FG representatives and activists was the appropriate moment to speak about his private life. “I am a TD who just happens to be gay — it is one little composition of the story that is me, and I will continue to be the politician I was yesterday,” he said.

Buttimer: I Am A TD Who Also Just Happens To Be Gay (Shaun Connolly, Irish Examiner)

(Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland)

You May recall Fine Gael councillor Therese Ridge (above) from the Mahon Tribunal.

Therese, while on Dublin City Council, received £1,000-plus from Frank Dunlop, who was lobbying for the Quarryvale development.

Her support was crucial.

From the Irish Independent, November 2007:

Mr Dunlop explained to the planning probe how he had got “Mother Theresa”, aka FG Cllr Therese Ridge, to sit beside Cllr Peter Brady when the vote was called. Mr Brady’s vote was essential and Ms Ridge, he said, undertook to look after Mr Brady.

Mr Dunlop who was in the public gallery heard her say: “for, Peter, for” when the time came for him to cast his vote. The votes were taken alphabetically and Mr Brady was one of the first to be called.

Mr Dunlop, in his private interviews with the tribunal, revealed that Mr Brady would do absolutely anything Therese Ridge said.

So you may have been surprised to read a small item about Therese (now on South Dublin County Council) in Saturday’s Irish Times.

A Fine Gael councillor named as having received “improper” payments from lobbyist Frank Dunlop in the Mahon tribunal report has been appointed to the executive of the Local Authorities Members’ Association, the representative body for councillors.

In its recent newsletter, the association announced Therese Ridge would replace Fine Gael’s Cait Keane as the representative for South Dublin County Council.

 

Ain’t life grand?

Councillor Who tribunal Said Received ‘Improper’ Payments Gets Appointment (Fiona Gartland, irish Times)

Voters told where to sit ‘in case one needed a dig’ (Lorna Reid, irish Independent, November 1, 2007)

Frances Fitzgerald.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

A senior cabinet position with enormous responsibilities.

Such as takeaways in Foxborough and pedestian crossings in Griffeen

From FrancesFitzgerald.ie

Cllr. Tony Delaney and I lodged a joint submission on the Boot Road
decision to An Bord Pleanala last week. We believe that the developers
latest response exaggerates the suitability of the site for a centre
like this. Their response claims that between the bus routes and Metro
service the site on Boot Road is adequately served by public
transport.

I am delighted that the planning application for a take away facility
at the Centra in Foxborough has been denied. I, along with Cllrs.
William Lavelle, Emer Higgins and a number of other public
representatives and residents objected to this application as it would
have had adverse effects on the community in terms of attracting
additional traffic and anti-social behaviour into this residential
area.

I understand that following a long campaign, led by Cllr. William
Lavelle and I, the Council look set to approve funding for a
pedestrian crossing on Griffeen Avenue.

N81 Update– Concerns over preferred route
I have since written a detailed letter to the Minister for Transport,
Leo Varadkar, and lodged a comprehensive submission to the National
Roads Development Office. I am asking that the very valid concerns of
residents be taken into account.

How does she do it?

(Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland)

Thanks Realtan

Incredibly Minister of State for Small Business, John Perry (above at today’s Fine Gael Ard Fheis) has claimed €31,867 mileage allowance in the past 12 months. With the total cost of owning and running an average car in Ireland put at just over €11,000 by the AA, it is difficult to see how Minister Perry is not making a handsome profit on his mileage.

 

Ministerial Expenses For The Past Year Published – Prepare To Be Outraged! (Nama Wine Lake)

(Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland)