McDowell does Grand old Duke of York routine
Sunday, October 1st, 2006Statement by John Gormley TD, Green Party Chairman
“Like the Grand old duke of York, Michael McDowell has marched his PD troops to the top of the hill only to march them down again. His constant vacillation and equivocation on the Bertie issue reveals a man who wishes desperately to cling to power without losing face with those who elected him specifically to keep an eye on Fianna Fail. It’s clear from his latest statements that he will grant the Taoiseach a pardon, perhaps with a little slap on the wrist, if the Taoiseach manages even a semi-coherent version of events on Tuesday.
“Serious questions must now be asked about the Tánaiste’s temperament and judgment. Was his initial U-turn on Thursday afternoon simply a reaction to the pummelling he took in the Dáil that morning? If so, the Tánaiste had better get used to the pressure. He should also remember that Mary Harney expressed full confidence in Ray Burke after he explained himself in the Dáil in 1997.”
