John Gormley

Statement by Green Party Chairman, John Gormley TD:

“It is clear from today’s statement by Michael McDowell that the PDs have lost their nerve. They sulked, they threatened and then did nothing when faced down by Fianna Fáil. As yet, there has been no clarification from Bertie Ahern of his Dáil statement in relation to Mary Harney’s prior knowledge of his loan arrangements.

“It is now time for the PDs to stop their petulant posturing and get on with it. Michael McDowell’s habit of shooting from the hip may at times be entertaining but it is proving to be a real liability for the Progressive Democrats.

“This was a real test of his mettle and he has failed abjectly. Both Des O’Malley and indeed Mary Harney would have handled this situation far more expertly,” concluded Deputy Gormley.

Mr. Gormley: It is only right and proper that the House should have the opportunity to debate the deployment of 150 Irish troops to Lebanon.  I said yesterday that the Government might have been reluctant to debate this matter in the House because, strictly speaking, it is not a chapter 7 mission, although Condoleezza Rice has said that, for all intents and purposes, it is such a mission.  Like Deputy Ó Snodaigh, I ask that the Minister clarify the position.  Lebanon did not want it to be a chapter 7 mission but it seems that the United States has managed to manoeuvre matters in such a way that it may become such a mission.

(more…)

242. Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Finland in early October 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32367/06] (more…)