John Gormley

Statement by John Gormley TD, Green Party Chairman

Time for public funding of political parties

“The continuing ‘negotiations’ between the Taoiseach and Tánaiste are boring the electorate to tears. The attitude of many people, with whom I spoke to in Minister McDowell’s own constituency yesterday, is that the PDs should make a decision one way or the other. Having had a tiff and trial separation for a day, the PDs must decide if they are in or out of the marriage bed. It really is time, for the sake of the country, to end this tiresome charade. Surely, the Tánaiste has all the facts he needs at his disposal or is he merely trying to agree ways of explaining these facts? The Taoiseach himself has indicated that there will be many more revelations. The Tánaiste, on the other hand, has not resigned himself to this fate and is beset by indecision. (more…)

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.

Statement by Green Party Chairman John Gormley TD:

“The very apparent conflict that has emerged between the Taoiseach and former Tánaiste Mary Harney in relation to the latter’s prior knowledge of loans given to the Taoiseach, is the most serious crisis yet for the coalition partners. It is also a real test of the Progressive Democrats’ mettle. (more…)

Statement by Green Party Chairman, John Gormley TD:

“In light of this morning’s disclosures by the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that the former Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney, had prior knowledge that the Taoiseach had serious questions to answer in relation to payments to him, it is important now that Minister Harney clarifies at the earliest opportunity what she knew and when she knew it. (more…)

Statement 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.”

Statement by Green Party Chairman, John Gormley TD

The statement by the Tánaiste and PD leader about the Taoiseach’s acceptance of donations from business people is a serious cop-out. The gentle admonishment – that this was an “honest error of judgment” – is an insult to the many people who voted for the PDs because they would keep an eye on Fianna Fail.

His phrase “single party government – no thanks” must now be coming back to haunt Michael McDowell. Clearly, he has decided to put political ambition ahead of principle by continuing in Government.

One can only imagine what McDowell’s rabid reaction might have been like had he been in opposition. Today Bertie Ahern said that he had never put his private interests ahead of the pubic good. Fianna Fáil and the PDs have always put vested interests ahead of the public good.

The new neo-conservative PDs will continue to do this under the leadership of Michael McDowell.

Statement by Green Party Chairman and TD for Dublin South East John Gormley:

“I attended Court today for the second time in relation to Dublin City Council’s injunction against Noel O’Gara, the controversial owner of Dartmouth Square in Dublin. Last week he stated in court that he wished to use tree-pruning machinery in the park. This is a euphemism for chainsaws and naturally causes concern for local residents. At this morning’s hearing Mr O’Gara stated that he wishes to question the constitutionality of the Planning Act 2000. Resolution of this particular dispute is therefore delayed for another week and won’t be fully resolved until the compulsory purchase order is fully approved. (more…)

Statement by John Gormley TD, Green Party Chairman

The Green Party congratulates Michael McDowell on his elevation to the position of PD leader. It’s clear that Mr McDowell will move the party in a more right wing, neo-conservative direction, and that any pretense of the PDs being a liberal party has now vanished.

There can be no doubt that the PDs will always put corporate profit above the quality of life of individuals and their communities. We look forward to robust exchanges across the floor of the Dail on the future direction of this country. At the very least, Mr McDowell brings clarity to that important debate.

Gormley calls for Irish ban and withdrawal of public investment in weapons manufacturers

Statement by John Gormley TD, Green Party Chairman and Foreign Affairs spokesperson:

“The Israeli government’s use of vast numbers of cluster bombs and munitions in Lebanon is deeply disturbing and ought to be condemned by the Irish Government. The claims that Israel was acting legitimately to protect its citizens is indefensible. Israel’s armed forces deployed cluster munitions extensively across civilian areas of South Lebanon in the dying hours of the conflict, a decision that was cynical, disproportionate and showed no regard for human life. The unexploded bomblets, which the UN has estimated to number 100,000, can lie undiscovered for years before exploding when accidentally disturbed. Children are particularly prone to injury. (more…)

Statement by John Gormley TD, Green Party Chairman and health spokesperson

The Tánaiste now needs to make a full statement about the HSE contract with the troubled iSoft company which has been contracted to deliver the Lorenzo software system. So far we have established the following facts: (more…)