FF get their maths wrong - FG are committed to 0.7% ODA

[jjcarroll]

Earlier today, Conor Lenhian issued a press statement saying that Fine Gael have not provided for the 0.7% target for Overseas Development Aid - a claim which spawned this thread.

In response, Bernard Allen accused Conor Lenihan (the individual supposedly responsible for ODA) of getting his maths wrong and not being aware that his department has budgeted for the 0.7% target:

Bernard Allen TD, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, has today (Monday) said that Conor Lenihan should get his calculator out and ‘do the math’ before shooting his mouth off on overseas aid.

“This evening, Conor Lenihan has accused Fine Gael of not providing enough funds to enable Ireland to meet the 0.7% aid target by 2012.

“Let’s make this absolutely clear, so that even Fianna Fáil can understand it – Fine Gael is absolutely committed to increasing Overseas Development Aid to the United Nations target of 0.7% by 2012.

“Fianna Fáil should get their facts right. Meeting the 0.7% target is existing Government policy. This spending increase has been clearly provided for by the Department of Finance in their projections for future Government spending. This projected Government spending is part of the Fine Gael and Labour Party Economic and Budgetary Framework, under the heading “Baseline Current Spending”.

Pretty bad stuff, if Conor Lenihan isn't aware of what his department has budgeted for over the next few years.

[seamasdefaoite]

well of course it is that buffoon lenihan who should stick to mismanaging a phone company

[Darren Mac an Phríora]

Well done Conor!!!

[pfkf]

Maybe he hired a load of Kebabs in his department and he can't understand them, or maybe he is just another incompetant mess of a government minister

[Barra Roantree]

thats black baby minister, ain't it? oh conor

[Respvblica]

Conor Lenihan : not the brains of the family by any means.

[gosimeon]

Interesting that this is the only claim they could refute (and this claim was ill-founded). Does this mean FG cannot refute all claims being made against them and thei budgeting and policy? Hell knows, Labour can't.

[Fine Gael for government]

If only the other thing wasn't distracting people from this kind of exchange. The utter incompetence of the government being exposed.

[The Trinity Politick]

FF cant add. They cant get the figures right on my projects they build, so is anyone surprised?

[gosimeon]

Neither can you potential coalition partners, in all fairness.

The solution:

PDs + FG!

The match made in heaven...