Definition of "Government" sparks euro candidate debate

[Ulster-Lad]

The European election campaign in the North West is today becoming embroiled in a semantic discussion over the meaning of the word government.

At an IFA sponsored meeting attended by candidates in County Mayo last night, a discussion arose over extra payments for sheep farmers.

Donegal South West TD and Fianna Fail Euro Candidate Pat The Cope Gallagher was asked to comment as a member of the government.

Labour candidate Susan O'Keefe says the meeting was surprised when he answered "I am not a member of the government".

However, Pat The Cope Gallagher says his answer is correct - In Irish law, the government is defined as the 15 members of the cabinet who direct policy, and he is clearly not a member of that group.

He says he is a member of the Fianna Fail parliamentary party, and as such, supports the government, but he is not a member of it.

Highland Radio- Co Donegal, Ireland- Local Radio Station

Is this the defence that FF are now using? Pat the Cope stated he is not a member of the government. Does that mean only the cabinet is responsible for our current situation?

[FakeViking]

Surely this must belong to 'Humour'???

[AMCW177]

The parallel universe FF inhabit gets stranger by the day!

We really do at this point have to ask ourselves - are the FF parliamentary party actually, in fact, certifiably nuts? Genuinely raving mad, psychologically disturbed, don't even have the loaf to make sandwiches with?