George Lee resigns from Fine Gael and as a TD

[cricket]

Vincent Browne writing only yesterday

There are several backbenchers on all sides - and even a few frontbenchers - who are impressive. For instance, the aforementioned Sean Ardagh, Sean Connick, Sean Fleming, Ned O’Keeffe, Tommy Byrne and Jim O’Keeffe, to mention only the few who now come to mind. But they are wasting their time, for the most part.

Look at George Lee. He was doing a hugely valuable national service as economics correspondent for RTE. He and David Murphy, together, were delivering sharp and informed insights into what was happening to the economy and to the financial institutions, until Lee had a rush of blood to somewhere and decided to go into politics last summer.

He has been missed in RTE’s coverage of economics and financial affairs Lee has disappeared into the thickets of the Fine Gael backbenches.

You expect him to emerge on a high-profile RTE documentary some night to tell us how lonely he is, and how much he wants to come home.


Full article Sunday Business Post | Irish Business News

How anybody could claim that Ned O'Keeffe is impressive is beyond me. Apart from some daft public statements ( " Babe " ), someone who's had dealings with him tells me he makes it quite clear he is only interested in representing farmers , particularly pig farmers , and the rest of the world could implode as far as he was concerned.

[Panopticon]

Yes, but at least they are STILL representing their constituents...

I really don't see why this makes Michael Lowry morally superior to George Lee.

[The Field Marshal]

Still in Leinster House?? meaning he will stand as an Independent TD??

Oh No.

he delivered a handwritten note to the Dail clerk saying he resigned his seat.

No half measures for George.

He is in the building yes. In the building.


The eyes of the world are on our George. Even as we speak.

[kerrynorth]

Georges 9 months pregnancy is over.!

What has he given birth to?

The end of Enda and the bursting of the FG electoral bubble.

[White Horse]

George Lee getting roasted on Liveline.

The public feel Lee let them down.

[leroy42]

The more posts I read the more I become annoyed at the political set-up in Ireland.

It is clear that Lee is qualified, why then should he wait for 'terms' before being put up front. When we hire a new staff member, they aren't hidden away for a few years lest any other staff member gets upset. If they have the skills we need then they go straight in (after whatever training etc is required).

This whole situation reflects very badly on politics as a whole, and is the reason why many younger people appear not to care. I believe they do care, but know that unless their Daddy is in politics or they are prepared to go through the whole youth org and the Country Council and then backbech and the hopefully a junior minister and then maybe, if the then party leader liked you dad and your from the right geographic spread constit then you might actually get something done.

The whole system is designed to avoid anything actually happening. Politics in this country simply isn't fit for purpose. IN the USA they have a man that got elected because of "Yes we can". Here, the same person would be told in no uncertain terms that "Yes we can" but only after you have served your time and waited for those that have been in here longer to have their say!!!!

Of course all the focus will be on Lee and Kenny and FG, but this really does highlight that flawed nature of our system.

[TheTipperaryMan]

He is packing his bags! Signed a letter of resignation and gave ito the Clerk of the Dáil, Kieran Coughlan

Is there more to this than meets the eye?

[Rocky]

They apparently weren't: Kenny met Enda a week ago and Enda clearly did not calm him, only offering him the front bench position when George told him he was leaving.

An offer of a Front Bench position is the best offer he could give him. No one has mentioned what position he was offered, but I presume/hope it was Enterprise & Employment.

[Sierra]

The one that is on the radio now is just highlights what is wrong with Irish politics.

[Sync]

How anybody could claim that Ned O'Keeffe is impressive is beyond me. Apart from some daft public statements ( " Babe " ), someone who's had dealings with him tells me he makes it quite clear he is only interested in representing farmers , particularly pig farmers , and the rest of the world could implode as far as he was concerned.

I agree, but at least he's not just interested in representing himself.