George Lee resigns from Fine Gael and as a TD

[Sierra]

Who says you need an apprenticeship?

An FG hack it would seem . . .

[Cato]

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.

Well said. The system is broken. People with talent should not have to wait their 'turn'. Promotion should be on merit. Time-serving is no basis for promotions.

[athlonedub]

A depressing day for the political system. You get someone who (a) is bright and (b) have the balls to run for election because (c) they believe they can make a difference and then this happens.

Sends a strong signal out to people of all persuasions of "don't bother getting involved"

[Panopticon]

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

Having said what she did about helping Lee get elected, she is pretty clearly a Fine Gael activist.

[nonpartyboy]

He's getting a fair bit of roasting from a constituent on Liveline now.

Shes an fg party member, they just don't get it. Maybe in 10 years she hoped to get the nod for a council seat, that's the mentality of the current political system.

[White Horse]

Doesn't paint a good picture of FG'ers if they can knife someone who was one of their own up to only a few hours ago.

Lee did the knifing.

[Sync]

Stupid FGers, upset that the man they campaigned and voted for flounced off like an messageboard member when everyone in the party didn't treat him like the precious flower he is.

[staunch ff]

I am stuck for words !! If the wife and kids knew this they would drag me to the doctor !!

[kerrynorth]

Stephen Browne - whoever he is - has also resigned from FG live on the Liveline.

The meltdown has commenced!

[DaveM]

That would require actually wanting to do something differently. FG don't want to do anything differently, they want "their turn" to do the same things FF do when they are in Government... i.e. nurse the country along, and look after their own supporters in various committees etc

Despite my desire to believe otherwise what you say appears depressingly true ROC.

Personally I respect George Lee for the decision he has made in spite of any benefit to FF that will indirectly accrue. We have enough politicians who seem to believe that suitability for office is based solely on how long you've been hanging around Leinster House and it's refreshing for once to to see someone act on a manner contrary to that belief.