De Burca latest statement - Very Cutting

[goosebump]

Would Dick Spring have taken something like that from a coalition partner? Would Dessie O'Malley? They were better poker players.

Probably, given that DBB's career prospects aren't central to the policy objectives of any party I am aware of.

[TradCat]

Probably, given that DBB's career prospects aren't central to the policy objectives of any party I am aware of.

So you think if it was a policy issue they would take a harder line? I don't see it.

[adamirer]

Sometimes you don't like the messenger but you still have to accept the message.

I've heard nothing from any green on the radio or tv saying she was wrong on any fact she presented, just dismissing her opinion and interpretation of developments.

Herself and Boyle had/have plum jobs - Boyle is constantly being rumoured to be very unhappy and requiring massaging to keep him onboard (pay attention FG!) and De Burca, rather than take the coin offered - when the other was already gone - decided to walk.

People can say she did it for this reason or that, its irrelevent. Whats matters is the greens getting spanked again.

btw, from reading Pat Leahy's 'Showtime' MGQ is a bit maverick and unpopular, but herself and Cowen had a good relationship so i doubt this is 2 fingers to him...

[toxic avenger]

She fired the first shots - and certainly aimed to cause as much damage as possible. Her initial statement was dishonest - as it left out the bit about the€120k p/a European job.

If she'd been criticizing them for non personal reasons - it would have been a far more polite affair.

cYp

I know very little about the woman, and I'm well prepared to believe that there's more to her resignation than she would have it portrayed. My point was only in relation to how the Greens themselves should have handled it - sweet as pie, almost patronizing, would have defused it very quickly. They, instead, took the bait...

[Tig]

I find it hard - to say the least - to view what Deirdre appears to be arguing as anything other than self serving and selfish. She was unhappy at the direction the Green Party was taking, and their actions in Government, and - apparently - the way to appease her was to secure for her a senior position in Brussels.

If she got the job she would have moved off the stage without a fuss. She didn't get it, so cue fuss.

I mean, seriously?!

[hammer]

Sure they will all be gone in 2012

[Tig]

This comment kinda beggars belief also:

"I regret that John Gormley seems willing to allow the party to be so regularly outmanouevred in this way in the interests of remaining in government, rather than asserting the interests of the Green Party and its constituency."

The nature of coalition Government is that, at times, a party must assert itself and demand that certain things happen or certain policies are implemented. But, as is the case in every walk of life, you pick your issues and battles carefully. The idea that the appointment of a pretty mediocre Senator to a plum EU job would be something that you go to battle on seems barmy to me and far removed from political reality.

[QuizMaster]

This comment kinda beggars belief also:

"I regret that John Gormley seems willing to allow the party to be so regularly outmanouevred in this way in the interests of remaining in government, rather than asserting the interests of the Green Party and its constituency."

The nature of coalition Government is that, at times, a party must assert itself and demand that certain things happen or certain policies are implemented. But, as is the case in every walk of life, you pick your issues and battles carefully. The idea that the appointment of a pretty mediocre Senator to a plum EU job would be something that you go to battle on seems barmy to me and far removed from political reality.

But the point she's making is that FF had agreed to this one, then welched on the deal.
Not the same thing at all as winning or losing a concession.

[kerrynorth]

Its a more honest statement than that originally issued. The 'job' in Brussels was the real issue whatever way you cut it and that takes the sheen off her criticisms. But any talk of the Greens walking is wide of the mark. All the 4 TD's who entered the Dail in 2002 have to wait until the Summer before they qualify for the pension of 25% after 8 years service. Those who entered the Oireachtas for the first time in 2002 are still part of the old pension scheme. So they will be hanging on for dear life come what may.

Dan Boyle I'd imagine will be in line for the Court of Auditors job now.

[meriwether]

Move on Dee.