McGrath’s attack on FG exposes fear of what’s to come for FF
Fine Gael is the only Party with the plans, and the team ready and willing to implement them, to get the country back on track, according to Fine Gael Senator, Jerry Buttimer. Senator Buttimer was responding to recent comments made by Fianna Fáil Deputy Michael McGrath which stated that Fine Gael is not ready for government.
Senator Buttimer went on to say that Deputy McGrath’s pathetic attack is typical Fianna Fáil spin and comes as no surprise considering how the Government parties are doing in the polls.
“The dogs in the street know that at the heart of our economic collapse lies disastrous Fianna Fáil policy.
“Our hospitals are bursting at the seams with people unable to get in at one end and get out at the other, our children are being taught in unacceptably crowded classes with a paltry 2% of our schools having access to broadband, and we are heading towards having almost half a million people on the live register – the highest number since records began.
“The country is in ruins and Fianna Fáil is to blame. The electorate knows it, Fianna Fáil knows it and Michael McGrath knows it.
“Under their watch, Fianna Fáil has dragged Ireland into negative growth with the economy, in terms of GNP, shrinking by 11% last year, our young people continue to leave in droves with 120,000 estimated to have emigrated by the end of 2011. Government controlled charges drive up the cost of living while services are slashed and the banks are bailed out to the tune of €74 billion.
“Fine Gael has a raft of policies in place ready to be implemented to get the country back on track upon taking office. Instead of protecting bankers over citizens and attacking the most vulnerable in society such as the blind, people with disabilities and carers, Fine Gael will concentrate on getting our people back to work.
“Fine Gael will, as every Government should, lead by example. Before cutting health care and education, we should cut the number of TDs, reduce the pay of all Dáil members and eliminate the perks that do nothing to help TDs do their jobs and serve their constituents.
“Unlike Fianna Fáil, who still has not put a job creation or economic stimulus plan in place, Fine Gael recognises that the economy will not recover until there is real job creation. That is why we propose investments in water, broadband and clean energy to create 100,000 extra jobs within four years through our NewERA proposal – the best and most efficient way to close the budget gap.
“In the last 12 months almost 5,000 additional people signed on the live register in Cork, from 41,399 in June 2009 to 46,114 last month. Make no mistake, the electorate will have a clear message for Fianna Fáil next time they go to the polls, Fine Gael will be waiting to sort out the mess and Deputy McGrath will see just how ready Fine Gael really is.”