Sunday Independent 19 August 2018 8 THE PRESIDENCY Not exactly ‘The West Wing’ but Carlow town offered us a glimpse

election that some don’t see Given Fianna Fail has said party’s candidate for Aras This is especially the might solve the problem for man an official Fianna Fail Although popular, as necessary. it won’t run a candidate, 2018 might be secondary to case when Sinn Fein is Fianna Fail. But the party candidate. But to win you Michael D Higgins is We didn’t learn much Fianna Fail councillors the campaign’s purpose. challenging Fianna Fail won’t be able to control the need to build a coalition we didn’t already know might help him run again. Sinn Fein activists will to be the main opposition message, and Martin and well beyond one party, so seen by many as too in Carlow, but we learned Is Fianna Fail’s decision have a chance to test the party. Already, Sinn Fein’s the rest of the party will if I were them I wouldn’t left-wing, writes that the challengers will a wise one? In the context party’s campaign machine. narrative is that Fianna be spectators in what will want to be an official party do just that. Challenge of no candidate being It gives members a reason Fail is effectively part of the be a two-week long media candidate, or at least I’d Eoin O’Malley Higgins. While none directly nominated against Michael Government. Sinn Fein says bonanza just after the minimise that link in the attacked him, the focus on D, running a Fianna Fail ‘Sinn Fein’s it’s challenging the elite. By Budget. campaign. the candidates’ energy and candidate who was certain conspiring with Fine Gael to Micheal Martin will Or it could allow its TDs HE 2018 Presidential It is to council chambers dynamism were oblique to lose made no sense. But narrative is support Michael D, Fianna have to make a decision. If and senators to support Election campaign across Ireland that the criticisms of Michael D. now that there will be an Fail just helps push that he opens up the debate in whoever they want, Trolled into Carlow presidential hopefuls will go Those are likely to get more election, does it still make that Fianna Fail narrative. Fianna Fail about running a expanding the field of town last week. It wasn’t in the next month. head on as time passes. sense? Another problem is candidate, he has to admit candidates, but also making quite The West Wing, but They ranged from the The entrepreneur Gavin Fianna Fail TD Eamon is effectively that supporting Higgins a mistake — something it less party political. This the chambers of Carlow boring to the bizarre, but Duffy, the artist Kevin O Cuiv wants his party to is not something that none of us enjoy. But he could make Sinn Fein look County Council offered us that won’t stop county Sharkey, and mental health reconsider that decision. part of the many in Fianna Fail would also knows that it will eat like the one that’s out of a glimpse at the qualities of councils getting at least one campaigner Joan Freeman There is some annoyance Government’ instinctively do. Fianna up resources the party place, bringing party politics some of those hoping for the candidate on to the ballot made presentations — but in Fianna Fail that Micheal Fail supporters will have doesn’t have. Nor is there an to a non-partisan office. chance to challenge Michael paper. Sean Gallagher, who was Martin rushed the party into to look around for who to obvious candidate. Eamon As with most things, D Higgins for his job at the The councillors will enjoy briefly a leading contender it without fully considering to be involved. It’s a bit like vote for. They might have O Cuiv himself might work, there is no clear best end of October. the attention, and they in 2011, is also expected the implications. staying fit, you need to keep their head turned by a Sinn but it would just reinforce strategy for the party. Fianna As popular as Michael won’t have liked being told to seek a nomination, as O Cuiv might be right. working at campaigning. A Fein candidate. And after in people’s minds the idea Fail might think it’s best to D is, and we’ve no reason by their party leaders that is another businessman, Sinn Fein will use the presidential election is like you’ve voted for a party that Fianna Fail represents just take the hit on coverage, to believe he is likely to they shouldn’t nominate. Padraig O Ceidigh. election to give Mary Lou a pre-season friendly match. once, it becomes easier the a traditional, rural Ireland. and that no one will care be beaten, he is seen by And since Sinn Fein has Gallagher was the de McDonald a first run at It doesn’t matter much who next time. By not running Not, perhaps, the image the three weeks later. But party many as too left-wing, and announced it will nominate facto Fianna Fail candidate campaigning as a party wins, but you’re glad of the a candidate, Fianna Fail is party wants to portray. members aren’t keen to sit that he doesn’t represent a candidate, we know we’re in 2011. Those who voted leader. Just as Sinn Fein chance to get match fit. inviting party faithful to It could make a decision yet another match out. a traditional Ireland, or going to have an election, Fianna Fail in the general posters in the recent Opting out of elections saves break a habit of a lifetime. to support Sean Gallagher an Ireland that is more so they can’t be accused of election supported him in referendum were heavily a party money, but it can If Gallagher is the de or Padraig O Ceidigh’s Eoin O’Malley is the director of business-oriented. wasting public money on an the presidential election. Mary Lou-focused, the cost in the long term. facto party candidate, this candidacy, making either the MSc in Public Policy at DCU

THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN Gallagher’s plan to THE LAND: Composite picture of President Michael D Higgins and win rematch with Aras an Uachtarain Michael D for Aras

real alternative to Michael D The entrepreneur’s as President. That’s what hap- cryptic approach to the pens when somebody spends seven untainted years in of- election is confusing — fice. It’s hard to imagine an al- but there is a definite ternative way of doing things. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. plan, says Kevin Doyle But when reminded of those who went before him, where does Higgins rank? EAN Gallagher is looking preferences, compared with According to Gallagher’s Sfor a second chance — but only 22pc for Mr Higgins. That information, people remem- it has to be a realistic one. would make things interest- ber the presidencies of Mary The entrepreneur who was ing, especially as Gavin Duffy Robinson and Mary McAleese days away from being elected and Joan Freeman admitted as being far more dynamic and president in 2011 has played last week that they both vot- relevant. a game of cat and mouse ed for the businessman last Some 71pc of more than with the media, and perhaps time out. 1,100 people polled said Mr Michael D Higgins, over re- The figures give Gallagher’s Higgins has been “less active” cent weeks. team hope that they have a than McAleese. There have been cryptic basis from which to launch a Sources close to Gallagher letters asking councillors to campaign. After that it would argue there are holes to be give newcomers a shot at get- be about chipping away at the picked in the Higgins Presi- ting on the ballot paper and Higgins halo. dency that wouldn’t happen letters to the housing minister Already, questions have in normal times but must looking for better coordina- been raised about how Aras happen during an election. tion of spending on literature. an Uachtarain uses taxpayers’ It’s a risky game though Earlier last week, somebody money. President Higgins is that could backfire. The Cavan registered the website domain refusing to engage on the is- man will continue to consider ‘seangallagher2018.com’ — sue, even allowing reports that his options for at least anoth- but at no point has he made he stayed in a Swiss hotel that er fortnight before deciding a public statement on his charges €3,000-a-night for a whether or not to put his intentions. suite to swirl unchallenged. name forward. While his Dragons’ Den Throughout the campaign Which brings us to the co-star Gavin Duffy and others voters will be reminded that question of how Gallagher like Pieta House founder Joan the 77-year-old promised to be expects to even secure a nom- Freeman have been traipsing a one-term president. ination. While he remains in around the country buying There’s an argument that effective hiding, others have tea and cake for councillors, most people don’t really care taken on the council circuit Gallagher has been nowhere with gusto. to be seen. Sources say he hasn’t been But the Sunday Independ- phoning councillors but might ent can today reveal that he start the process in the coming has the makings of a plan that days. Either way, they have will take the battle to Michael few concerns about getting D Higgins. the support of four local au- Along with a small team, thorities. he has been calculating the “Don’t watch the noise, Aras gets €55m but has risks and opportunities that watch the impact of the nom- come with making a second inations,” said a source. “He tilt for the Aras. could lock down double-dig- The row over RTE’s ‘Tweet- it councils without actually gate’, which tripped him up breaking a sweat.” before the 2011 poll, was put to This theory is based on not faced internal audit bed (in his favour) just before his experience in 2011 when Christmas. Gallagher got councillors from “This will be a completely ‘The Cavan Cork City, Clare, Leitrim and different type of election to man will Meath to sign his papers. 2011. The feedback he’s getting Back then he won the back- New figures show The Office of Public Works ates under the auspices of the Mr Fraser announced in the ranges from, ‘how do you run consider his ing of Leitrim without making is listed at providing the Aras Department of the ”. C&AG’s appropriation ac- a new campaign against an a presentation in the council multi-million euro with more than €11m worth of However, at that time he counts that he had established incumbent’ to ‘definitely go options for at chamber. David Norris de- spending on the what are described as “allied added: “Given the scale and an audit committee to oversee for it’,” according to a source. livered a rousing speech in services expenditure”. The De- nature of the Office’s opera- the President’s Office in 2016. “Now he’s looking at the least another Carrick-on-Shannon but was Presidency, partment of Finance provides tions and the assessment of However, the audit com- real data, polling, feedback whitewashed in the vote. the Presidency with €147,000 risks, no internal audit work mittee never met because and that’s the basis on which fortnight ’ “We met every councillor writes Philip Ryan worth of services. was undertaken in 2013. This the appointed chairman was he’s considering this.” and some twice,” a Gallagher The €23m in services in- will be reviewed in 2014. I “indisposed”. Mr Fraser said This newspaper has seen about his change of heart, source noted. cludes €4.6m for Mr Higgins’s have put procedures in place there was no internal review some of the data which is which is partly based on his His supporters reckon they HE Office of the “I was astonished to see an salary and the pension pay- to ensure that the reports of because the committee he helping form Gallagher’s view impressive energy levels. also had Roscommon, Long- President will cost internal audit had not been ments of previous presidents. the internal audit function are established never met. of the election — and it gives However, if portrayed in a ford, Offaly, Donegal, Carlow the taxpayer far carried out and questions will The new figures follow an followed up.” “Once the President’s Es- a fascinating insight into his different way, could views be and Waterford in the bag but in excess of €55m have to be answered,” said Mr increasing number of calls tablishment Audit Committee line of thinking. T swayed? “handed them back” after for the seven years Fleming. from presidency candidates ‘The audit is up and running, it is expect- Back at the height of the What if it were the case securing the necessary four. Michael D Higgins has been in The new presidential to extend Freedom of Infor- ed that an internal audit of the recession, Gallagher used his that Michael D had become That helped Norris and Dana office, according to new figures. spending figures from the mation laws to the Office of committee office will be scheduled.” business credentials as a sell- comfortable living in his get on the ticket. The new spending informa- Comptroller and Auditor Gen- the President. The Department of the ing point. One slogan went: Phoenix Park mansion — the Part of Gallagher’s letter to tion reveals for the first-time eral (C&AG) show the Presi- Since Mr Higgins an- never met Taoiseach last week refused “Let’s put our strengths to left-wing liberal turned cham- councillors on July 10 argued the true cost of the Presidency dent’s Office received €23m nounced he would seek a to answer any questions about work.” pagne socialist. it is “vital for everyone in pub- for other arms of the State worth of services from other second term, the Sunday In- because the Mr Fraser’s commitment to His rural roots and entre- According to the data sit- lic life to facilitate the process — such as An Garda Siocha- State agencies between 2012 dependent has questioned how audit the President’s Office preneurial skills will feature ting on Sean Gallagher’s desk, by which more candidates are na, the Defence Forces and and 2016. the President spent millions appointed and instead referred all que- heavily again if he enters the one in five voters feels it’s time encouraged to come forward”. the Department of Foreign This is in addition to the of euro of taxpayers’ money. chairman was ries to Aras an Uachtarain. race — but the real question is for Higgins to retire, while In other words, councils Affairs. more than €23m in direct Ex- However, the President’s The President’s spokesper- how would he unseat Higgins? 60pc say the reversal of his should help challengers get It also reveals four of the chequer funding which Aras Office has been reluctant to “indisposed’’’ son initially ignored queries The bookmakers say the one-term promise has the po- on to the ticket rather than President’s 27 staff members an Uachtarain received over provide information on Mr asking when the last time the sitting President is unbeata- tential to influence their vote. rubber-stamp nominations received “special allowances” the past seven years. Higgins and his staff. office had been the subject of ble. Large sections of the me- But perhaps the interesting for people who have already worth more than €10,000 in The C&AG has yet to pub- The Department of the The following year, on an internal audit. dia fawn over his every public angle under consideration by reached the quota. 2016 and one official received lish its reports for 2017 or this Taoiseach, which is the line March 27, 2015, Mr Fraser said When asked several times if appearance. And the two main ‘Team Gallagher’ is a ques- In 2011, Mary Davis had 13 more than €19,000 year — but, on average, the department for the Office of there was no need for an audit an internal audit had been un- political parties have decided tion about what Higgins has local authority nominations It has also emerged that President’s Office has received the President, has also refused to be carried out in 2014 be- dertaken, he said: “An internal he’s not worth fighting. achieved with his Presidency. before going on to finish last the Department of the Taoi- €4.6m a year from other State to answer questions. cause of the “scale and nature” audit committee was estab- However, Gallagher’s team For sure, he has spoken in the election with fewer than seach has not carried out an agencies. The C&AG documents, of the President’s operation. lished this year. There was a believe it can’t be a simple cor- well on the international stage 50,000 votes. internal audit of the Office The publicly available which are signed and dated by Again, he also promised to delay as the former chairman onation by public and political (aside from praising Fidel Cas- Of course, the more candi- of the President for at least C&AG reports show An Garda Department of Taoiseach sec- review this decision in the was indisposed, however a full adulation. tro as “a giant among global dates that enter the field, the six years, despite repeated Siochana spent at least €1.1m retary general Martin Fraser, coming year. work programme for internal They accept that Michael leaders”). His State visit to the more potential there is for commitments to do so. providing security services to show there was no internal However, on March 23, audit is in place.” D will probably win on first UK was a high point, as was transfers to decide the result. Public Accounts Commit- Mr Higgins since he took of- audit of the President’s Office 2016, he signed off on an iden- The spokesperson added preference votes — but go a his management of the 1916 Right now, Sean Gallagher tee chairman Sean Fleming fice, while the Defence Forces between 2012 and 2017. tical statement — in which he that the C&AG audits the bit deeper and the race could centenary celebrations. is largely known as the man said he was “shocked” by the spent €2m. On March 20, 2014, Mr confirmed no internal audit Presidency every year. When tighten up. But what was his “Mna na who had the presidency stolen revelation and said he hoped A further €1.6m of the De- Fraser wrote that the internal was undertaken in 2015 and, asked if this is the first audit Private polling done on be- hEireann” or “Building Bridg- from him. If he runs again that to question the Taoiseach’s partment of Foreign Affairs audit function was “subject to once again, committed to of the President’s Office, the half of Gallagher suggests he es” moment? epitaph will change, regard- officials on the failure to in- budget was allocated to the periodic review by me and the reviewing the process in 2016. spokesperson did not respond would pick up 33pc of second Right now, people see no less of the result. ternally audit the Presidency. Office of the President. Audit Committee which oper- On September 14, 2017, to the question. METRO EDITION

IRELAND’SBEST-SELLINGDAILYNEWSPAPER www.independent.ie Wednesday 1 August 2018 €2.00 (£1.30 in Northern Ireland) C Dáithí&Máire PutHaymount Treasaag onyourPlate scríobhi Seachtain PatrickMullins’toptipsfortheGalwayRaces Saorgach Special8-pagepulloutFREEINSIDE Céadaoin €1,000 ‘Granny grant’ proposed for Budget

Philip Ryan grandchildren for more than The ‘Granny and Grandad for the grant, costing around recognising that grandparents Plan to repay 10 hours per week. grant’ would be applied for €71m a year. allow young mothers and fa- GRANDPARENTS who help In their budget meeting through the Department of Transport Minister Shane thers to re-enter the workforce grandparents out with childcare would re- with the Finance Minister Pas- Social Protection but grand- Ross told the Irish Independ- by giving their children care ceive a €1,000 annual payment chal Donohoe, Shane Ross’s In- parents would not be required ent the scheme would give they would not get anywhere under plans now being dis- dependent Alliance called for to provide vouched expenses to “serious recognition” of the im- else and which comes at no for helping cussed in Budget negotiations. the introduction of what they receive the State cash. portant role that grandparents cost to parents or the State,” The self-assessed payment have described as a ‘grandpar- The Independent Alliance play in society through their he said. would be available to all grand- ent and grandchild expenses estimates almost 70,000 care of their grandchildren. with childcare parents who care for their reimbursement scheme’. grandparents could be eligible “The payment is aimed at Full report: Page 9

Judge rejects labs’ attempt to delay dying Ruth’s case

TAOISEACH now admits mediation in cervical cancer legal cases is not the “holy grail” he believed. The concession came as lawyers for cancer sufferer Ruth Morrissey, who is dying, resisted a bid by laboratories she is suing to get her High Court case pushed back to November. The Taoiseach previously suggested women caught up in the scandal would not have to face the trauma of going through court. Mr Varadkar also concedes the State would have to wait for “expert reports” on whether or not negligence had occurred, before it could make settlements with women and later pursue the labs for costs. Full report: Pages 4-5 Donna Creavan from Galway grabs her husband Peter Kennedy as he jokingly joins a line-up of racegoers for a photocall Odd man out during day two of the Galway Racing Festival at Ballybrit. Photo: Mark Condren > JOHN DOWNING: PUNTERS ALL SMILES: PAGE 6. GALWAY PUNTER PULL-OUT, FREE INSIDE Failures echo Bridget McCole case: Page 5

Recommended retail price of the Irish Independent in ROI is €2.00 (£1.30 in Northern Ireland) Vol. 127 No. 182 Irish Independent Irish Independent Wednesday 1 August 2018 N 9 News

‘Heroes’ award €1,000 grant proposed for for President There was no talk of an election as President Michael D Higgins participated in Féile childcare by grandparents na Laoch/Festival of Heroes in Cúil Aodha, home place of Mise Éire composer Seán Ó Riada, yesterday. Pictured at ■ Independent Alliance demands payment in Budget negotiations the event in Cúil Aodha, North Cork, are Micheal Philip Ryan the Alliance specifically named third budget, this responsible Transport O’Muircheartaigh and Deputy Political Editor the grandparent grant as a key approach has put us in a strong Minister Féile na Laoch founder – demand for October’s Budget. position to share the rewards of Shane Ross and son of Seán Ó Riada GRANDPARENTS who help out Mr Donohoe has committed our economic progress with the wants to – Peadar, presenting the with childcare would receive a to costing the proposal before citizens of our country while reduce the President with his heroes €1,000 annual payment under his next meeting with the Al- taking steps to avoid a return to impact of medallion for work in the plans outlined by Independent liance. Mr Ross said he would the destructive boom and bust childcare arts. Peadar’s sister Liadh ministers in Budget negotia- be “banging down” the Finance policies of the past.” costs for Ní Riada is touted as Sinn tions. Minister’s door over his propos- In a separate meeting with parents Féin’s possible candidate The self-assessed payment al in the coming weeks. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the Al- in the election. Photo: Don would be available to all grand- An Independent Alliance liance demanded to be allowed MacMonagle parents who care for their analysis, compiled before the free votes on contentious issues, grandchildren for more than last budget, estimated that such as legislation calling for a 10 hours per week. almost 70,000 grandparents boycott of goods from Israel. In their first negotiations could be eligible for the grant, with Finance Minister Paschal costing around €71m a year. Donohoe ahead of the Budget, “These grandparents are FEATURES Shane Ross’s Independent Alli- currently making a key con- > The five most common ance, which props up the Fine tribution to the Irish economy, mistakes every parent Gael-lead Government, called resulting in an increased work- makes – p48 for its introduction. force, facilitating a return to It is being described as a employment for parents, who “grandparent and grandchild would otherwise be unable to expenses reimbursement do so,” it stated. “This childcare scheme”, which could be worth provision reduces the impact of a four-figure sum to those who high childcare costs on young help mind younger relatives. families, whilst providing chil- Grandparents would apply dren with the love and attention for the payment through the of family members.” Department of Social Protection The Alliance has also called – but would not be required to for the reinstatement of the provide vouched expenses to €850 bereavement grant, which receive the State cash. helps with funeral costs. Transport Minister Shane The group also told the min- Ross said the scheme would ister to increase the VAT rate on give “serious recognition” of price-gouging hotels. However, the important childcare role they want small hotel and res- that grandparents play. taurant owners along with the “The payment is aimed at newspaper industry to be able recognising that grandparents to avail of the lower rate. allow young mothers and fa- The group also looked for an thers re-enter the workforce by increase in the threshold for giving their children care they inheritance tax and a hike in Patrick Feeney speaking in would not get anywhere else gambling taxes. Waterford yesterday. Photo: and which comes at no cost to Super Junior Minister Finian Patrick Browne parents or the State,” Mr Ross McGrath called for greater in- told the Irish Independent. vestment in disability services. Latest Áras runner “This is something that This includes increased funding should be encouraged and the for residential care places and also stood for 2016 reward is significant.” speech and language services. Mr Ross has been calling for In a statement issued after General Election the introduction of a payment the meeting, the Alliance said: for grandparents for the past “In our first two budgets, we THE latest candidate to enter three budgets but Fine Gael has brought stability to the nations’ the race for the Áras is a former resisted the move. finances and established firm general election candidate who However, after the group’s foundations on which to build secured just 22 votes. meeting with Mr Donohoe, the recovery. As we face into our Patrick Feeney, a former Aer Lingus employee from Galway, presented to Waterford City and County Council in a bid to No proof of expenses will be secure their nomination to run. Mr Feeney, who contested needed to claim the payment the 2016 election in Galway West, told councillors he wanted to “challenge the Philip Ryan include petrol or food costs status quo”. He spoke about related to caring for innovation and said he would THE Independent Alliance’s grandchildren. be a president who would work ‘Grandparent and However, it is not with the people of Ireland, the Grandchild Expenses expected that grandparents Government, the Seanad and Reimbursement Scheme’ will have to provide local government so “that we would be operated by the vouched expenses to receive can all run Ireland, not like at Department of Social the State payment. the moment”. Protection. Similar schemes exist in In relation to Waterford, he Grandparents who care other countries. In the UK, proposed a number of initiatives for grandchildren for more grandparents can top up including a standalone than 10 hours a week, while their pension pots by university, a light rail along their parents are in work, applying for national the Greenway and said he would submit a form to the insurance credits if they supported the campaign in department seeking look after children aged relation to hospital services for payment to reimburse them under 12. the county. He is the only one of for childminding expenses. Around 100,000 the three hopefuls who speaks An Independent Alliance grandparents in the UK are fluent Irish. source said expenses could eligible for the scheme. Mr Moonlight HOW TO BEAT GOLDEN ANXIETY murder trial STELLA MAEVE SHEEHAN, P8 O’MALLEY GIRL LIVING EXCLUSIVE Munster The inside story of Mark & Leinster Marissa Carter’s Zuckerberg march on writes on remarkable success SPORT REMEMBER the future Clocks went LIFE of Facebook P21 forward by one SundayIndependehour this ntmorning

Vol. 114 No. 13 31 March 2019 city final ¤3.20 (£1.60 in Northern Ireland)

Dunphy: My heart scare and Delaney saga CIARA’S ODE TO MOTHERHOOD Under-16s to get free Donal Lynch John Delaney resigning from controversy. Delaney will be Noel Rock, a member of the securing the funding for the his position in the wake of questioned on April 10 by Committee which Aviva Stadium and bringing JOURNALIST Eamon Dunphy questions about €100,000 he the Oireachtas Committee on will question Delaney, has money into the game. check-ups has been operated on for a “se- loaned to the FAI. Transport, Tourism and Sport. said the board of the FAI were Protesters who threw ten- rious but not life-threatening” In an interview with the The FAI has said the payment “existing on borrowed time”. nis balls on to the pitch during heart condition, an aneurysm, Sunday Independent, Dun- was a bridging loan to deal Dunphy, considered a pro- the Ireland versus Georgia at dentist which he has lived with for 15 phy said that he had received with a short-term cash flow vocative voice in Irish football, game were setting a danger- years. The soccer pundit had many messages from fans issue and was paid back two has long been perceived to be ous precedent, he said. surgery three weeks ago, and looking to understand why he months later. broadly supportive of Delaney The FAI board yesterday Philip Ryan has been recovering since. was not using his podcast to Transport Minister Shane and in his wide-ranging inter- said consulting group Mazars During that time the big- speak about the saga. Ross says the loan raises “se- view he says that while Del- had been asked to carry out a CHILDREN under 16 are to gest scandal in Irish soccer He explained that because rious questions about govern- aney abused power and failed “review of all matters”. be given free universal dental in more than a generation of his convalescence he felt ance and financial controls to engage with journalists, he care as part of a new Govern- has unfolded, with FAI CEO unable to comment on the in the FAI”, and Fine Gael TD was good for Irish football, › Full story, page 4 ment initiative. Under the scheme, parents will be able to take children to the dentist for regular check- ups where fillings, extractions DRINK-DRIVE CHECKPOINTS: McGRATH QUERIES GARDA ‘AGENDA’ and any other dental surgery will be carried out free of charge. Prescriptions related to dental procedures will also be free and the services will be provided by local Minister attacks dentists. The scheme has not yet been negotiated with dentists but it is hoped universal den- tal care will be extended to every child under six in next year’s Budget. The €80m plan will even- tually see almost the entire ‘political’ policing range of dental services ex- tended to every child from JOY AND PAIN: Motherhood is a heady mix of emotions, birth to 16 years old. and is not always the saccharine sentiment of greeting cards, says Ciara Kelly. See page 10. Photo: David Conachy › Full story, page 3

Philip Ryan paid by the taxpayer, you stay Deputy Political Editor out of any subtle kind of thing Colm McCarthy whether it is a garda check- CABINET minister Finian point saying ‘oh I blame that McGrath has made the as- on Brexit PAGE 17 Shane Ross, that’s his fault’,” tonishing claim that gardai he says. have become politicised and “That is being said at are carrying out unnecessary checkpoints. That’s not good roadside breathalyser checks enough. That would not be because they oppose new road now, as part of the reforms we tion introduced an automatic tolerated in any other pro- safety laws. have, to de-politicise anything three-month driving ban for fession.” In an interview with the like that in a police force.” first-time offenders caught Asked if he believes gardai Sunday Independent, Mr Mr McGrath says he has over the limit. are doing this because they are McGrath says the implemen- received complaints about Before the law was enacted, unhappy with the new laws, tation of controversial drink- gardai breathalysing parents motorists caught drink-driv- Mr McGrath says: “I think driving laws by gardai has picking up their children from ing were given three penalty they are trying to make a point been “really over the top” and school and on the way to Mass points but no ban for their and they are not happy about suggests that this is part of an on Sunday mornings. first offence. it [the laws]. “agenda” within the force to “To me, the breathalysing Road safety legislation ban- “The law is there, imple- damage the Government. time should be at pub closing ning unaccompanied learner ment the law, you’re a civil The Minister of State for time between 12 o’clock and drivers from driving was also servant, you’re a public serv- Disability Issues even calls 2am in the morning. That’s bitterly resisted by govern- ant, get on with it… some of on Garda Commissioner where the focus should be, so ment and opposition TDs them don’t like the law, yes, I Drew Harris to intervene and I don’t know what agenda is before it was signed into law suspect that’s part of the an- “de-politicise” the country’s going on there,” he adds. last year. gle and they are saying ‘well police force as part of his The extraordinary com- Mr McGrath claims gardai blame the Government’ and I ongoing reforms of An Garda ments follow ongoing tensions are now specifically blaming don’t like that.” Siochana. within the Government over Mr Ross for the new laws Mr McGrath says TDs “A police force — like teach- the enactment of strict new when they are stopping mo- from Fine Gael, Fianna Fail ers, nurses — guards should road safety laws introduced torists at checkpoints. and Sinn Fein have told him always be non-political,” Mr by Transport Minister Shane “If you’re a public servant, they have heard reports of McGrath says. Ross. you’re working and you’re “I would like Drew Harris The road traffic legisla- paid by the State and you’re Continued on page 2

BRENDAN O’CONNOR Apocalypse now, and again

T is the year 2040 and Bercow, now preserved in in London. is a slight tendency right the Maybot is gearing aspic jelly, wobbles a ruling All other politics has now for us to be like the I up for MV387. She is on how another meaningful fallen by the wayside now. irrational person who wants literally a Maybot at this vote needs to be different. Throughout Europe, all to get the value when they stage, though her head Thursdays, the ERG politicians just keep talking go to the doctor. Rationally, has been preserved due Brexiteers wobble too, on incessantly about Brexit if you spend 60 quid to be to the miracle of German whether they will support and how bad or otherwise told you’re fine, that’s a good engineering, and she can the deal. They are all pickled it will be, and how they are result. But some people walk still wear her nice coats due in vinegar in a jar. It has prepared for a no-deal. Sinn out a bit miffed that they to the ingenuity of French made them even more bitter. Fein, also calcified in the wasted the money and they couture. Fridays, the EU moves past, are still trying to unite don’t have some kind of Life has fallen into a well- the deadline for a hard Ireland, despite the fact serious illness. Similarly, we worn pattern for the people Brexit again, and promises that continuing changes to should reassure our Brexity of Britain. Mondays are that this will be the last time zones to keep up with friends that there will be no indicative votes which all extension. Donald Tusk global warming now mean recriminations if they don’t lose. Tuesdays, a hologram and Michel Barnier beg that there is a seven-hour go through with Brexit in of Jeremy Corbyn appears Britain to decide what they difference between Dundalk the end, having put us all in the house and excoriates want so that they can all and Newry. through the nightmare of the Maybot, while still not finally die, in a facility in The scene in general is, the past three years. giving away whether he Holland. And on Saturdays, as one UK cabinet minister They might feel that is actually for or against roaming bands of wild-eyed infamously told BBC’s after all the fuss they’ve Brexit. Wednesdays, John Remainers wearily protest Newsnight last week, “like caused they should do Brexit the living dead”. so as not to have wasted Recommended retail price of the Sunday Independent in R.O.I is €3.20 But then again, only a everyone’s time. But if they Vol. 114 No. 13 S1 fool would try and predict turn around now and it out to 2040 right now, turns out it was all in their given that we can’t predict heads and they’re actually how things will be at 20.40 fine, we promise we won’t tonight. Or 21.40, as it moan about the wasted now is. One thing we can three years. We’ll just be say for sure is this: there glad to get back to normal. Sunday Independent 31 March 2019 TO2 DAY IN YOUR SundayIndependent S1

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Sunday Independent Newsletter CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS Postaladdress:SundayIndependent,27-32TalbotStreet,Dublin1. Telephone:01-7055333Generalqueries:[email protected] COMMEMORATION FOUNDER: In an article on the Famine Commemoration in the Sunday LetterstotheEditor:[email protected] Independent.ie/SundayExclusive Independent of March 10 Michael Blanch’s wife Betty was wrongly called Olivia, who is in fact their grammaticalerrors:[email protected] To orderadditionalcopies: daughter. Michael is the founder of the Committee for Commemoration of Irish Famine Victims (CCIFV) [email protected] If youreditionofthenewspaperis and he and Betty walked from Charles Street West to the Famine memorial at the IFSC in missingasection:[email protected] HomeDelivery annually to raise awareness of the issue. This year’s commemoration takes place on May 19 in Sligo. orDigitalEdition:[email protected]

Minister attacks gardai over breath tests on school run News in Brief

Continued from page 1 and backbenchers should cop and I don’t like that. and unaccompanied learner two walking around the area on to themselves,” he says. “I think it’s very unfair and drivers despite the move meet- and that is not happening and Man (20s) killed in Dublin stabbing gardai blaming Mr Ross and “It’s a collective group of it’s been spun by some within ing resistance in some parts of we have more guards than the Government for roadside Independents and Fine Gael our own Government and also the country. we ever had before. That is ÷ A man in his twenties was killed in a stabbing incident breathalyser tests. in government and it’s not some of the opposition party, Separately, Mr McGrath the issue. in Dublin last night. Gardai have arrested another man, Mr McGrath also takes one person who’s responsi- so I don’t think it’s fair and says there are not enough “There has to be a radical also aged in his 20s, in relation to the incident and are aim at Fine Gael ministers ble for the problems in rural we’re doing our best for rural gardai on the streets in Dublin restructuring and manage- following a definite line of inquiry. and TDs who he says are Ireland. Ireland.” and people in his constituency ment of the garda has to up They were called to a house at Castlecurragh Heath, using Mr Ross as a “fall guy” “I think that he’s a very Mr McGrath says the Gov- are being “tormented every its game as far as I am con- Mulhuddart, shortly after 6pm where they discovered a for concerns raised by people easy fall guy and I think that ernment had to “bite the bul- night by anti-social behav- cerned,” he says. man with stab wounds. He was treated at the scene by living in rural Ireland. Shane is being used by some let” and push through Mr iour”. emergency service staff, but was pronounced dead a short COMMENTS: Finian McGrath “Government ministers of them as a battering ram Ross’s laws on drink-driving “They want to see a cop or › Interview, page 10 time later. His body remained at the scene last night for a Garda technical investigation and the office of the State pathologist has been notified. The arrested man was being held at Finglas Garda Station last night under Section Four of the Criminal Justice Act. Gardai have appealed for witnesses. ‘Our special angels’: Mother Raid on illegal cigarette factory in Louth ÷ An illegal cigarette factory, which also contained alcohol bottling machinery, was raided in Knockbridge, Co Louth, yesterday. The warehouse raid followed an intelligence-led operation by the Cross Border Joint Action Task Force. buried with baby in her arms Gardai from Dundalk and Revenue Officers were joined by the Garda’s Northern Regional Armed Support Unit. The factory could produce cigarettes and alcohol with an estimated loss of €25m to the Exchequer. No arrests Husband pays tribute to wife and child who died after freak tragedy at maternity hospital were made and investigations are ongoing. Blaze closes popular nature walk Ralph Riegel ing his wife and Darragh. The couple’s eldest son, ÷ A popular walk on the Ring of Kerry has been closed A MOTHER-of-three and her James, brought three colour- because of extensive damage caused to wildlife and newborn baby boy, who died in ful teddy bears to the altar as bogland by a fire early yesterday. Firefighters worked a freak tragedy at a maternity symbols of the family’s love through the early hours of yesterday morning to tackle hospital, were hailed as “spe- and unity — and his mother’s the blaze at Torc Mountain in Killarney National Park. cial angels” at their funeral devotion to her children. Park officials said the fire caused significant damage yesterday. “This [also] symbolises the to bogland, natural habitats and the wooden railway Heartbreaking scenes bond the three brothers have,” sleepers used by hikers to access the mountain. Sources marked the funeral of Lim- the congregation was told. said they suspect the fire was caused by gorse burning. erick mother Marie Downey The Offertory Gifts reflected Culture Minister Josepha Madigan paid tribute to the (36), who was buried with her the deep loves of Mrs Downey’s fire crews who helped control the fire. newborn, Darragh, cradled in life. She adored sports and four her arms. GAA jerseys from Ballyagran, Bus Eireann wheelchair travel campaign Hundreds attended the Kildorrery, Douglas and Lim- Requiem Mass at St Michael’s erick were brought to the altar. ÷ A campaign to introduce wheelchair-friendly buses Church in Ballyagran on the Ballyagran GAA club pro- on all Bus Eireann routes in Ireland is set to continue, Limerick-Cork border. vided a special guard of hon- campaigner Vicky Matthews said yesterday. Mrs Downey (nee Cull- our outside the church. Also Vicky is seeking a low-suspension vehicle bus service inane) grew up in the GAA- offered was a photo taken last to facilitate wheelchairs on the route from Ballyshannon obsessed Limerick parish and Saturday in Cork University in County Donegal to Sligo so she can travel daily to lived with her husband, Kier- Maternity Hospital (CUMH) attend a course at Sligo IT. an, and two older sons, James when Darragh met his two She has collected 7,700 names on a petition calling and Sean, in nearby Knocka- big brothers for the first time. for the changes to buses on all routes in Ireland in the nevin outside Kildorrery. A handbag was brought interests of equality for wheelchair users. Kieran received an ovation to the altar to reflect Mrs She said yesterday the National Transport Authority from the packed congregation Downey’s love of shopping. has requested Bus Eireann to provide low-suspension as he fought back tears to pay Mourners were told that buses on the Ballyshannon-Sligo route but the public bus an emotional tribute to his late tears of joy at the birth of little company has not yet given any undertaking. wife and baby son. Darragh on the Friday evening “Marie was a beautiful per- had turned to tears of anguish TRAGEDY: The funeral of Marie Downey, pictured below, and her baby son Darragh in Ballyagran, Co Limerick Finbar Furey to play homeless concert son inside and out,” he said. and despair by Monday morn- “She had a heart of gold. She ing when Mrs Downey was injuries, lost his 36-hour battle ings of specialist toxicology the floor, with Darragh being ÷ Finbar Furey, one of the legends of Irish music, always put us first. Herself found unconscious on the floor for life last Tuesday evening. and neurological tests, will be accidentally trapped under- announced yesterday that he will perform at the Sunday and Darragh are our special of her room in CUMH. An independent review into compiled for an inquest to be neath her. Independent’s Rock Against Homelessness concert at the angels now. Tragically, little Darragh the double tragedy has been held next year. Among the mourners Olympia on April 23, in aid of Focus Ireland. “Our first dance at our wed- — whom she had apparently ordered by Health Minister One theory is that Mrs were her parents, Jim and Tickets for Rock Against Homelessness, in aid of Focus, ding was to We Have Only Just been breastfeeding — was Simon Harris, while the South/ Downey, who was checked by Helen Cullinane, family are available from Ticketmaster and cost €35. Begun — and we had only just discovered partially trapped South West Hospital Group, hospital staff shortly after 7am, members, staff from pharma- begun. We love you Marie and underneath his mother on the of which CUMH is part, is suddenly fell ill and attempted ceutical giant, Novartis, where No winner of €5.1m Lotto jackpot Darragh,” he sobbed. floor. Mrs Downey could not be conducting a review. to get out of bed to raise the Mrs Downey worked as a lab- Mr Downey carried James revived and was pronounced Post-mortem examinations alarm or reach the bathroom. oratory technician as well as ÷ There was no winner of last night’s Lotto jackpot of and Sean into the church be- dead last Monday morning. were conducted last week. The She apparently then fell Teagasc where her husband’s €5,146,764. The numbers were 1, 10, 14, 21, 22, 39 (bonus hind the single coffin contain- Darragh, who suffered critical results, including the find- unconscious and slumped onto family has strong connections. 40). The Lotto Plus One numbers were 8, 11, 16, 18, 20, 46 (bonus 40). The Lotto Plus Two numbers were 3, 18, 23, 40, 46, 47 (bonus 34). The raffle drew 4923. INM takes legal case against ex-CEO FF demand on rent pressure zones Dublin man leaves €2.3m in his will ÷ John Slein, of Park View, Castleknock, Dublin, who died on December 10, 2017, has left €2,324,182 in his will. Wayne O’Connor to make. Pitt, who left INM pressure from former chair- Philip Ryan charge record high prices for “This needs to be combined Other wills: Gerard Lingwood, Shell worker, Swords in October 2017, made a pro- man Leslie Buckley in 2016 to tenancies in the country’s two with tax measures to attract Road, Santry, Dublin, left €2,279,740; John O’Driscoll, INDEPENDENT News and tected disclosure to the Office pay an inflated price for New- FIANNA Fail is to ramp up main cities. and retain landlords who are farmer, The Hill, Crosshaven, Co Cork, €2,242,466; William Media (INM) has initiated of the Director of Corporate stalk, a radio station owned by pressure on Housing Minister In an attempt to force the leaving the system in their O’Gorman, bank manager, Glenageary Woods, Dun a High Court action against Enforcement (ODCE), which Denis O’Brien, INM’s largest Eoghan Murphy to extend Government’s hand, Fianna droves to help to address the Laoghaire, €1,676,836; Anne O’Dwyer, The Fairways, its former chief executive prompted an inquiry. shareholder. The purchase rent pressure zones before Fail housing spokesperson rental crisis. Monaleen, Limerick, €1,456,902; Laurence Griffin, fitter, Robert Pitt. The ODCE probe led to the was abandoned. Mr Buck- they expire. Darragh O’Brien lodged a “This balance of tenants’ Howth Road, Howth, Dublin, €1,395,801; Maeve Kearns, The company lodged pro- appointment of High Court ley denies any wrongdoing, The cap on rents in Dublin Dail Bill which, if passed, and landlords’ rights is cru- garden designer, Castleside Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin, ceedings on Friday, court re- inspectors to investigate the while Mr O’Brien has yet to and Cork — limiting increases would see rent pressure zones cial.” €1,320,787; Brendan O’Rourke, Newtown, Rhode, Co Offaly, cords show, but no further alleged interrogation of INM comment. to a maximum of 4pc every extended for another three A Department of Housing €1,210,554; Deirdre O’Reilly, bank official, Ballynerrin details of the case were in- data, including that of jour- Claims were later made to two years— is set to end in years. spokesperson said Mr Murphy Upper, Wicklow, €1,105,935; Brendan Carey, director, cluded in the filing. nalists, staff and directors, by the Data Protection Commis- December, but Fianna Fail is “We should move to put was considering Fianna Fail’s Killiney Road, Dublin, €978,375; and Andrew Gill, A spokesman for INM — outside parties in 2014. sioner that Pitt had ordered insisting that the Government this process in place as soon Bill. However, a government musician, Sallymount Park, Ranelagh, Dublin, €813,66. which publishes the Sun- The inspectors are also in- a search of the computers of moves to immediately extend as possible to provide cer- source said rent pressure day Independent — said the vestigating claims that senior up to six editors in 2015. Mr the restrictions. tainty to both landlords and zones could stay in place for The value of estates may include property, including the family company had no comment INM executives came under Pitt has declined to comment. Landlords continue to tenants,” Mr O’Brien said. “the next 20 years”. home, and should not be regarded as cash amounts. Sunday Independent 31 March 2019 10 ANALYSIS S1 Not all mothers are the same but we share a common bond

Motherhood is a heady their version of motherhood times you try to get her to today? value your love for her — it mix of emotions, and is And perhaps one of the doesn’t make any difference. not always the saccharine hardest roads of all is being What if you haven’t a child of a mother you lost your mum through sentiment of greeting cards, don’t get on with. Not every death, you’ve had to cut writes Ciara Kelly mother is a good mother. her out of your life as self- Some are unloving, hard, preservation? What if she cruel even. And sometimes gave you up but had other they’re actually that way to children? How do you HAT do you that’s died — you actually only one child in the family reconcile that experience think about when welcome the feeling for a — the whipping boy. of motherhood with the W you think about bit. How hard is it to process saccharine, sanitised Mother’s Day? For a lot of Or, what if you — in a world that tells you version lauded today? people, it’s “God, I must desperately long to be a that no one will ever love And maybe, lastly, spare remember to get mam a mother but it isn’t to be? you like your mum — that a thought for those mothers card… give her a call… bring Infertility is a real your mum doesn’t love you? who are struggling to her out for lunch”, or — issue for so many Irish That your mum doesn’t care come to terms with being a judging from the presents couples today. The stress, that she’s hurt you time and mother in the first place. on sale in supermarkets the expense, the medical time again. That no matter We imbue the role — buy her a Kenny Rogers interventions are all how many times you try with such weight and CD and something pink incredibly difficult to deal to make her see what she’s importance, it can be and flowery. For many of with but the worst part of doing to you or how many overwhelming to take up us who are mothers, it’s the all is the loss — or the fear the job. All over the country half expectation we’ll get of the loss — of a future that ‘One of hardest today, there are some new some room-temperature, includes much-longed-for mothers who are scared of corn flakes slopped over children. roads is being a being the mother to their our duvet this morning The yearning to have a children. Scared they aren’t and perhaps something child is almost visceral and child of a mum good enough — they don’t FINIAN MCGRATH: ‘I could retire, yeah. But I love the day job. I’d be delighted to be here at 70’. Photo: Mark Condren made of modelling clay. I can be so all-consuming deserve this happiness. think a lot of people see it that not having one is like a you don’t get Scared to love them. Scared as a perfunctory ‘Hallmark’ pain you carry in your chest on with’ they will be found out as holiday that gives us a every day, no matter what being less than perfect. nudge to do something nice you are doing, where you Scared they’re going to mess for mothers or as an excuse, are, who you are with. it up. Mess their kids up. as mothers, to put our feet The celebration of Maybe even lose them. up for the day. motherhood today, Motherhood is a McGrath: I would But what if that’s not when you have been heady mix of fear, love, how you see it? What if excluded from that joy, pain, hope, rage that casual nod towards club, is extremely and exhaustion. It’s hard motherhood that so many hard. And today to distill that into a verse of us make today is far more there are many who in a card and, if you could, complicated? What then? will grit their teeth I suspect a Bengal tiger on do a deal with the Mother’s Day is difficult and be glad when the front would be more for huge numbers of people. tomorrow comes. appropriate than pink Many of us have lost our Miscarriage is hearts and flowers. mothers. Some recently. another invisible Motherhood is not a Some long ago — but the grief that today makes passive, sweet state. It is death of your mum is tougher — particularly complicated, powerful, devil to be in the generally not something you if you have no other sometimes deeply riven. get over quickly or easily. children. There are So to all and any British MP Matt Warman, women whom you who are mothers, have who lost his mum at 27, know who have lost a mothers, have lost mothers, has called for an ability baby and who feel discarded mothers or want to opt out of targeted ads like a mother to to be mothers, I wish you a about Mother’s Day on a child that’s not very happy Mother’s Day. next Government social media, in case they living, but nobody We are not all the same exacerbate people’s grief recognises them but we share common and I fully understand that. as such. How — sometimes frayed, But there are also those do they sometimes broken — The Disabilities Minister is flow” of people coming into sponsible for the problems of us who — even though approach bonds, all of which are his constituency office looking in rural Ireland. I think that Mother’s Day dredges up or deal worth celebrating in our ready to sign up to another for housing. he’s a very easy fall guy and I some degree of sadness — with different ways today. coalition and he’s willing to McGrath said, “people are think that Shane is being used like the occasion to pause afraid to say it” but he insisted by some of them as a batter- and reflect on our loss. @ciarakellydoc do business with any party, some people were “gaming the ing-ram and I don’t like that. There are times when Ciara presents ‘Lunchtime system” by claiming home- “I think it’s very unfair and grief gives you a sense of Live’ on Newstalk, weekdays writes Philip Ryan lessness to be bumped up the it’s been spun by some within connection to the person 12–2pm housing list. our own Government and also “I’m not saying it’s a huge some of the Opposition party, OU generally hear campaign, could push us up issue, but it’s there as an issue so I don’t think it’s fair and Finian McGrath another bit because you’re rel- and it’s unfair to those who we’re doing our best for rural before you see evant to the debate,” he added. are waiting around for five, Ireland,” he added. him. His bellow- Would he have an ideologi- six or seven years,” he said. McGrath believed the Gov- Y ing laugh can be cal objection to doing business McGrath said working ernment had to “bite the bul- heard bouncing off the walls as with either Sinn Fein leader couples are even asking him, let” and push through Ross’s he makes his way through Gov- Mary Lou McDonald or Fian- should they go on the social laws on drink-driving and ernment Buildings, exchanging na Fail leader Micheal Martin? housing list because they can’t unaccompanied learner driv- greetings with everyone he “No, I’d do a deal with the find accommodation? ers despite resistance in some meets. Before he entered his devil,” he said, before breaking “I have working couples parts of the country. ministerial office last Thursday into laughter and adding: coming into my clinics and However, the minister also afternoon, he laughed and told “there’s your headline”. they’re talking about going on believed Garda enforcement Junior Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ “You see, historically, I’m the social housing list — we of the new legislation had Moran to “stop plamasing” as the only Independent TD have to accommodate them been “really over the top” he agreed to attend the launch that’s done a deal with four and let them go for their house and made the extraordinary of a Government initiative. different taoisigh — I did a so it takes the pressure off the claim that there was a political He rummaged around in deal with Bertie, I did a deal social housing list. agenda among some members his briefcase before the in- with , I served in “They want to buy, they of the force who were unhappy terview began and produced Government with have a low salary, a combined with the road safety laws. a list of projects and invest- and I served in Government salary of €60k let’s say, that’s “I’m getting complaints ments he secured during his with Leo,” he added. the situation, those people around the country that they three years in office. He said the current Tao- should be facilitated,” he said. are breathalysing people at It included €11m for a new iseach knows his red lines The minister believed that 2pm in the day. To me, the cystic fibrosis unit in Beau- — disability funding and ad- there should be more “flex- breathalysing time should be mont Hospital, €5.95m for a ditional services at Beaumont ibility” around the Central at pub closing time between 12 new kidney unit, €167m for Hospital — and he insisted Bank mortgage rules to allow o’clock and 2 in the morning. HSE disability services, €10m that if he’s “doubled crossed” more first-time buyers to get That’s where the focus should for extending medical cards to by Leo Varadkar, he will walk on the property ladder. be so I don’t know what agen- 10,000 children and €10m for away without any discussion. da is going on there,” he said. respite care. The list goes on. He would prefer if the gen- ‘People are Does he think some gardai The same one-page docu- eral election was next year but are opposed to the new laws? ment was distributed to Inde- believed it will probably be afraid to say it “I think they have an issue pendent Alliance councillors this coming autumn. and that I feel uncomfortable who attended a dinner event “If there was momentum but there are about. The law is there to the previous night in Leinster there, I could see Fianna Fail implement — you’re a civil House. There were 22 of them, calling it in the autumn but I some gaming servant, you’re a public serv- believe it or not. McGrath said do know from talking to Fi- the system’ ant, get on with it. Some of the group will field 30 candi- anna Failers over the last few them don’t like the law, yes, I dates in the local elections. days, they’re also conscious of suspect that’s part of the an- “The message we’re send- the fact that they don’t want “Without going over the gle and they are saying ‘well, ing out is basically we’re say- to be blamed for causing an top, there will have to be some blame the Government’ and I ing, listen, if we could get four election.” sort of flexibility to give relia- don’t like that.” or five of you guys elected He’d be happy to remain ble people who have a job but He claimed gardai are spe- on top of us [in a general Disability Minister in the next mightn’t be on a high income cifically telling motorists that election], that would be eight Cabinet but was also open to — but it’s a stable income... we Shane Ross was to blame for or nine and that would be a the Health and Social Protec- need to give them a break.” roadside check points. substantial block for the next tion portfolios. McGrath was supportive of “I would like Drew Harris Government,” he said. On the housing crisis, he his Fine Gael Government col- now, as part of the reforms we He accepted the Independ- said builders have told him leagues — Housing Minister have, to de-politicise anything ent vote had plummeted since privately they were not build- Eoghan Murphy and Health like that in a police force. A the historic 2016 General Elec- ing domestic homes because Minister Simon Harris who, police force — like teachers, tion, but added: “Sure, when there was more money to he said, were doing “their best nurses — guards should al- you’re in Government you be made working on state in a bad situation”. ways be non-political. That always c**k up at some time. capital projects because they However, he was furious would not be tolerated in any That’s reality.” were “much easier, they’re less with Fine Gael ministers and other profession,” he said. However, he was not hassle and there’s more profit”. TDs who were using Transport He insisted progress was convinced the Dail will be At a Cabinet meeting last Minister Shane Ross as a “fall being made on a Programme stripped of Independent voic- year, he accused Fine Gael guy” for concerns raised for Government commitment es when the country next ministers of “looking by people living in rural to recognise the state of Pal- votes. He said the Alliance down their noses” at so- Ireland. estine despite international showed they were “radical cial housing but, while “Government min- resistance. “It should be going but responsible” in entering refusing to comment on isters and back- quicker and I think we will see Government with Fine Gael. the confidential dis- benchers should movement in the next couple “We’re saying to people cussion, he said the cop on to them- of weeks,” he said. on the doors, ‘do you want party’s “mindset selves. It’s The 65-year-old minister, an Independent who is go- has changed a collective who was just back from a State ing to do a deal and serve in over the last group of visit to Mexico and Cuba, said Government or do you want year”. Independ- he had no intention of quitting an Independent who’s going He insist- ents and politics any time soon. to whinge on the sidelines?’” ed Fine Gael Fine “I could retire, yeah. But He said “deep down”, Fian- was not Gael in I love the day job. I’d be de- na Fail and Fine Gael know spinning Govern- lighted to be here at 70. I love they will have to rely on In- homeless ment my day job, I love being a dependents to form the next figures and Shane Ross and it’s minister. I will stay in the job Government. “And that, on there was not one per- as long as I get that buzz,” he the last week or two of a a “constant son who’s re- concluded.