Dáil row after Cabinet minister was accused of telling lies and “backstabbing” retained firefighters
A Dáil row has broken out following “violent language” after a Cabinet minister was accused of telling lies and “backstabbing” retained firefighters.
Sinn Féin TD John Brady claimed Local Government Minister Darragh O’Brien had “betrayed” the firefighters over a deal that ended their industrial action last year.
Mr Brady said the firefighters had rejected a “paltry” offer from Government that was “yet another slap in the face”, despite the Minister O’Brien saying he would “fight tooth and nail” for a significant increase.
“This led to a suspension of industrial action. But despite having a €24 billion surplus in the Budget, the Minister, and the Government have effectively stabbed the retained fire fighters in the back,” he said.
“We are now on the brink of the firefighters recommencing their suspended industrial action. The Minister, Darragh O’Brien, simply lied to the firefighters last year to get them to off the picket line. He told the retained fire fighters he would be their champion.”
The Ceann Comhairle told Mr Brady he was out of order.
“Resume your seat. It is not in order to come in here and accuse anybody of lying,” he said.
Mr Brady rephrased his accusation to say that the Minister “told untruths”.
Minister for Finance Jack Chambers commented: “I think it is very unfair to have made such a personal attack and used such violent language, talking about stabbing people in the back.”
Amid interruptions, Mr Chambers added: “It is beneath this House,” with minister Mary Butler chiming in: “It is appalling.”
Mr Brady continued: “He failed them and we are on the brink of industrial action recommencing.”
Mr Chambers protested: “It is beneath the Deputy to refer to a colleague in the House in that way. The LGMA and SIPTU will meet shortly to consider the outcome of the ballot.
“Minister O’Brien will work constructively with them. He has been very clear in acknowledging the important role they play in communities across the country. He has been very engaged.”
To which Mr Brady replied: “He failed them.”
