Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has said the only way for the government to avoid an election is for the Tánaiste to go.
Political turmoil has gripped Ireland following a no-confidence motion tabled by Sinn Féin and Fianna Fail.
This follows the discovery of an email which alludes to Justice Minister and Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald TD allegedly being made aware of the smearing of Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe in 2015, a year before the smear became public.
Fitzgerald TD says that she does not remember the email.
A snap election now looms, with polls possibly taking place before Christmas.
Donegal Deputy Doherty said the Tánaiste’s position is absolutely untenable and that this is a symptom of a dysfunctional government and a culture of no accountability.
Speaking from Leinster House, Teachta Doherty said; “What we have here is a dysfunctional government that is presiding over massive crises in health, housing, childcare, and policing.
“There is no accountability.
“Sinn Féin has been holding this bad government to account from day one. That is our job and we make no apologies about it.
“It is clear that the Tánaiste’s position is untenable. She continued to express confidence in a Garda commissioner despite having knowledge of an attempt to smear, in the most unimaginable way, a Garda whistleblower who highlighted the culture of corruption in the Gardaí.
“How can we ever reform our justice system if we cannot hold people accountable at the very top of the system?
“This government doesn’t do accountability. Instead of moving to deal with this issue, it has circled the wagons and now risks a general election.
“So, let me be clear, the only way for the government to avoid a general election is for the Tánaiste to go. There has to be a level of accountability on government.
“If she doesn’t go, there will have to be an election and Sinn Féin will fight that on the basis of bringing accountability to government, dealing with the health and housing crisis, tackling the challenges posed by Brexit, delivering a referendum on Irish Unity, and tackling climate change.”
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