Lucinda’s Dáil Diary: Post Election Blues, Motion of No Confidence, George, Ryan Report, Paddy McCartan

13th June 09

There is an inevitable feeling of anti-climax after an election, which I suppose comes after any high. This week in Leinster House has been surreal. Most of the TDs and Senators were walking around in a sense of dazed exhaustion. This was clear during the debate on the motion of no confidence, where the contribution of Government members could only be described as lacklustre, and the contribution of most Opposition members was bland.

The debate on the Ryan report was more engaging, for all the right reasons. The report is sickening to the core and I think the debate reflected a genuine anger and sorrow amongst the political establishment. Former Lord Mayor Catherine Byrne, whose house is right beside Goldenbridge, had the most impact, when she used part of her short timeslot for a minute long silence. This was an unusual but poignant mark of respect in the Dáil Chamber.

I wasn’t present for George Lee’s ascendance into Heaven (aka the Dáil!), but did hear him make his maiden speech. It was characteristically sincere and thoughtful. I think he will have a rich contribution to make in the Dáil, but it will take him a few months to settle into this most unusual working environment.

Michael Martin and Dick Roche proved this week that humility does not come easily to Fianna Failers. Minister Martin came before the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs and claimed that he has engaged in dialogue with the Opposition in relation to the Lisbon Treaty since December ‘08. News to Enda Kenny, Billy Timmins and myself! I was pleased that my criticisms were covered on the RTE 9 o clock news on Thursday. Needless to say Dick Roche couldn’t resist a counter attack in today’s papers!

Surprising was the announcement that Enda Kenny would not be inviting Frank Flannery to stay on as Director of Elections for Fine Gael in the lead up to the next general election. While Frank made a major mistake in taking it upon himself to make advances to the Sinn Fein party, I would have thought that his relationship with Enda was such that this blunder would be forgiven. While I was outraged by his remarks two weeks ago, I am very fond of Frank. He is a decent man, who always does what he feels is best for Fine Gael.

We had our constituency celebration after the Local Elections on Tuesday evening in O’Briens of Leeson St. Our newly elected councillors, Catherine Noone, Eoghan Murphy and re-elected Councillor Edie Wynne all made warm speeches. The speech that stole the show was that of Paddy McCartan, my former running mate and great friend, who unfortunately lost his Council seat last Saturday. He was humorous, gracious and humble in his generous remarks. His early retirement from Dublin City Council is the city’s loss and a major loss to the people of Pembroke. I for one am very sorry.