A verbal dispute has flared up between Fine Gael and the Green Party as these Coalition partners gear up for the imminent local and European elections. Dublin’s Fine Gael MEP nominee, Regina Doherty, has accused the Green Party of displaying ‘overbearing self-importance’, ‘condescending behaviour’ towards voters, and adopting ‘a dictatorial approach’ to governance.
In response, Ciarán Cuffe, the Green Party’s MEP candidate from Dublin, has blamed Fine Gael for inducing ‘a massive climate disorder’ and indulging in ‘alarmist propaganda’.
Talking to the Irish Daily Mail, Ms Doherty criticised the Green Party’s approach, claiming that rather than helping, they were actually hindering the climate change cause. “Their dictatorial approach towards governance results in them patronising people instead of engaging in a dialogue. They are out of touch politically, even among majority of us who conscientiously support combating climate change,” she stated.
In a swipe at the traffic plans for Dublin, particularly the ‘tangled mess’ of bicycle lanes, she argued that the Green Party’s high-handedness is taking a toll on the businesses and the lifestyle of the public. “Even delivery trucks for Guinness and construction vehicles are struggling to access the city.”
Responding to these comments while campaigning in Dublin, Mr Cuffe remarked, “her critical comments merely provide a glimpse of to what extent her party and their EPP allies are prepared to bring about a climate upheaval across Europe.” He maintained that Fine Gael was desperate to destroy the hard-earned protective measures aimed at ensuring public safety and home security.
“We are unfortunately familiar with such behaviour from Fine Gael and EPP. They repeatedly colluded with far-right forces in Europe to undermine green legislation aimed at public safety both at home and on roads. They do not even hide their inactive agenda, going to the extent of formulating a list of EU laws they plan to axe. Voters should be mindful of the choices they make this Friday: a disorderly climate under Fine Gael or a safe, sustainable future under the Greens.”
The allegations aimed at Fine Gael are that they do not perceive climate change as a dangerous threat. Additionally, they bear the brunt for not protecting the Irish populace against severe eventualities of climate change. The Taoiseach, Simon Harris’ failure to address climate change during his National Economic Dialogue speech or Convention talk mirrors a deep-rooted party inertia that one might naturally associate with the Tories.
“Resistance against Fine Gael’s fear tactics is mandatory, else Ireland may fall behind the parade.”
As per a recent Dublin poll, Regina Doherty received a 12 per cent public endorsement, with Ciarán Cuffe trailing slightly at 8 per cent.
However, according to Fine Gael, the party is optimistic that a duo of seats in the midlands north-west district can be secured by Maria Walsh and Nina Carberry. The polls held over the weekend evidently showed robust transfers between Walsh and Carberry.
“We are on the brink of victory. Nina is the top candidate for unlimited transfer, ” a close party associate stated.
Candidates from Midlands North West are expected to receive empty milk cartons sent by Lakeland Dairies, who will be requesting them to ensure that people in Europe would never envision a rural Ireland devoid of milk produce.
The industry chairperson, Niall Matthews, expressed fears of excess empty milk cartons and diminishing number of farmers by the next poll unless adequate enforcement is put in place over the next five years.