Fine Gael narrative on Zappone appointment ‘in tatters’ – Matt Carthy TD
Sinn Féin TD, Matt Carthy, has said that the Fine Gael narrative regarding the appointment of Katherine Zappone is ‘in tatters’ following the release of documents relating to the scandal. He said it was astounding that Minister Simon Coveney would before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs again and reiterate a position that flies in face of all the available evidence. Carthy said that it was now up to the Taoiseach to restore whatever little credibility the government have left.
Teachta Carthy said:
“For the second time in a week, Minister Simon Coveney came before an Oireachtas Committee with an elaborate narrative that flies in the face of all available facts; quite frankly it is unbelievable. The Fine Gael narrative is in tatters yet they continue to take the people for fools by repeating it.
“Due to the documentation released this week we now know for sure that Katherine Zappone approached numerous Fine Gael Ministers looking to get a job at a UN level.
“They facilitated her by creating a job for her and went so far as to allow her to write the job description.
“They got caught out and tried to cover it up by deleting information, breaking countless government protocols.
“It appears that they see nothing wrong with what they did – no more than they see anything wrong with Ministers moving from government to lobby for high finance, or suggesting that someone would be a good candidate for a Supreme Court position.
“The question now is what is the Taoiseach going to do about it? Only definitive action on his part can restore whatever little credibility the government has left.
“The hallmark of Fine Gael in government has been cronyism. The decisions they make and the taxpayers money they spend is too often decided by those who have inside access – that doesn’t include ordinary workers and families.
“This entire debacle just reaffirms why we need a change of government. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael clearly cannot be trusted” he concluded.
ENDS
