Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Wanderley Massafelli/Photocall Ireland

Brian Hayes: I'll work with Ming, I look forward to working with him

The newly-elected Fine Gael MEP is at opposite end of the political spectrum to the new MEP for Midlands North-West.

FINE GAEL’S NEWEST MEP, Brian Hayes, has said that Ireland’s 11 representatives in the European Parliament will all have to work together in the national interest.

With seats still being filled across the country, the identities of Dublin’s three new MEPs became clear yesterday with Hayes, independent Nessa Childers and Sinn Féin’s Lynn Boylan elected to represent the capital.

But Hayes said that all Irish MEPs will have work together including those at the opposite end of the political spectrum such as independent Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan who topped the poll in Midlands North-West and is a fierce critic of the government.

“We are ambassadors not for our parties or for the government, we’re ambassadors for the people,” Hayes said yesterday.

“So we all have to work together, including Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan – I look forward to working with him.”

Speaking just minutes after he was deemed elected at the RDS yesterday Hayes said it was really important for MEPs to put “the country’s interest ahead of our own parties’ interest”.

He added: “Eleven people will be selected at the end of tonight and tomorrow, and whether they are from parties or non parties we all have to work together and put the interests of the country first. ”

The outgoing junior minister, who has immediately vacated his Dáil seat, also insisted that he will serve the five year term but would not explicitly commit to staying beyond that period, saying: ”I am not ruling anything out.”

Senator: I was told I’d be hatcheted in the face as a way of murdering me

Read: “Some people quote Shakespeare, I quote Rage Against the Machine: “It’s time to take the power back.””

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
40 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute linda o neill
    Favourite linda o neill
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 2:53 PM

    If FG lose Hayes seat in by election Enda cud be for the chop

    203
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Burke
    Favourite John Burke
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 2:55 PM

    They won’t loose that seat.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SeanieRyan
    Favourite SeanieRyan
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:05 PM

    It is such a certainty that FG will loose that bye election that it might actually insulate Kenny.

    They will be looking for a reasonable performance. There will however be several other elections that day, Roscommon and Wicklow as well, maybe Phil Hogan’s seat as well.

    Could all add up to finish him. At this stage we could have a General Election this year.

    Shatter and the last few months really made a difference.

    94
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave cullen
    Favourite Dave cullen
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:21 PM

    The bookies odds on an early general election have been slashed in the past few months,along with crippling taxes,water charges,property tax shatter,labours demise and an upcoming massive nama scandal they may even stop taking bets.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Willy Moon
    Favourite Willy Moon
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:32 PM

    End a is not far from the chop in any case, just one more major mess up and I would say he is in trouble, and as for Hayes, I will work with Ming, you ha e no choice now you mupets Hayes, it’s amazing the way the main parties are not slamming the likes of the independents & Shinners now, bet some of the main parties members start to defect soon lol

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deirdre Madill
    Favourite Deirdre Madill
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:02 PM

    Its not whether you win or lose, its how you place the blame.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Ennis
    Favourite Peter Ennis
    Report
    May 28th 2014, 12:45 AM

    FG didn’t get any councillors elected in Tallaght South & Central and will struggle for votes in the bye election. FG will be gone also bye bye Enda da Eejit Kenny

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph O'Regan
    Favourite Joseph O'Regan
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 2:56 PM

    We are ambassadors not for our parties or for the government, we’re ambassadors for the people,” Hayes said yesterday.
    Well why did your ilk not behave like that in Government Mr Hayes ?

    195
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Story Teller
    Favourite Story Teller
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:00 PM

    Because he has a new script for scene 2 act the goat 2!

    124
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Skillington
    Favourite Tony Skillington
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:48 PM

    Fk him Joseph….he’s Europe’s haemorrhoid now.

    84
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Harry Price
    Favourite Harry Price
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 5:39 PM

    When did you find out Mr Hayes

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sol
    Favourite sol
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:43 PM

    He’s changed his tune now that the shits hit the fan.

    181
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Celticspirit321
    Favourite Celticspirit321
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 5:52 PM

    Hayes is a liar. FACT. He promised permanent flood defences to thoses affected by floods in West Clare and failed. Looks like you need a Dublin address to get credible government support these days. Fianna Gael have lost my vote.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheik Yahbouti
    Favourite Sheik Yahbouti
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:37 PM

    How very sporting of Doggy dentures Hayes. Is Ming similarly enthusiastic about the prospect?

    121
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Burke
    Favourite John Burke
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 2:54 PM

    Hayes is gay Mitchell’s clone. He will yes yes yes his way through his 5 years and become leader of FG.

    110
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr sarcastic.
    Favourite Mr sarcastic.
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:10 PM

    Brian Hayes is a national treasure.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Josh Barton
    Favourite Josh Barton
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:13 PM

    @ Mr Sarcastic
    Unfortunately unburied

    86
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Kavanagh
    Favourite Mary Kavanagh
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:52 PM

    I imagine you’re living up to your user name with this remark, Mr sarcastic?

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Higgins
    Favourite Kevin Higgins
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:36 PM

    Given he’s voted against every bill Ming has put to the dail I seriously doubt he has any intention of working with Ming. I believe he is scared of Mings popularity

    94
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Dooly
    Favourite Thomas Dooly
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:55 PM

    Ming doesn’t need to work with the Minger

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute brian magee
    Favourite brian magee
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 8:11 PM

    Ming is an independant out of 11 who represent ireland. There’s a total of 751 MEP. They will need to band together if they want to have any sway with regards benefiting Ireland

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tennis Leadog
    Favourite Tennis Leadog
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 2:56 PM

    Ming is probably thinking that he should have stayed in Roscommon.

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute European Infidel
    Favourite European Infidel
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:57 PM

    Yes I doubt the sentiments expressed by Hayes,are reciprocated on Ming’s part.Hayes is a yes man little more.
    Ming has backbone and is not afraid to stick it to the man.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Burke
    Favourite John Burke
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 5:39 PM

    Ming will get Hayes in the jacks, smack smack…

    24
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kev Flanagan
    Favourite Kev Flanagan
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 7:32 PM

    What I love is that Luke is no longer seen as the protest vote. He is proving to his fellow politicians and the public that he can lead. With such a diverse group of people in the BMW region it’s was excellent to see him do so well. And all this shite of him draining the tax payer… He drives a 03 golf. :D give him a chance the people In his constituency have

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Spoddgy
    Favourite Spoddgy
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 11:16 PM

    To be fair I never met a rich pot smoker

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kate Ellen Egan
    Favourite Kate Ellen Egan
    Report
    May 28th 2014, 12:39 AM

    Ming has integrity , humility and passion for the things that matter to his neighbours ,his voice will be heard , he won’t be easily muzzled , Respect to Ming ….

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SinAssist
    Favourite SinAssist
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:05 PM

    Should be some meeting of minds…..King Ming the Mellow and Smarmy the Blueshirt Buzz-killer!!…..Hayes is odds on to have a ghostie!!

    65
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Drew
    Favourite Drew
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:18 PM

    I imagine they’ll throw him a bag of pot, tell him to go sit in the corner and keep himself amused…

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IrishGravyTrain
    Favourite IrishGravyTrain
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:07 PM

    Never knew Hayes smoked.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonnybannon
    Favourite Jonnybannon
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:37 PM

    Great . A dope and someone that smokes it going to Europe .

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Kavanagh
    Favourite Mary Kavanagh
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:55 PM

    Takes one to know one, Jonnybannon – not that Ming Flanagan is a dope by any means.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Mahony
    Favourite Derek Mahony
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 4:51 PM

    Work with him or on him, I wonder

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jenny Kennelly
    Favourite Jenny Kennelly
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 9:49 PM

    Did Brian Hayes not always work for the good of the Irish people?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute iluvkief
    Favourite iluvkief
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 7:30 PM

    i let him make my tea

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute rsdowney
    Favourite rsdowney
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 2:58 PM

    Read an article in the BBC today about the discovery of a super bog in the Congo basin.

    I was wondering if Ming knew about it, when I read that the expedition team had to contend with miniature crocodiles during the survey of the area.

    Panic over. Ming has this in hand.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deirdre Madill
    Favourite Deirdre Madill
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 3:58 PM

    Not sure, who I feel most sorry for.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Peter Martin
    Favourite Peter Martin
    Report
    May 28th 2014, 9:07 PM

    Hayes was elected then….pity!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus O'ceadagain
    Favourite Seamus O'ceadagain
    Report
    May 28th 2014, 6:41 AM

    I would assume not working with Hayes would be in the national interest plus the question that Hayes needs to ask is “would Ming work with me?”

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Myles Duffy
    Favourite Myles Duffy
    Report
    May 27th 2014, 5:03 PM

    But only some of these ‘ambassadors’ have plenipotentiary powers!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds