Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
FORMER FINE GAEL strategist Frank Flannery has said that he found the John McNulty Seanad by-election controversy “pretty astounding”.
In his first public comments on the issue which recently dominated the political agenda, Flannery told TheJournal.ie that Fine Gael has in general “a tendency to mismanage issues over the past six months” saying he finds this “quite extraordinary”.
“I just don’t understand how a party with such a strong position could end up proposing a candidate for a by-election, having such a large majority and end up losing it,” he said.
The by-election was mired in accusations of ‘cronyism’ after it emerged that Donegal-based businessman McNulty was appointed to the board of the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) six days before he was confirmed as Fine Gael’s Seanad candidate.
He subsequently resigned from the IMMA board and asked not be considered by the electorate of TDs and Senators. Taoiseach Enda Kenny was forced to apologise for the debacle, blaming the botched state board appointment on an unnamed Fine Gael official.
McNulty was eventually only narrowly beaten in the by-election by independent candidate Gerard Craughwell who had cross-party support.
when asked about the blaming of a still unnamed Fine Gael official for the mishandling of the matter Flannery said that while he had no inside knowledge of the McNulty affair he was “very nervous about a blame culture in an organisation”.
“I’ve no knowledge at all as to the facts as to who botched it. But I am very nervous about blame culture in an organisation. They should stand together and support one another in public and solve problems internally,” he said.
Flannery resigned as Fine Gael’s director of elections earlier this year amid controversy over his role as a lobbyist for the Rehab Group, an organisation he was formerly CEO and chairman of.
He has been critical of the party since leaving it but he declined to blame Taoiseach Enda Kenny for the McNulty affair, saying he did not know what role the Fine Gael leader had to play.
But Flannery added: “I spent many years working with Fine Gael officials. I can tell you that together with most people that are there they are an extraordinarily effective team of people… the best political machine in the country, and they are one of the strongest resources that Fine Gael has.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
No greater price to pay than laying down life in order to protect others.
Rest in peace and thank you.
yes, important that this brave man’s sacrifice was recognised
may he rest in peace.
Thoughts & prayers to his family.
A vile and cowardly murder. RIP.
Great opportunity for Shatter to look like a normal decent person and he’s loving it.
Don’t be fooled. After his performance on Prime Time he should be ashamed to show his face but lots of arrogance helps there I guess. What’s the saying “a neck like a jockeys …..”, and a brain and manners to match ! Now ye have it.
This from Mr How Many Garda Stations Could I Close In 10 Minutes … remember ?
This wasnt about Shatter….it was about honouring a brave garda.
I detest shatter but this is not the time or place.
It’s all about Shatter.
The award of the medal is a symbolic gesture to signify the nations gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made.
comment in reply to Martys comment
Fat lot of good a brand new shiny medal will do his family. Bit of an insult really.
have your say