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ENVIRONMENT MINISTER ALAN Kelly has criticised the homeless campaigner Fr Peter McVerry saying he hasn’t heard him “say one thing positive yet in relation to anything”.
Kelly criticised McVerry, who has been outspoken on the homeless crisis, after the social justice campaigner said that the coalition’s plan to end homelessness by 2016 was “Alice in Wonderland politics”.
McVerry has also previously described the target as a “hopeless fantasy”.
Responding today, Kelly told reporters: “I’m used to those comments from him. I haven’t heard him say one thing positive yet in relation to anything, which is unfortunate because many members of his staff work with us and would have contrary views, or express contrary views. I’d rather if people were more constructive.”
The Labour deputy leader was speaking on a visit to Fr Scully House, a newly-constructed senior citizens’ complex in the north inner city, which had been empty because of a now-resolved dispute over rent.
Kelly claimed that McVerry has cancelled a recently-planned meeting between the pair but said he was “happy to talk to him any time”. The minister said McVerry needed to fairer in his appraisal of the work being done.
“I take criticism all the time and I always take what he says and use it and try and channel it. But, to be frank, you’re talking to the person who has put more money into housing than anyone on this island in the history of this State.”
Responding on RTÉ’s News at One, McVerry acknowledged that while Kelly had put more money into homelessness and was doing better than previous ministers there remained “huge gaps” in the government’s homelessness strategy.
He said that the 271 emergency beds opened before Christmas had got 271 people off the streets but “five weeks later we’re back to square one” because of people being evicted from their homes due to unaffordable rents.
“Unfortunately, I am surrounded by homeless people all the time and I am hearing the problems they are experiencing,” McVerry said.
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Given the area he has dedicated his life to perhaps he’s saving his positivity for those who need it and negativity for those who deserve it.
Excellent comment..
Ty but it looks a lot like we know each other.
I just noticed that now haha.
cheap shot from a cheap politician from an even cheaper political party
reminds me of the bertie comment about people who dont agree should go off and commit suicide
Leo – short and sweet.
Judge the man by his actions…
McVerry has great compassion for people on the margins and his Trust has done a trojan work in re-housing and rehabilitation. His life is his message.
Now Alan Kelly and the Labour party… don’t get me started!
Kelly seems to have turned into an arrogant minister very quickly. Was he given Shatters old chair?
He was always arrogant, we just didn’t see much of him.
Looks like he needs to cut back on the mugs of gravy too.
His success in denying an old woman access to her land, and guillotining through a flawed bill while the Dáil got sloshed went to his head – there’s no stopping him now!
Tick tock Kelly. Another useless politician.
Very well said good on you
Very well said
Alan Kelly is FG at h
Alan Kelly is FG at heart so there is no surprise in his bitter comments. Another champaigne “socialist” hiding behind the LP. I don’t see his millionaire brother helping the homeless.
I believe that Phil Hogan is writing the foreword to Alan Kelly’s new book, “How to Lose Friends and Repel People”!
McVerry does talk nonsense a lot of the time, he hasn’t a clue about economics or where money comes from. The economy has to improve to help more people, whereas if he had his way, much much more money would be put in to social services, there would be less jobs created, and so even more people would need social assistance.
And having taxpayers pay extra money so that employers get free slave labour and don’t have to create jobs does so much good for people and the economy…Not. Even a secondary school economics student can see how little economic sense there is in that policy, but then again it’s a massage the numbers rather than grow the economy policy. McVerryy talks more sense than any of this disaster of a government,. Strangely Labour are coming across as even more arrogant and Thatcherite than some of the FG mob. Actually Maggie wouldn’t have dared to implement some of the pro-austerity anti-society policies being foisted on us by members of the so called Labour party. If the Labour Youth who tweet pro government propaganda like mad on twitter are anything to go by the ones coming through are even worse than the current mob of Burton, Kelly, Rabbitte etc. There demise in the next election will be all the sweeter for that.
Political Parties Private Clubs … beyond their sell by date!
Maybe McVerry hasn’t said anything positive because there is a huge problem and he’s more interested in trying to solve that problem rather then spin it for the advantage of the government.
Not a smart move to pick a battle with one of the most respected people in the country.
We’ve had some woeful ministers for the environment. Names like Dick Roche and Phil Hogan spring to mind, but Alan Kelly seems to be doing his best to get into that list.
No not trying, already there.
What an arrogant ignorant pup, this Alan Kelly, truly is .
Himself and The Rabbitte , deserve the disrespect that they have generated for themselves and we are not even mentioning iPhone Joan and her pure thickness !
The men in black robes have done enough damage in this country. I have always found McVerry to be very negative. The church haven’t done much for the homeless or poor in this country. McVerry is only a mouth piece.
We need more positive people in public positions. It is refreshing that the minister is calling it like it is.
awww whats wrong Paul can your crowd in power not handle themselves well tough you can insult all ya like Kelly is clueless he proved it with the IW mess
Tell me one thing the church have done got the homeless?
Paul says: “Tell me one thing the church have done got the homeless?”
I say: “Can you spoke proper England?”
The men in black robes, as you call them have also done an enormous amount of good for this country. They provided education and help to many many people. It is very easy and lazy to tar them all with the same brush. Yes a minority did damage and ruined the lives of many people but they were a minority. Just as a minority in various governments have done and are at present still doing damage and harm to many people by presiding over one of the regimes that have divided people into haves and have nots, those who are in the golden circle and those outside it, those who are high up and powerful and those who are working class and powerless. I can say that this present government has driven more people to the brink and over it into suicide than all the abuse and harm committed over many years by the ‘men in black robes’.
Peter McVerry is the subject of an ignorant comment from an ignorant man now you bleat about men in black robes and the Church..
Kelly at least had a direct go at the man but you are so gutless you have to hide behind weasel words. Attention seeking hate mongers like you could do with some help and kindness to help with ypu deal with all that anger that poisons you from the inside.
The work that mc verry has done is incredible and he deserves the thanks and praise of every parasite in government. Can this government do or say anything of any good at any point ?
Paul Carey surely there are times when even an ardent government supporter feels a ministers comment is beyond defense.
@paul carey – You asked to be told one thing the Church had done for the Homeless. Thought I might share a few that spring to mind without having to exercise the brain too much..
1. The Peter Mc Verry trust
2. Merchants quay project – set up by the Franciscans
3. The Cappuchin Day centre – feeding the Homeless on a daily basis
4. The Homeless advice Unit in Tallaght – originally set up, funded and housed by the Dominican order.
I could go on but you get my drift….
Paul Carey Peter McVerry has done more for this country in an average day than you and your pretend Labour Party has done in 30 years
more positive that is as the labour party has done plenty negative
Perfect reply ;)
Regular collections and millions of Euro down through the years. I’m no fan of the church but charity is one thing they get right.
What an absolutely ludicrous thing for Kelly to say.. He’s only in the Dail a wet week and he has the gall to slap off a Man who has dedicated his life to helping the most vulnerable in our society.. It’s Mr Kelly and his mates fault why some of these people are ending up on the streets…
Peter Mcverry has been at this a long time, he has been dealing with the homeless issues since the 70′s, he’s dealt with various politicians who jumped on board when it suited them – too right he’d have nothing positive to say. He’s not there to backslap and jump into pictures for the media he’s dealing with real issues, real people, hungry and homeless. When he doesn’t have to feed the homeless maybe he’ll have something positive to say!
Minister maybe Fr. McVerry is correct since he has been working in this area all his life
Is Alan Kelly utterly incapable of opening his mouth without being confrontational?
Its a Legacy thing, he’s so desperate to create a Legacy in the short time left in Dail Eireann he takes a swipe at a man who has dedicated his whole life to helping the homeless and poor.
Not very clever I’m afraid, full of Ego but not the sharpest blade in the cabinet.
What can you say to this. Peter mcverry a man who has dedicated his life to this problem. So knows what his talking about or minister Kelly who thinks he knows all but knows nothing.
I do agree, Peter McVerry knows what he is on about. The problem is the minister things he knows, and what do we call it Government spin.
Unlike the minister he doesn’t try to polish turds
It took someone to die before the government were shamed into doing something.
Sadly, that is true Susan.
We need less truth and far more delusion and lies. The people will believe a lie as truth of the lie is repeated often enough.
if the Government last long enough, Kelly will have secured his Ministerial pension and his title as “A Water Charges Minister”.
There really isn’t a whole lot to say about this one. It neatly encapsulates Mr. Kelly’s, his party’s and indeed the whole Governments’ attitude. If you aren’t a cheerleader for The Great Leader and the politburo, you’re basically an enemy of the state and all round bad hat.
He hasn’t anything positive to say because nothing positive has been done.
What does Minister Kelly think he, personally, has achieved over anything achieved by Peter McVerry?
‘Personally ‘ does not mean spending public money.
Agreed, I don’t think government ministers should be self-congratulatory about allocating funds by saying “I’ve put more money into this than anybody ever”.
He’s labour. Woukd you expect anything else?
Alan Kelly is a numpty
Peter McVerry simply states simple facts.
Our dear Minister does not want/like to face reality, as with the current Government across the board.
Spin
I bloody hate that word
Kelly obviously wants Fr. McVerry and his homeless charges to eat cake.
Alan Kelly has the thinnest skin in politics.
Thin skin on a thick head.
Fr Peter McVerry is worth one hundred of the minister Kelly of spin
This fool Kelly is only in the job because the older and wiser Labour types would not touch off anything related to water charges so they drag out this fella and now he starts criticising P Mc Verry. P mc V , Br Luke, Br Kevin and Sister Stan have done more for homelessness in this city than a succession of governments have achieved in decades.
I’m speechless after reading this failed gov. spin.
The Government cant even clear the housing lists and yet they think they can end homelessness in 2016. They really are deluded
An ungracious comment by Mr Kelly towards an exponent of great humanity, campaigner for social justice and champion of the deprived.
Shame on you, minister (deliberately with a small m), to attack such a person for mealy-mouthed, short-term political sensationalism.
1. The economy is booming.
2. There is no homelessness problem in Ireland.
3. All is rosy.
4. The pigs are in s*ite.
Please select the one true statement above of 1,2, 3 or 4.
Stay classy labour party!
Anybody else reckon this sort of crap will be Alan Kellys real legacy, rather than the sinking Irish Water?
I’ve no time for the RCC and little time for most of its clerics but I make an exception in the cases of Peter Mc Very and Br. Kevin Crowley.
Kelly has done nothing in his pampered life that he can be proud of, unlike these two gentlemen.
Ok.
“But, to be frank, you’re talking to the person who has put more money into housing than anyone on this island in the history of this State.”
Who? I mean, where are they Alan? The houses?
It’s clear from your statement that the money’s gone, but where are the houses?
Oh, I see, Alan said “housing”. Well I suppose that’s not the same as “houses” is it? So instead of providing houses, we have housing. So this is good because we can employ consultants to research housing need, and we can spend €300K per room on a “Temporary” hostel in Georgian Dublin, but if you were in actual need of a HOUSE or a HOME, perhaps it’s not so good.
Let’s now look at track record, Fr Peter McVerry has a good one.
“Alan Kelly was elected to the 31st Dáil in 2011″ – not so good.
Bit of a skid mark really.
It’s a “no” from me, Alan.
Plus, he makes it sound like it’s HIS money. Instead of what it actually is which is a small portion of Irish taxes spent in an area that’s very much needed. He’s a prize fool!
Alan Kelly no good to man or beast the sooner he is out of office the better for all
How any one could even defend this from Alan Kelly is mind boggling.
what a nasty arrogant litttle man this minister is…bad enough his attitude to peter is he then tries to divide peters staff with a cheap remark …dont fret too much minister kelly…an election is coming
Peter Macmerry has spent his life acting instead of talking, maybe our politicians should follow his example.
Kelly is not worthy to tie Peter’s shoelaces.
Awwww diddums, minister kelly, did the nasty man hurt your feelings? You know, the nasty man who has been working, helping people with nothing? My heart bleeds for you!!
All kelly is barking up the wrong street. Fr mcverry is one of th few priests in this counrty deserving of respect for his work and honesty
The muppets in power think cos they have convinced a few true believers and patriots to swallow the we have turned the corner and its all great again speech that we all should suddenly become cheerleaders and be happy to be where we are………
Just typical of this sham Government, debase and ridicule the real heroes of this State.
PV is unpaid, his staff are under paid and do not have the luxury of un vouched expenses like our 165 TDs,
These issues will be addressed in the next election !
Could joan give a comment on this
fr mcverry has done much much more for the people of ireland than alan kelly has or ever will do, ! fr mcverry is a selfless man who has worked all his life to help those in nee, kelly is a ‘ me feiner’ who is only interested in himself and how much financial wealth he can amass. one works for the homeless, the other is far too busy making people homeless !
Apology to the man alan or sling your hook and dissappear
Alan Kelly is a tosser of a minister and would be more use in the circus only he scares children!
Work done by the Peter McVerry Trust ~ http://www.pmvtrust.ie/our-services/
Includes ~ “Residential Drug Detoxification Service
Providing 25% of the methadone detox beds in Ireland, this service provides a safe and stable place for people who wish to detoxify from methadone. The service operates with full clinical governance from the HSE”
Interesting link, Kellys statement shows once again really how far detached some of these charlatans are from the realities on the ground.
You’d want to be a right fool to come on this thread with an annoying avatar and start knocking this living legend -pathetic
Not an unreasonable thing to say. McVerry is certainly a humanitarian and deserving of commendation for his work but there’s no doubt he’s a very dour individual.
Dour is a fair response to the scale of human misery.
Joy and happiness over the pain of others is indicative of cognitive dissonance.
It is also hypocritical given the wealth of the church not to do more for the poor and homeless.
Paul, you seem to think that Peter Mc Verry has direct access to the Vatican gold. He obviously doesn’t but he was worked tirelessly for decades in this area. You can be a die hard Labour supporter if you like but it’s really pathetic to criticise a person who has done more for homelessness in this country than all of us here put together and more than any of us ever will.
That is completely unfair to Father McVerry. He has always lampooned the church for its riches and distanced himself from the trappings of the RC church. Government policies re rent and their lack of social housing are increasing homelessness at a time when thousands of people are emigrating. Mcverry sees the government policies for what they are a smokescreen. What is required are rent controls a Site valuation tax to force landowners build and a massive investment public housing building. Until then Kelly is putting a sticking plaster on an open Artery while mcverry deals with his mess.
Speak for yourself there Andrea. Every tax paying citizen in this country has done more than enough for the plight of homeless people. McVerry is a windbag.
You can’t and shouldn’t get everything for free or subsidy. Only before Christmas there the story of the “homeless” woman living in her car with her children because she couldn’t get social housing in the area she *wanted*. If the system was changed so that we stop giving in to leeches like that then maybe more resources can be given to those genuine, on the streets, homeless people.
Also the man who died near Leinster house was a homeless person that you just couldn’t help. The social care system and his family tried to help him multiple times to no avail. There are some people you just have to write off as a loss and move on to people you can actually do something for.
Paul. Your ignorance of what Peter McVerry has done for the less well-off is astonishing.
He has done morenthwn you would ever comprehend doing and more than anyone else in this comments section.
Stop trolling.
Kelly appears to have the same attitude as the last Minister, Big Clown Hogan
If you seen what Peter mcverry has seen over the years you too wouldn’t have anything nice to say about anything. You prat. That man has done more in his sleep for the disadvantage and homeless people than your so called government have in 20 years. But don’t worry change is coming alan kelly you will be forced from power one way or another. Promise
That makes two of them..
I apologise To Fr McVerry… It’s Kelly that has nothing positive to say…
McVerry better watch his back there will be six gardai kicking in his door at 6 in the morning no giving cheek to Labor goons. Buses of protestors going to Killarney for the labour conference it should be great crack all protestors welcome
Kelly’s just another deluded blowhard Labour windbag- in a party full of similar role models. Saw his pathetic disrespectful performance on RTE News. Rabbitte must be his mentor.
He knows there will eventually be an election, right?
The Cheeky Whelp!
I must say that I have a soft spot for Alan Kelly –
a quicksand in Donegal!
I wonder if he meant to say that out loud?
Memo to Pat Rabbitte I really don’t give a fuuck about your CROMWELLIAN party and do you know I don’t give a toss if I offend you and your party which unfortunately I have voted for in the pass. As for that ARROGANT minister Kelly enough said.
Fr. Peter mc verry knows what is going on where homelessness is concerned while Minster Alan Kelly hasn’t got a clue! The only reason he was visiting those new apartments for the aged today was for a photo op! Let’s be honest! Isn’t it great the way they can open new beds for the homeless as Xmas it makes them look good! But when the camera’s are gone it’s back to the same old! same old! But Fr. Peter Mc Verry is right we have seen nothing yet with 35,000 homes due to be repossessed this year! there we’ll be thousands more homeless on the streets!
Peter McVerry is one of the most narcissistic and arrogant people that I have ever had the displeasure of sharing the same breathing space with.
He talks a lot and does very little. If a junkie smashed up and robbed your house or held a needle to your mothers neck, well it is your fault because of the society you contribute to that the poor lost innocent soul had to turn to crime.
So you’re trying to imply that its McVerry’s fault that somethings like that happen and not Government policies?
Another piece of shite defending this Government!
Hi Gordon,
Remind me never to sit next to you at a dinner party.
Thanks,
Shakka.
Someone who calls himself Gordon Gekko accusing Peter McVerry of being a narcissist and arrogant yet doesn’t even see the irony!
@Cowen – Ha don’t make me laugh. I wouldn’t support this government ever. Just because I agree with Alan Kelly on this one issue does not mean I would lower myself to supporting either FG or Labour.
Indirectly McVerry has something to answer for. He in an enabler and excuser of junkie criminality. He blames the society that hard working people have created and contribute to for the misfortune of addicts and homeless, when in the vast majority of cases these people have only themselves to blame for there situations. Also last time I checked being homeless was sleeping on the streets…not sleeping in a hostel or hotel.
@Shaka – I’ve probably got the right feeling when I say that it is entirely unlikely we would be at the same type of dinner party.
@Major – You must be American because you clearly don’t understand the meaning of irony. Whatever about me being a narcissist, that is is fine. However the holier than thou padre is supposed to be beyond narcissism and yet loves nothing more than to hear his own voice.
why dont you have the b..ls to show your real name and photo
Well Dermot because of social justice warriors like yourself and others, freedom of speech in Ireland and society at large has been eroded to a point where hiding your identity is required.
I could lose my job for simply having an opinion that angers the largely socialist masses that occupy Ireland’s social media sphere. All it takes is one twitter campaign and you are done for. So I would rather play the smart card with things and quietly influence things my own way while portraying a friendly face in public.
Besides its just safer in general from an internet safety point of view in any case. Its easy for people to steal your real identity and info these days hence the need for VPNs and high level internet security.
Ah come on now gordon, you dont have to worry…everyone on here has you well sussed out…i hope your mom doesnt find out youve been on the internet again trying to upset the adults with your sad attempts to wind us up..so back to bef with you
So McVerry is now an enabler of junkie criminality?
Have you brought this to the attention of the Guards yet?
Good luck with your trolling, you clown!
Its people like gekko that has the country the way it is. Not an ounce of sympathy to those less fortunate than him.I can smell the fg shit coming from him. He actually sums up what fg are all about. His comments there about Fr. McVerry are totally despicable and because your poor you are the enemy. All I can say is the day is coming that these shower of cockroaches will be shown the door.
@Derek – It took you that long to think up such a weak response. I’m just giving my opinion and I would like to do that without having the bottom class turn up outside my door with picket signs. Sorry but that’s just the way it is.
While it doesn’t apply to me, I would like to suggest there is nothing wrong with living at home with you parents. Its better than leeching off the tax payer for a house that you frankly wouldn’t deserve at that age. (not implying you in particular)
Anyway if you want a debate then press on but if you are going to resort to childish insults then I’m not going to waste my time.
@Cowen – Typical leftist crusty, If someone doesn’t have the same opinion as you it makes them a troll. I mean it in the same sense that the SVP enables criminals to exist by paying off their fines for civil offences. McVerry tells us that we should embrace and love the filth that attack innocent people and rob homes.He supports them through donations and fundraising campaigns. I don’t think that is illegal yet and i’ve never suggested as much.
Please try again though.
@Poutch – At least you are trying compared to the other two intellectual lightweights above. Its people like Gekko that make the free world what it is. Nobody deserves anything for free. It weakens society and makes people think they are entitled to something they have not earned.
I don’t really have any sympathy for idiots who took out 100% mortgages because they wanted to have a nice holiday and the BMW they didn’t earn. I don’t have sympathy for any one who is weak and blames everything else on their circumstance. If you are poor, then nothing is a better motivator to make yourself better.
My comments might be despicable to you but they are true none the less. The poor aren’t my enemy, everyone needs their place. I need someone to collect my bins or clean my floors and stock my shelves. Socialists have claimed that the wealthy will be “shown the door” for decades…still hasn’t happened and won’t happen. Once you get to your acceptable standard of living again and can have you sky tv, your curry on a Friday night and a cheap bottle of wine, you will be happy with that and be quiet again.
There is no nobility in poverty.
Oh and I would never vote for FG. I just about tolerate having to deal with them.
I’m trying to work out if there is a financial or career benefit that Government ministers can avail of if they don’t get re-elected in 2016. I have to believe that they want to be voted out of office given how they behave and especially what they say and that there must be a better gravy train option available to them once they leave the Dail. How else can you explain how they go out of their way to offend, antagonise, display astonishing arrogance and ignorance and keep shooting themselves in the foot.
From a strictly PR perspective this was a massively idiotic thing for Kelly to come out with. Mc Ferry has a fantastic reputation and is held in very high esteem by the public. To be coming out with such snide comments paints Kelly in a very bad light.
I worked with Peter for a week in his drop in centre, at Sherrard street as party of my Ty. I have not one negative thing to say about the man, and I cannot do anything but admire his efforts. People do not realise his commitment. Int he office I witnessed people coming in asking for money and Peter would have a good chat and if the money was definitely needed it will be given straight away. He is a living saint. Another example was that in his centre two homeless gentlemen were rolling a joint. Peter saw this a chucked them out. Your man whipped out a blade and began to shout at him, and Peter remained calm. All the people around protected Peter because they helped him. Peter was angry with drugs on site, and despite the blade being whipped out, he will gladly see the gentleman back in the centre the following day.
So Alan Kelly, cop on
Kelly is carried away with himself,a wee bit of power and a lot of corruption will do that to you
Poor Alan Kelly thought he could spin this one to make him the hero but Peter McVerry has shown the substance of the issue to trump poor Alan
I hear there is a demand from “above” for Kelly to apologize for his “misquoted and taken out of context” vote spilling rant.
Disgusting arrogance on the part of Alan Kelly here. Attacking Peter McVerry who is one the best Irish people alive today? And then the smarmy b*stard makes out that HE is doing the most to help homelessness. Is there no limit to the this government’s pomposity.
Well Alan Kelly sure know’s how to loose votes. Clown!
In the past three months, two homeless men died on the streets in Ireland. In the past three months, one Labour TD party all but mocked a Sinn Féin TD for having a homeless brother while another Labour TD has now mocked a heroic Priest who works tirelessly for the homeless as “never having anything positive to say”.
And they have the utter temerity to believe they are torch bearers for James Connolly’s ideals?
Despicable, vile cretins.
Alan Kelly should do his job and get the long awaited wind energy guidelines out!
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