Becky Kealy: #GOLFGATE Is Such A Kick In The Teeth
Aontú Rep for Cork North West, Becky Kealy, has panned the 81 attendees of the Oireachtas golf society gathering, and the government’s mishandling of the role played by Phil Hogan.
Becky Kealy: “For so many people who have had to watch their loved ones being buried via a Zoom call, for the elderly who have spent months on end in Irish nursing homes fearing for their lives and starved of human contact with their loved ones, and for the parents of children with disabilities who are petrified for the well-being and mental condition of their children, the golf gathering last week was the greatest kick in the teeth for these people who have answered their country’s call and made monumental sacrifices for the common good. Some are so exasperated, they have said they are done listening to this government. The laws passed in this country – particularly pertaining to the fight against Covid-19 and apply to everyone. It is shocking the level of conceit and arrogance shown by TDs, Senators, Government Ministers and an EU Commissioner in flaunting the rules that have curtailed the liberties and freedoms of the Irish people.”
“To add insult to injury, Phil Hogan has refused to resign with FG defending him and an Taoiseach unable to say whether he should be sacked or not. To the Irish people, this smacks of the 2011 recession all over again, where the bankers responsible were never held to account – but of course, the Irish people had to tighten their belts once more, put the head down, and bail the country out of another bust. Phil Hogan’s conduct from outset has been disgraceful, he had to be forced to apologise for his actions and not just blame the hotel. Then the apology given was worth nothing, before being compelled to give a more ‘fulsome apology.’ With new information now emerging that he was stopped whilst using his phone whilst driving, and stopping off in locked-down Kildare en route.”
“Phil Hogan’s position is untenable – he cannot claim to represent the Irish people and their best interests when he so flagrantly flaunts the laws governing this country. Hogan should be expelled from FG, and the government should be united in calling for his resignation – not undecided or all for it depending who you ask. This episode has been a slap in the face for the Irish people, the very least that can occur is that those in attendance apologise fully and resign their positions – something Phil Hogan has failed to do.”
