Leo the Leak Grossly Hypocritical Calling for Investigation into Leak

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has castigated the leaking of the report from the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes to the media.

Deputy Tóibín stated “This report will make for very difficult reading for so many people. The leaking of the report to the media in advance of it being made available to them is a punch in the gut for survivors".

“However in breath taking irony the Táiniste Leo Varadkar has called for an investigation to that leak. Leo is right, there should be an investigation into that leak. However it will be lost on no one that Varadkar himself has set this shocking example. The fact that there was absolutely no consequence for the Táiniste for his high profile leaking means that damaging leaks such as the Mother and Baby Home Report leak are going to become very hard to police”.

Deputy Tóibín continued: We need to root out the culture that sees harrowing and sensitive material being splashed over front pages before the people whose very lives are being reported on have access to the material. But that culture goes straight to the top. It is endemic amongst the political class who use leaks strategically for personal ambition”.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.