MIDWEST RADIO: Mayo Aontu member hits out at the Taoiseach for comments he made in the Dáil

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An Aontú representative for Mayo, has hit out at Taoiseach Micheál Martin over remarks he made in the Dáil regarding the EU cross border directive.

Paul Lawless says the Taoiseach’s response to the question is a slap in the face to those he brings to Belfast for cataract procedures.

Independent TD for Cork, Deputy Michael Collins raised concerns in the Dáil about the threat posed to the Cross Border Directive by the chance of a no deal brexit.

Mr. Lawless says the Taoiseach responded by jeering and mocking Deputy Collins, saying “you guys put the busses together and run a bit of an auld operation”. He failed to answer the very important question – what will happen with the cross border directive in the event of a no deal?”

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.