Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Denies Party Was Backed Into A Corner

Photo © Pat Flynn

Clare’s Fianna Fail TD has dismissed suggestions that political uncertainty across the Irish sea has backed his party into a corner.

Timmy Dooley has been commenting in light of a decision by party leader Micheal Martin to extend the confidence and supply deal for another year.

The deal has received some criticism, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.

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The renewal of this deal means there won’t be another General election until early 2020.

The parties’ decision was made to avoid the potential months of uncertainty, particularly as the Brexit angst continues.

Clare’s Junior Minister, Fine Gael’s Pat Breen, says the deal shows the parties put the country before politics.

The deal has received some criticism though.

Sinn Féin is accusing Fianna Fáil of using Brexit as a shield to avoid an election; Labour’s Brendan Howlin has said there’s nothing in it that will help real people and even within Fianna Fáil, some backbenchers have reportedly expressed unease.

Kilkenny TD John McGuinness has said it’s a blank check for the government due to its lack of demands.

However, Clare TD Timmy Dooley says the talks were about identifying problems in key areas like housing and health and planning for the future.

He’s insisting that they weren’t forced into renewing the agreement.