Varadkar SNUB: Irish PM slated for comments and ignored by rivals - ‘Not worthy of office’
LEO Varadkar has been slapped down by Mary Lou McDonald after Ireland's acting leader confirmed he had written to her offering talks about a coalition Government - only for the Sinn Fein leader to describe him as "unworthy of the office of Taoiseach" in the wake of his recent criticism of her party in a newspaper column.
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Mr Varadkar has reiterated his belief it was the responsibility of the opposition parties – meaning Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail – to form a government. However, he said he was prepared to talk to everyone involved, while continuing to distance himself from the idea of going into power with Sinn Fein, accusing them of ignoring his offer of talks.
Mr Varadkar made his remarks in Ireland’s Sunday Independent newspaper, during which he suggested Sinn Fein’s representatives in the Dail, Ireland’s Parliament, known as TDs, “appear to live way beyond their means”.
He also alleged the party, which has historical links with the IRA, had held “lavish” fundraisers in the United States, routing the cash through Northern Ireland.
Ms McDonald, who is currently in isolation along with her children as a result of a coronavirus scare at their school, insisted she had responded to Mr Varadkar, contrary to his claims.
The article in question was “most regrettable and needs to be corrected”, she added.
Mr Varadkar – who is continuing in a caretaker role after last month’s indecisive election, which saw Fianna Fail take 38 seats, Sinn Fein take 37 and his own party just 35 – yesterday accused Sinn Fein of snubbing his offer for post-election talks.
He said he had written to the party last week to make the offer, but had received no reply.
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I can assure the acting Taoiseach over the airwaves that letter is on its way to him
She told Irish broadcaster RTE: “I can assure the acting Taoiseach over the airwaves that letter is on its way to him.
“I want to talk to everyone about those matters, including Leo Varadkar.”
However, she said the “nature of the tone of his public utterances in a Sunday newspaper” were “unworthy of the office of Taoiseach”.
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Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Dublin, he added: “What I’ve said for the past two or three weeks is that we won’t form a government with Sinn Fein but we’re not refusing to speak to anyone.
“And we’ve spoken to Sinn Fein on many matters in the past in relation to lots of different issues and do so regularly.
“So we said we are willing to speak to any party but not about the formation of a government.
“We’re not doing that at the moment. And I wrote to Sinn Fein last week to confirm that applied to them as well. But we’ve had no reply from them.”
Mr Varadkar has already held talks with Fianna Fail last week and met the Green Party this week.
He described the exchanges with the Greens as “very positive”.
Efforts to form a government are yet to build up any real momentum.
Sinn Fein wants to form a left-wing government with like-minded parties and independent TDs in the Dail, but will struggle to reach the 80 seats needed.
Fianna Fail, which like Sinn Fein currently has 37 parliamentary seats, is also trying to form an administration.
If no agreement can be reached, there remains the distinct possibility of another general election later this year.