'Hollow, cynical, destructive political imposters' - Lowry hits out at opposition amidst fuel crisis

Tensions flared in the Dáil on Tuesday, as Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry made his feelings clear on Sinn Féin, and the Government’s handling of the fuel crisis.

Speaking on the vote of no confidence by opposition TDs in the Dáil, Deputy Lowry criticised the actions of, and comments made by Sinn Féin and other opposition members regarding the handling of the fuel crisis and the subsequent protests that followed, stating that it had been a very difficult week for the Irish people.

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He began by expressing his discontent, and acknowledging the Government’s handling of the protests, stating that he felt the Government did not respond to the concerns of the people in an adequate manner.

“It has to be acknowledged that all of us across Government failed to respond effectively in a timely fashion, failed to listen and understand the extent of peoples’ worry and frustration. We all have encountered anger, resentment, and outright hostility, which in my view arises from indecision, slow intervention, and failure of communications.

“The protests started out with many aggrieved, hard-working, decent, respectable people who are worried sick about their future. It was later infiltrated by undesirables, whose only agenda was to cripple the country and bring down the Government.”

He spoke of the actions he and the Government have taken in the last number of weeks to alleviate some of the pressure faced by the people of Ireland, before criticising Sinn Féin, claiming that they were not acting out of intent to help the people, but for their own political gain.

“Sinn Féin and others on the left have inflamed a very volatile situation. They wanted to cause the country further suffering in a points-scoring exercise against the Government. I want to say this today and put it on the record. Sinn Féin are the most hollow, cynical, destructive political imposters we have ever witnessed.

“While the Government works for the Irish people, Sinn Féin uses their hardship as a political weapon. They seized on this moment because they have nothing else to offer, only contrived outrage. They are performers on a stage. They have proved time and time again they have no ability to govern, no ideas, and no credibility. In a moment of global instability, when we need responsibility, unity, and a collective effort, they have chosen division, disruption, and political opportunism, to bring down a Government at a time like this, would have far-reaching consequences for the Irish people. Legislation would stall, vital supports would be delayed, and the certainty that families and workers and businesses desperately need would be thrown into limbo.

“Disruption has been Sinn Féin’s modus operandi from the very beginning of this Government. From the day this coalition was formed, they sought to undermine and sabotage it for the sake of their own political advantage. They are a group of people who would rather see others fail than build something positive themselves.

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“And then of course from Sinn Féin, we had the usual, they followed the usual social media hit-list. Politicians were named and targeted for the Sinn Féin army of online bots. They were directed to target, to pile on, and to encourage others to encourage others to mount verbal assaults. Is this what ye teach in Sinn Féin? This is no way to act in a democracy.”

Deputy Lowry spoke of how he feels young people would become discouraged and disinterested in joining politics, due to the way members of the opposition had acted in the midst of the crisis.

“Again, I see this week, Deputy Tóibín, who I had huge respect for, dropped the mask of pious virtue and showed his true colours. He egged on frustrated people to harass and intimidate and posted the names and numbers of representatives in our independent group. This form of intimidation is not acceptable in a democratic society. This kind of toxic politics is doing real damage. It is discouraging thoughtful, talented young people from stepping forward to serve their communities. You are heightening the well of potential candidates. This is a time when Ireland needs the best and brightest to help shape our future. Let me say today, as an elected representative, I have no confidence in Sinn Féin. I have no confidence in your ability to lead,” Deputy Lowry concluded.