De Valera would not cut pensions, Minister told

MINISTER FOR Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív was told his grandfather Eamon de Valera would never have considered cutting the State pension at last night’s Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting.

Up to 19 speakers told Mr Ó Cuív that no reduction in the State pension would be supported, a number of those present said, after Mr Ó Cuív addressed TDs and Senators on the controversy sparked by his comment that nothing could be ruled out in relation to social welfare changes.

Cork North Central deputy Noel O’Flynn invoked Eamon de Valera at the meeting.

“I said, for the founding fathers of our party, going back to your grandfather, the ethos was always to look after older people. I know you share that and the party won’t move from that,” Mr O’Flynn added.

Mr Ó Cuív took no offence at his remarks, Mr O’Flynn said.

“I have huge respect for Éamon Ó Cuív,” he added.

Mr O’Flynn said he also told the meeting support for Fianna Fáil was at an all-time low among younger voters and any speculation about a cut in pensions risked alienating older voters who were traditionally loyal to the party.

“The last thing we want is to isolate completely that vote,” he said.

Limerick West TD John Cregan said Mr Ó Cuív made it clear that financial burden should only be placed on those best able to carry it and he did not want vulnerable people to suffer as a result of the budget.

“He left us in no doubt, and equally the parliamentary party left him in no doubt, that this wasn’t the way Fianna Fáil wants to go. There was no animosity. An awful lot of backbenchers have a lot of faith in Éamon Ó Cuív because of his background,” Mr Cregan said.

Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath said: “He’s not interested in cutting the pension of ordinary pensioners. He’s interested in examining the situation of people earning a lot of money, €100,000-plus, and they don’t need the State pension as well,” Mr McGrath said.

Former minister Michael Woods and former minister of state Noel Ahern also spoke against pension cuts.