Fine Gael TD criticises 'arrogant' Gormley

GREEN PARTY leader John Gormley’s performance in Government has been sharply criticised by Fine Gael TD Phil Hogan.

Mr Hogan was responding to what he described as "startlingly arrogant" comments made by Mr Gormley in an interview in The Irish Timesyesterday.

The Minister for the Environment said he was satisfied many of his goals had been achieved after three years in coalition.

“John Gormley’s record in Government is one of appalling decisions, a destroyed economy, a generation of debt, and continued, steadfast support for Fianna Fáil, who directly caused Ireland’s economic meltdown,” Mr Hogan said.

The Fine Gael TD went on to accuse Mr Gormley of “being literally asleep” during the night on which the Government’s bank guarantee scheme was agreed.

“John Gormley is an appallingly bad Minister in an appallingly bad Government, as his decisions at the Cabinet table testify . . . John Gormley must know that these are not hard decisions that he should boast about, they are bad decisions that he should be ashamed of.”

Mr Gormley ruled out a flat-rate property tax in next year’s budget and discounted a flat-rate water charge in the interview. He defended the bank guarantee, saying it was an “act of irresponsibility” for Labour to oppose it, and claiming Fine Gael’s stance on the issue was contradictory.