If you’re following every twist and turn in the saga of what Frances Fitzgerald knew about the Garda’s approach to Maurice McCabe and when she knew it, then today will bring you further excitement. If not, well, sorry.
And if you’re a bit confused, take comfort in the fact you are not alone. But know that what you’re watching is the biggest crisis in Government since Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach. And today will be a crucial day.
Fitzgerald is generally liked in Leinster House, and greatly respected in her own party. She is also fighting for her political life. The revelation that she had been informed by the gardaí of an aggressive, adversarial legal approach employed by the then Commissioner’s lawyers (despite having previously denied any knowledge of it) has plunged the Government into crisis and thrown her future in office into jeopardy. She claims to have forgotten about the email that informed her, but also points to its statement that she had no role to become involved in whatever it was the Commissioner’s lawyers were up to with Maurice McCabe.
Last night, Sinn Féin, which was widely expected to put down a motion of no confidence in the Tánaiste, decided to hold off and await whatever explanations the Tánaiste might supply today. Given the stridency of Mary Lou McDonald’s comments in the Dáil yesterday, and the consistency of Fitzgerald’s defence so far, it’s hard to see how she could satisfy Sinn Féin if the party is minded to challenge her. Leaders’ questions, which Fitzgerald is scheduled to take as Tánaiste, is at noon. It may be decisive
To get you up to speed, here's our lead story by Sarah Bardon, my analysis of the day's events and the issues to be resolved today, our lead editorial, and Harry McGee's explanation of the background and history of the events. There's also yesterday's podcast, Miriam Lord's take, and Sarah's ten questions for the Tánaiste.
No doubt being told by Sinn Féin that she has one last chance is excruciating for the Tánaiste. But make no mistake; her political survival is very much an open question this morning. Those who say that the Taoiseach would rather have an election than lose his Tánaiste are overlooking the fact that when it comes to a choice between a minister and the government as a whole, there’s only ever one winner.
