Lemass group a forum for dissent or discussion?

ANALYSIS:Fianna Fáil is divided about the Lemass Forum, a group which draws from the party's backbenchers

EARLIER THIS month British prime minister David Cameron tried to push through reform of the 1922 Committee which would have had the effect of spancelling the influence of the powerful backbenchers’ committee within the Conservative Party.

In Leinster House the development inevitably drew comparisons with the Lemass Forum, which also draws from Fianna Fáil’s backbenches. Unlike its Tory comparator, the group is of very recent vintage but the numbers attending its meetings have been impressive, between 35 and 40 for some meetings in recent weeks.

The new group has divided opinion in Fianna Fáil. Is it, as its promoters say, an addition to the parliamentary party (PP) that should be encouraged?

Or is it, as detractors claim, a vehicle for the so-called “awkward squad” that should be reined in by the leadership immediately?

The Lemass group was established in March, and its influence has been growing. The driving force behind the group is former junior minister John McGuinness, one of the most prominent “dissidents” within the party.

The group convenes meetings every Wednesday in the swish audiovisual room of Leinster House, on the other side of the campus from the Fianna Fáil party rooms. The format is the same each week. A group or company is invited in to address TDs and Senators and answer questions.

“I came up with the idea because there was a deficit of information,” says McGuinness.

“I wanted to invite in groups and organisations that are affected in some way by the economic downturn or concerned about their future or have a contribution to make in relation to policy.”

He named the group after “the most forward-thinking leader” of Fianna Fáil. It has held seven meetings, and heard the views of the hunting lobby; rank-and-file gardaí and Army personnel; advocates for older people; the Bank of Ireland. The most overtly political meeting was a presentation from polling company Red C, as well as political scientist Dr Michael Marsh from TCD, about the party’s poor showing in recent opinion polls.

McGuinness is well aware of his status within the party, but insists that should be distinguished from what he has done with the group. “It’s not a backbench awkward squad. It’s very constructive. Its intent is very clear. It’s a channel and conduit between organisations and the party of government.”

He also dismisses comparisons with the 1922 Committee, insisting Lemass is more of a positive ginger group. “1922 for the Tories was set up for a particular purpose and membership is limited. We are open to everybody, not a small group with an agenda or narrow interest.”

Nonetheless, there is ambivalence within the party about its status and its motives.

Most adopt an altruistic view, saying there was a need for a forum less formal than PP meetings. At the same time, more senior figures say its role should be circumscribed to information-gathering alone.

The benign interpretation is shared by dissidents and loyalists alike, including Government chief whip John Curran. Two Ministers, Pat Carey and Seán Connick, have attended regularly.

“My own take is I do not think there is anything terribly subversive. A few people good at organising meetings have organised worthwhile meetings,” says Carey.

Indeed, Cowen uber-loyalist Frank Fahey from Galway West attended the banking meeting. “I found it very useful,” he said.

But there are others within the party who refuse to go. Michael Ahern from Cork East will not attend. “I am a traditionalist. I have not been to one meeting. It’s the PP and the party rooms where these matters should be dealt with.”

Three other TDs, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they won’t attend because of its associations with the “malcontents”, particularly McGuinness, Noel O’Flynn and Mattie McGrath.

“I just think that there is an agenda there by a couple of people. I have no issue with any of the debate. But I believe you work within rather than setting up a parallel forum,” says one. “The other thing I don’t like is that it’s a John McGuinness vehicle. I just suspect that he has a game plan behind it all.”

For those who believe there is an ulterior motive, there are some small indicators that back their suspicions. For example, one or two personalities in the Lemass group have made great play of the fact that more people attended its meeting with the hunt lobby (37) than were at the previous night’s PP meeting.

In addition, the forum has been open to the three Fianna Fáil TDs outside the party fold at present, all seen as dissidents. Jim McDaid has attended. “A heave is not on this group’s agenda,” was his wry comment this week.

As against that, Niall Collins, an outspoken TD for Limerick West and a strong supporter of Cowen, has also attended regularly.

“There’s nothing subversive or ulterior in the motives. There’s a bit of counter-spinning claiming it’s anti-establishment. If it is I am not part of it.”

Similarly, Cork South Central TD Michael McGrath said he would “disengage very quickly” if it was used to foment dissent.

There are mixed messages coming from the top about the group. Some close to Cowen say the Taoiseach is not exercised at all about it.

McGuinness says the project has never been discouraged. “There’s been no contact good or bad from the leadership.”

On the other hand, this month the Taoiseach announced he was setting up five new policy committees in the PP. This was seen by some TDs as a means of stymieing the Lemass group and quelling dissent. Some members of the bar lobby, who are Cowen’s strongest supporters, have also been spinning against the group.

Noel O’Flynn dismisses the suggestion of the Lemass group being a front for a plot.

“I hope it’s not the bar lobby who are spreading around that rumour. Let the bar lobby stay in the bar while we are out there doing something on a positive note.”

PARLIMENTARY PARTY LEVEL OF LOYALTY

Total backbenchers (including those three outside PP): 49

Loyal to Cowen: 26

Very opposed: 8

Moderately opposed: 9

Views unknown: 3

Outside parliamentary party: 3