Workers Party Councillor Ted Tynan has accused Fianna Fáil backbenchers of masquerading as dissidents in order to hold on to their seats but were continuing to support the government when it comes to cuts in services and shoring up the banks.

Cllr. Tynan said that the latest comments from Northside TD Noel O’Flynn were a smokescreen to deflect away from the government’s vicious attacks on ordinary people.   The Workers Party councillor said it was not the Taoiseach’s personality or his leadership of Fianna Fáil which mattered but the policies which he was pursuing in government and on this point the so-called dissidents were silent.

“Hardly a day goes by now when we don’t hear of some section of society which is being hurt by government policies.  This weekend we learned of the threat to respite services for people caring for family members with disabilities.   There are over 450,000 unemployed and emigration is once again a live issue. Backbenchers like Noel O’Flynn have consistently voted for cutbacks and for the government’s failed economic policies but are now trying to fool the people into thinking they are rebels”, said Cllr. Tynan.

“Even if Fianna Fáil were to replace Brian Cowen tomorrow it would make no difference to ordinary people.  The policies of cutting vital services and bankrolling insolvent banks would remain exactly the same. Playing musical chairs with Fianna Fáil’s leadership will fool nobody”, Cllr. Tynan said.

Issued 5th July 2010