After it emerged last night that Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald had been contacted repeatedly about the Gardaí’s alleged legal strategy to undermine the credibility of Maurice McCabe, it seemed as though Fine Gael was circling the wagons.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar insisted that the former Minister for Justice’s position had not changed and that he would not be removing her from office. Simon Coveney spoke on Claire Byrne live and advocated for the Charleton Tribunal to take its course rather than conceding that Fitzgerald should step down.
Fitzgerald herself also tweeted defiantly in defence of herself, writing: “As Justice Minister I could not interfere with the O’Higgjns Commission. This is confirmed twice in today’s docs & has been confirmed by the AG.”
1/2 As Justice Minister I could not interfere with the O'Higgjns Commission. This is confirmed twice in today's docs & has been confirmed by the AG.
— Frances Fitzgerald MEP (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 27, 2017
2/2 The Tribunal will objectively judge the appropriateness of my conduct. I look forward to giving my evidence to the Tribunal early in January.
— Frances Fitzgerald MEP (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 27, 2017
Now, for the first time, it appears that Fine Gael TDs are going public with their doubt over Fitzgerald continuing in the Cabinet. Speaking to RTÉ RnaG this morning, Galway West TD Hildegard Naughton said “it will be difficult” for the Tánaiste to remain in her position.
Many on Twitter now suspect that the floodgates will open when it comes to TDs disavowing Fitzgerald.
Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton says it will be hard for the Tanaiste to stay in office. Will we hear more FG TD's say similar today?
— Barry Whyte (@BarryWhyte85) November 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/owenhennelly/status/935435166985719808
Brave call – Hildegarde Naughton on the morning after being reselected for FG says it will be hard for Tanaiste to stay in office. @1Hildegarde
— Declan Varley (@declanvarley) November 28, 2017
Even if there is no Christmas election, the campaign has started. Will be interesting to see how this call will play for @1Hildegarde. Bet her phone is hopping.
— Declan Varley (@declanvarley) November 28, 2017
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