Joan Burton questions Sinn Féin pedigree for high office

Tánaiste Joan Burton has questioned Sinn Féin’s suitability to participate in the next government, accusing them of repeatedly disrupting Dáil business by pulling “stunts” on a regular basis.

Asked about Minister for Finance Michael Noonan's comments about Labour being Fine Gael's preferred partner in the next coalition government, Ms Burton said that she didn't believe that Sinn Féin were interested in going into government in the Republic.

“I have to say in the context of Sinn Féin and the kind of stunts that they have been pulling on a regular basis to disrupt the operation of the Dáil. I mean, the question arises: were they in government, would they constantly have to be walking out on themselves?” she asked.

Ms Burton said the decision by Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald to ask a question about an alleged sex abuser without prior notification “in a way that it could not be answered” was in breach of long-standing Dáil protocols.

The ensuing row led to the suspension of the Dáil on three occasions by Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett and wound up “an outrageous waste of time in relation to a very sensitive and important issue in respect of people who had been subjected to abuse”, she said. “I think they (Sinn Féin) have found a comfortable niche at the moment in terms of just pulling stunts”.

Ms Burton said she agreed with Taoiseach Enda Kenny that the Government would run its full course.

Election 2016

She added: "The EU has recognised the very significant change and improvement that has happened in Ireland but we still have a long way to go. A lot of people still have to feel the recovery locally and regionally right around the country . . . we are conscious that an election will happen in early 2016 and the Labour Party, like all parties, are entering into preparations for that."

Speaking in Cork, Ms Burton said that she believed the next government will be formed by those parties that advance the best combinations about economic recovery and ensure that the most vulnerable are protected through social policies.

She said a core issue that would shape the electorate’s mind would be what is best for people in communities, for families and individuals. And in the context of the next election the Labour Party would be reflecting on that.