Ring rubbishes Fine Gael ‘schism’ report

Ring rubbishes Fine Gael ‘schism’ report


Áine Ryan

A REPORT of a ‘deep schism’ within Fine Gael in the aftermath of the botched heave against leader, Enda Kenny, was last night rubbished by Deputy Michael Ring.
In a leading article in this week’s issue of The Sunday Tribune, its Political Editor, Shane Coleman, claims that Fine Gael party insiders have confirmed all is not rosy in the Blueshirts’ garden.
Last month, Deputy Kenny unexpectedly defeated Richard Bruton in a leadership contest by a reportedly narrow margin.
However, outspoken Mayo Deputy and loyal lieutenant, Michael Ring told The Mayo News the rancour is now in the past and a healing process had already begun.
The Sunday Tribune article reported that another outspoken deputy, John Deasy, from Waterford, told the Young Fine Gael annual summer school recently that anyone who claimed the party had emerged ‘enhanced’ from the recent leadership contest was wrong.
“There’s a schism, it’s very deep. We still have to address the core issues for us as a political party – we haven’t attracted a great deal of support since the last election, at a time when the government is deeply unpopular,” Deputy Deasy reportedly said.
Meanwhile, one of the party’s most senior TDs (not identified) told The Sunday Tribune: “Of course there is division. It’s still very raw … the party is split down the middle and the idea that it’s all going to be behind us after a few weeks is ludicrous.”
The article also claims there were ‘barbed and personal comments’ made during the recent end of term Seanad party, held at the exclusive Stephen’s Green Club. It also quotes yet another anonymous party source from the Bruton camp claiming there is a ‘reign of vindictiveness’ by the victors towards the dissidents.
However, Deputy Michael Ring has categorically rubbished such claims: “That’s nonsense. It is not happening.”
“We had a heave. It was a bruising contest. It’s over now. Of course there are people who are a bit upset. After all we have a parliamentary party of 70 people and there will always be people with differing views.”
He added that everyone needed the summer break and to return refreshed, refocused on the important issues and fully behind Enda Kenny.