Tánaiste and leaders breach public health guidelines; former minister’s hotel party sparks controversy
DUBLIN: While the entire country is on high alert for the COVID-19 pandemic, political leaders are partying by throwing public health guidelines “out the window.”
The gathering of friends and former colleagues, including Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, at a hotel event organised by former children’s minister Katherine Zappone has embarrassed the government. About 50 people celebrated at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin on 21 July, defying COVID-19 guidelines.
To defuse the issue, the government said that regulations for organised outdoor gatherings and events of up to 200 people were acceptable. But the government was rendered helpless when opposition parties pointed out that Merrion Hotel gathering would not be subject to the given relaxations.
The outdoor gathering took place six days before Zappone’s appointment as United Nations Special Envoy. Mr Varadkar admitted that he attended the event at Ms Zappone’s invitation and stayed for around 45 minutes.
“I confirmed in advance directly with her, and with the hotel management on arrival, that the event was compliant with COVID regulations. The event took place entirely outdoors,” the Tánaiste said.
Mr Varadkar said government regulations allow organised outdoor gatherings and events of up to 200 people, and that there were only about 50 people at the Marion Hotel. “The definition in the regulations includes social events as well as recreational, exercise, cultural, entertainment or community events. I am confident these regulations were not breached. This matter has been checked with the Attorney General,” he added.
Dublin Bay South Labour TD Ivana Basik was among those who attended the event. Ms Basik said that she joined the party after realising it was within government guidelines.
Earlier, the Attorney General had advised on exemptions for outdoor events. But it does not include events such as the minister’s hotel reception. Relaxations were given for house parties, weddings, sports, and training.
Sinn Fin leader Mary Lou McDonald has demanded the release of a guest list of those who attended the Merrion Hotel reception. Sinn Féin leader David Cullinane has said that the Fáilte Ireland guidelines state clearly that organised events are not currently permitted. He said the government is trying to save face by claiming that up to 200 people can attend outdoor events. Sinn Féin’s Cavan–Monaghan TD Matt Carthy also criticised the government’s disrespectful act.
Meanwhile, the Restaurants Association of Ireland’s chief executive, Adrian Cummins, has asked for clarity on whether outdoor gatherings of 50 people are now permitted at restaurants and hotels. He also questioned why, if gatherings like the one at the Merrion Hotel were allowed, people couldn’t book outdoor parties for communions, confirmations, birthdays, and other events. Mr Cummins and other representatives of the hospitality industry had met with government officials to push for further relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions for the sector.
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