Sinn Féin with a no-confidence motion against Tánaiste; Party says leaking of the document is unacceptable

DUBLIN: Opposition groups comes up with a no-confidence motion against Tánaiste Leo Varadkar over the document leak controversy. The Labor Party has announced that it will support the no-confidence motion presented by Sinn Féin. But the Social Democrats will only announce their decision on Monday.

The allegation raised was that the agreement signed by the government with the IMO was leaked to the NAGP, another organisation of GPs, last April. Leo Varadkar had apologised for the incident. In the incident, the ruling Green Party took a strong stand against Varadkar. The issue was strongly criticised by the party TDs, including ministers.

The Green Party, which has been sharply criticising from outside, may have to take the same stance in Dáil. If so, they will have to support the no-confidence motion against Leo Varadkar. It will hinder the progress of the cabinet. The no-confidence motion will be tabled on Tuesday.

Leo Varadkar had apologised on Tuesday admitting that he had given a copy of the IMO agreement to the President of the National Association of General Practitioners, Dr. Maitiú Ó Tuathail was a mistake and that it should not have happened. But the opposition is not ready to accept it. They point out that this is the first time in the history of the country that confidential documents have been leaked. The Green Party has also taken a tougher line than the opposition.

Sinn Féin says the leaking of the document cannot be accepted

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has said she has no choice but to table a no-confidence motion in the case because the Taoiseach has remained silent. She further added that Varadkar’s explanation regarding the leaking of the document was not in line with the facts.

“The facts are that Leo Varadkar, when Taoiseach, leaked a confidential document to one of his friends and that is not acceptable. We are moving this motion because the Taoiseach has chosen not to act and therefore the opposition has to act because he does have to face some level of sanction and some level of real accountability from the Oireachtas on behalf of the people,” Sinn Féin leader said.

Everything related to the filing of the document was revealed in the Dáil on Tuesday. “This motion clearly shows that Sinn Féin isn’t interested in the truth.” The spokesperson alleged that the move was an attempt to divert public attention from the financial irregularities in their party in the North.

Taoiseach Michael Martin has said the government will overcome the no-confidence motion. The main problem facing our society is COVID-19 pandemic. The issue before the government is how it affects the economy, business and people. He said Sinn Féin motion, is a destabilising move and he does not believe it is the appropriate or proportionate response.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin also expressed confidence in Varadkar. The Green Party deputy leader said Tánaiste had acknowledged that what happened was inappropriate and had apologised.