The Taoiseach has moved a motion of ‘complete confidence’ in the Defence Minister in the Dáil.

It’s to counter a proposed motion of no confidence submitted by Fine Gael.

The Minister’s denied making a false statement to the High Court, insisting he made a mistake and corrected it.

Brian Cowen says there’s no question of perjury, and the Dail now has to waste times that could be used for more pressing matters.

And he attacked Fine Gael for ‘playing the man and not the ball’.

“If Deputy Kenny felt that this matter was of the most serious import, why did he not raise it with me when the Dail resumed last month” he asked.

“Why did he not demand a statement from me or the Minister of Defence before now? So why are we debating it this week?”.

“Is it because of the traumas Deputy Kenny and his party endured last week? Is the leader of Fine Gael trying to divert attention from his crisis by voicing a drama on to somebody else?”

“Is he tabling motions of no confidence because he’s afraid that if he doesn’t another party will, and the leader of Fine Gael will be seen as once again behind the curve?” he added.
The Taoiseach has moved a motion of ‘complete confidence’ in the Defence Minister in the Dáil.

It’s to counter a proposed motion of no confidence submitted by Fine Gael.

The Minister’s denied making a false statement to the High Court, insisting he made a mistake and corrected it.

Brian Cowen says there’s no question of perjury, and the Dail now has to waste times that could be used for more pressing matters.

And he attacked Fine Gael for ‘playing the man and not the ball’.

“If Deputy Kenny felt that this matter was of the most serious import, why did he not raise it with me when the Dail resumed last month” he asked.

“Why did he not demand a statement from me or the Minister of Defence before now? So why are we debating it this week?”.

“Is it because of the traumas Deputy Kenny and his party endured last week? Is the leader of Fine Gael trying to divert attention from his crisis by voicing a drama on to somebody else?”

“Is he tabling motions of no confidence becausue he’s afraid that if he doesn’t another party will, and the leader of Fine Gael will be seen as once again behind the curve?” he added.