Talks bar shows little difference between Govt, Fine Gael and Labour

Mary Lou McDonald

THERE are no major differences between the Government, Fine Gael and Labour parties and that is why they are getting together for the so-called "consensus talks" on the economy and keeping Sinn Féin out, Mary Lou McDonald has said. They are afraid of the radically different approach of Sinn Féin to tackling the economic crisis, she argued.

Mary Lou McDonald said:

The Government has invited Fine Gael and Labour into private talks to discuss the economic disaster the Government created and behind closed doors they are going to do what they always do – protect those at the top.

It is no surprise that the Government expect to get Fine Gael and Labour to row in behind their failed agenda of savage cuts aimed at the most vulnerable because they have already signed up to the Government’s approach.

There are no major differences between these three parties. The whole event is a sham.

The Government is blocking Sinn Féin’s attendance at the talks because we are the only party setting out a different approach which is about cutting the deficit over a realistic time period and growing the economy. They don’t want to hear different ideas.

Sinn Féin is now the only party offering a real alternative to the cosy cartel in Leinster House.