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The local elections were the real poll, the Cork TD insisted, pointing to the strong showing by Fianna Fáil in the 23 May vote. He noted, however, that the upcoming by-elections in Roscommon-South Leitrim and Dublin South West would be “very challenging” and that he was taking “nothing for granted”.
Martin also had to deal with the recent criticism from former Cabinet colleague Mary Hanafin, who said last week that she believed voters weren’t ready to put Fianna Fáil in power. The former minister — recently reelected as a councillor — also accused the FF front bench line-up of being largely anonymous.
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“I don’t agree with Mary Hanafin’s analysis but I do welcome criticism,” Martin said, stressing that he had always “facilitated people to speak their minds”.
“We want to contribute in Government in the next General Election, depending of course on the wishes of the people,” he said.
We will do that in whatever way is most effective.
In case you were wondering why the FF think-in is happening in Roscommon. . . pic.twitter.com/IcxTRAg6KN
On the prospect of sharing power with Fine Gael, he said that — in spite of the polls — he believed the party was “very very unpopular”
We will have our own policy remit. We have an independent policy platform. We want to see that policy platform implemented.
“The Fine Gael party in our view has been very regressive, in our view has been very right-wing in its policies.
They would not in any shape or form be comfortable bedfellows with us.
On the party’s chances in the upcoming by-election in the constituency, he said there was a sense in rural Ireland that there was a two-tier recovery under way and that Enda Kenny was presiding over a “very Dublin-centric Government”.
There’s a huge sense that people have been left behind right across the board from rural broadband capability to jobs to the attack on small rural schools.
Party TDs and senators are hearing from experts on a diverse range of issues — from economics to gender quotas and beef prices — at the two-day meeting.
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Rent in Dublin is ridiculous. My partner and I are both working full time and could barely get by. Moved to Wexford about a month ago and it worked out cheaper to live here and for my partner to commute daily that it was to live up there.
@tismeself:
Wexford town to Dublin is a long run, most be over 2 hours each way by train or car although when the motorway extension is finished next year should help.
A relative of mine commutes from Tralee! (A couple of times a week)
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