Shock as no voice at cabinet for border region – Matt Carthy TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Matt Carthy, has said the absence of any voice for the border region in Micheál Martin’s new cabinet was a clear indication that this region was not a priority for the incoming government.

Teachta Carthy said:

“The announcement of the cabinet this evening is really concerning for communities across the border region, a region which faces many unique challenges.

“People will be astounded that there will not be a single voice from the counties of this region at cabinet. To ignore a whole region like this just shows us how out of touch this government is. This tells us clearly that this region and counties such as Cavan and Monaghan are simply not a priority for the incoming government. This is very worrying.

“Sinn Féin will stand up for this region – we will ensure that the counties of this region are not ignored or left behind by this government as they have been so often in the past.

“It is clear that this is a government that will need to be held to account.

“Sinn Féin will ensure that they never get away with the kind of grubby deal with Michael Lowry which they tried to force through the Dáil this week. Today’s developments have vindicated Sinn Féin’s position from the start. Independents who were part of negotiating the programme for government and are committed to supporting this government on every vote cannot be allowed to pretend to be in opposition. Sinn Féin has put down a marker that any further such attempts to prevent scrutiny and accountability or curb the role of the opposition will be fiercely resisted.

“This government and this Taoiseach have nothing new to offer. Their actions over recent days shows an incredible level of arrogance and shows why a strong, vocal opposition is needed to ensure they are held to account and to ensure that the needs of ordinary people on issues such as housing, health and the costing of living are the priority.”