Do you want an election ?

[hollyisalovelyname]

I don't and I am sad that Frances Fitzgerald hasn't resigned.

Politicians tell us that they first enter politics for the good of the country, for the good of society, for the good of the Irish people, never for themselves, oh no.
So prove it.

[hollyisalovelyname]

Anybody ?
Please can somebody tell me why Frances Fitzgerald did not back the whistleblower ?
Also why would Frances Fitzgerald prefer the country to have an election at a really crucial time for Ireland ( Brexit) rather than resign.

British politicians are far far quicker to resign over issues than Irish politicians.

[GeorgieBoy95]

There surely will not be an election at this time - nobody wants one at the busiest time of the year!

I don't know all the ins and outs of the email but I suppose Frances is guilty of not speaking up about something when she should of.. Surely she'll resign with a big pension before letting the country go to the polls?!

[hollyisalovelyname]

I just don't understand and wonder what am I missing.
Could somebody explain what is going on ?

[SkeletalFishtail]

I too would like a summary of what the issue actually is! She is now resigning apparently. I can't tell why though... what did she know about Maurice McCabe?

[GeorgieBoy95]

Frances was aware (via email) that there was a smear campaign against Maurice McCabe. She knew that members of the upper echelons of the Guards were actively lying about Maurice McCabe - suggesting that he was a sexual offender when he was not. This campaign was in response to Sargeant McCabe speaking up about wrong doings in the Guards.

[Phuquocdreams]

Was she aware they were actively lying? I thought the email just said that Gardai's legal strategy was to try to discredit sgt McCabe. This strategy was ultimately not pursued. I'm still not sure it was a resigning matter?

[eloisesparkle]

Phuc I thought Sgt Mc Cabe being accused of paedophilia was smear ( discredit) enough

[SkeletalFishtail]

Yes there is a timeline in the online version of the Indo which is helpful. Gosh the stress McCabe must have gone through. It's a difficult one - not clear she knew the extent of the smear campaign. But think she's done thing either way on principle, also to avoid a general election before Christmas!

[SkeletalFishtail]

*the right thing

[Phuquocdreams]

Oh I know being accused of peadophilia is a smear! But a) did she know the extent of the allegation and b) did she know it was false? If it hasn't been false would it not have been appropriate to interfere?

[hollyisalovelyname]

Thank goodness the election was averted.