McDowell denies Harney rift
The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell today insisted that he and Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney were completely united within the Progressive Democrats Party and in Government.
The relationship between the two Cabinet members had been thrown into the spotlight after claims that Mr McDowell tried to challenge Ms Harney for the leadership of the junior coalition partner.
Minister for Communications Noel Dempsey also suggested yesterday that the tension between the two politicians was a distraction to their ministerial duties.
But Mr McDowell reiterated today: “Both of us are completely united in where our party is going and where we are going in Government.
“There is no division. There is no agenda between us except to do our respective jobs.”
He added: “At no time have I or Mary Harney taken our eyes off the ball.”
The Dublin TD warned PD party members to keep internal matters out of the media spotlight.
He insisted that the priority for him and Ms Harney was to serve the people.
He added: “There is no instability in the Progressive Democrats or in Government.
“Mary Harney and I are 100% committed to what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.
“There are no differences between us full stop.”
