Fermoy cumann meet to discuss rebel TD O’Keefe
Members of Fermoy Fianna meet tonight to discuss the situation which occurred last week when Deputy Ned O’Keeffe abstained in a crucial Dáil vote.
Party members are split over the stance taken by the outspoken deputy who resigned the party Whip because of his fury at what he said were Government failures in the health service.
Since the incident debate has raged in the heartland of his constituency over whether local party members will support or disassociate themselves from Deputy O’Keeffe.
It is expected that there will be a full discussion of the situation tonight.
Spokesman for the cumann, Paul Lillis said: “People are divided over what has happened. If we support Ned does that mean we are going against the Taoiseach and Mary Harney?
“These questions will be answered tonight. I expect a big turnout.”
Since he left the parliamentary party Deputy O’Keeffe can no longer attend cumann meetings unless specifically invited to do so.
Last week Deputy O’Keeffe called for Minister Harney to resign before an Opposition vote of no confidence in the Dáil.
Just before the vote he ended his involvement in the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party before abstaining from the motion of no confidence. However, before his abstention, Deputy O’Keeffe voted in favour of a Government amendment to the motion.
“Ned will have his supporters no doubt but there are others who are not happy with the stance he took. We will decide tonight what direction the cumann will take,” added Mr Lillis.
Deputy O’Keeffe has been unavailable for comment since the controversial resignation and he is not expected to attend tonight’s meeting.
Senior Fianna Fáil figures in Cork, including Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin, urged Deputy O’Keeffe to reconsider his decision to resign.
Deputy O’Keeffe remains a member of Fianna Fáil but is no longer within the parliamentary organisation.
