Martin accuses Tánaiste of jeopardising EU budget negotiations
The Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has accused the Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore of jeopardising EU Budget negotiations.
It comes after Ireland’s bid to secure European Parliamentary support for the European Union’s seven-year budget suffered a setback today, after a number of MEP’s expressed their dissatisfaction with the package.
German MEP Reimer Boge accused Mr Gilmore of manipulation, and resigned from his position as negotiator for the European People’s Party in protest.
Micheál Martin said it is deeply worrying that the negotiations may have been unnecessarily undermined at the last moment, because of the Irish Government’s rush to claim a headline victory.
Fianna Fail's European Affairs spokesperson, Timmy Dooley, said the Tánaiste should apologise.
"I think the Tánaiste has his old form back where he pats himself on the back in advance and then leaves the details to the one side
"He might have got away with that carry on at home but unfortunately for Ireland's reputation abroad Minister Gilmore has certainly been caught out he has caused the government very serious embarrassment at the highest level in Europe."
