Taoiseach’s accusation against Desmond
Spring asked the Taoiseach to withdraw his 15 March accusation that Desmond had acted recklessly toward the beef trade, arguing that the Taoiseach lacked the facts. The Taoiseach refused and defended his remarks amid a heated exchange, while the Chair repeatedly tried to move to the next question.
I am trying to be helpful. I was very surprised when I heard the Taoiseach's remarks on 15 March when he with full responsibility accused Deputy Desmond of trying to sabotage the beef industry, particularly in the knowledge I had of the letter that had been sent to the Goodman company. I was amazed that the Taoiseach would actually say that a full statement would clear this matter up.
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I was relieved to be informed today that the Taoiseach knew nothing about these matters which are ultimately his responsibility as Taoiseach. Will the Taoiseach now withdraw the remark he made on 15 March which was made without the Taoiseach being in full possession of all the facts?
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——should be withdrawn because the Taoiseach did not have all the facts and the Taoiseach is now saying that the Minister for Agriculture and Food is going to take all the responsibility because he does not want to have anything to do with it.
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What I said about Deputy Desmond was that he was recklessly irresponsible with regard to the best interests of the beef trade——
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Not alone are you politically despicable, but you have not even the good manners to listen.
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The simple matter is that these benighted Deputies are consumed with jealousy at the success of this Government——
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——and they are dabbling in the lowest form of politics. They know full well that there is nothing in this whole matter. They went away on their Easter holidays leaving this thing in the air, and it is all that they can come back to now in spite of all the problems that are facing the Government.