Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport, Robert Troy, says it is deeply disappointing to see Minister Ross using his influence at Cabinet to progress parochial concerns rather than focusing on the various emerging crises within his national portfolio.
Deputy Troy made the comments as it became clear that Shane Ross’s price for continued support for Government was the reopening of his local Garda station.
“We in Fianna Fáil fought strongly against Fine Gael’s dismantling of the community policing network across the country in 2012 and 2013. Surely if there are resources available for reopening stations the Government should have a process for deciding eligible stations based on a transparent process based on incidence of crime and risk of crime,” Deputy Troy said.
Deputy Troy said Minister Ross portrayed himself “as some sort of maverick” in advance of entering Government.
“He insisted that he would be focusing on the national picture and advancing issues which fall under his responsibility as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. However his track record as Minister has been abysmal as he simply hasn’t got to grips with the serious problems in our public transport network or the challenges facing the tourism industry in light of Brexit,” he commented.
Deputy Troy added that Minister Ross had an opportunity to seek proper investment to deal with the issues on his desk as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, but instead used his influence at Cabinet to solely progress his parochial interests.
“If the Minister exerted the same amount of energy to his actual portfolio as he does to parochial issues then we might actually see some movement on the issues facing our transport network and tourism industry. Instead, with this news, Minister Ross has been found out,” concluded Deputy Troy.
