Labour language about Ireland a disgrace - Dempsey

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD has hit out at the Labour Party's current strategy of talking down the Irish economy. His comments follow a series of recent contributions where the party's most senior representatives have won headlines variously describing the country as "banjaxed" (Joan Burton TD) and as an "economic corpse" (Pat Rabbite TD).

Mr Dempsey commented: "It beggars belief that a national political party with aspirations to be in Government should talk down our country in this way. The messages that it sends to our own people, not to mention the international markets at this time could not be worse."

"Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the Labour Party have prioritised their own press coverage over the national interest. Only recently Joan Burton described the country as ‘ruined’ while Eamon Gilmore described the Irish National Recovery Plan as an ‘instrument of surrender’. Equally shocking was Pat Rabbitte’s decision to agree with the sentiment behind one tabloid headline: ‘Ireland, RIP’."

"It is truly shocking that national legislators would talk about their own country in such pejorative terms and with so little regard for the consequences. I understand that an election is now on the horizon and that the opposition will be competing with each other for prominence in the media, but some things are more important than party politics - surely that should include national pride and hope among our citizens."

"This is not a time for defeatism or talking down our country. Yes, a lot is being asked of the Irish people. But we are a resilient people and we will get through this if we work together and stay focussed on what is great about Ireland."