Michael Ring directly contradicts FG policy, again – Flynn

Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn has expressed her surprise at Michael Ring TD’s public declaration of his lack of support for the George Mitchell Scholarship. It is hugely surprising, she said, considering his views are in complete contradiction to his Party’s Education Spokesperson.

“Today on the Today with Pat Kenny programme on RTE Radio 1, a report questioned whether an investment of €20 million in the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund represented value for money for the taxpayer in the current economic climate. Michael Ring TD was interviewed for the report and he made it quite clear that he disagreed with this increased level of funding.”

“However, these comments are in direct contradiction to those made by his colleague and party Spokesperson on Education, Brian Hayes TD, during a Dáil debate on the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund only a few weeks ago.”

Deputy Flynn said: “Brian Hayes made it clear that the fund had cross party support. He welcomed the Bill on behalf of Fine Gael and clearly stated that there was cross-party agreement for it.”

“He went as far as to even praise the Government for its efforts, ‘applauding’ the Government for recognising George Mitchell’s work through scholarships for high-calibre students from the US. He also applauded the Government for increasing investment in this important fund.”

“It was very surprising to hear Deputy Ring on Today with Pat Kenny today, directly contradicting his party’s Spokesperson on Education. Deputy Ring and Deputy Hayes need to figure out where their party stands on this issue," concluded Deputy Flynn.