Fianna Fáil Press Office
Deputy Willie O’Dea,
Spokesperson on Social Protection

31 October 2015

Burton’s reluctance explains lack of enthusiasm – O’Dea

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Social Protection Deputy Willie O’Dea said today that reports of Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton’s reluctance to take up the post explained her lack of enthusiasm for the portfolio.

Former Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore has just published a memoir in which he says that Ms Burton “reacted very negatively” when offered the Social Protection Portfolio as she was interested in being Minister for Foreign Affairs.

“Her reluctance comes as no surprise to me and explains her complete lack of enthusiasm and empathy in the post. She has applied more cuts than any of her predecessors and is very obviously not at all happy in the post,” added Deputy O’Dea.

“Minister Burton and the Government need to consider her position and policies. Her obvious disinterest in listening to how her cuts are having a huge impact on families shows her disdain for the portfolio.”

-ENDS-