The lack of South East representation in the new Cabinet has been described as a major setback by a Waterford TD.
Nine of the fifteen ministers appointed to cabinet yesterday are from Dublin and the neighbouring counties of Meath and Wicklow. Another three are in Cork city.
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane said the absence of any senior cabinet position based in the Southeast was incredible: “Today is a bad day for regional development and a bad day for the Southeast. The Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party Programme for Government is largely silent when it comes to the Southeast. To add insult to injury the region is now without a voice at the cabinet table.
“This beggars belief. The Southeast is underperforming and needs support. The Government parties have continuously ignored the region. They have no plan, no vision or no interest in delivering for the Southeast.
“I was taken aback to see Waterford Independent TD Matt Shanahan vote for a Government that has ignored the Southeast. This sends out an awful signal that ignoring the region will be tolerated.
“I will continue to use my time in the Dáil to champion Waterford and the Southeast. We need strong leadership and delivery in the region. It is clear we will not get this from Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.”
