Plum job for Howlin puts FG and Labour at odds
Leas Ceann Comhairle Brendan Howlin outside the Dail yesterday.
Wednesday June 27 2007
BERTIE Ahern's divide and conquer tactic with the opposition worked a treat yesterday as Fine Gael and Labour were at odds over the Dail's deputy chairman post.
The Taoiseach managed to get the Mullingar Accord parties on opposite sides by proposing Labour's Brendan Howlin (right) for the plum position of Leas Ceann Comhairle.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny put forward Padraic McCormack and criticized Mr Ahern's failure to consult with opposition parties on the appointment.
Salary
The Leas Ceann Comhairle job comes with a salary of €147,284 and a driver for his car, the same as a Junior Minister.
Although Mr Kenny said that he was not objecting to Mr Howlin getting the post, Fine Gael did formally vote against his nomination.
Mr Kenny said that the Taoiseach was treating the Dail with "contempt" by not asking for Fine Gael's views.
Meanwhile, Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte said he was "delighted" to second the nomination of Mr Howlin.
"On behalf of myself and my colleagues, I wish him well in his duties," he said. Mr Howlin was elected by 106 votes to 49.
- Fionnan Sheahan and Geraldine Collins
