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Enniscorthy Guardian

Kehoe stands over McGuinness tweets

DAVID MEDCALF

GOVERNMENT Chief Whip Paul Kehoe is standing over his controversial tweets attacking the background of presidential candidate Martin McGuinness. But local Enniscorthy councillor Johnny Mythen has described the internet messages from the Minister of State as immature.

The controversy arose after Paul Kehoe decided to air his feelings on Twitter after hearing FG party colleague Gay Mitchell go toe to toe with Martin McGuinness on Newstalk Radio on Sunday morning. His first tweet read 'I wouldn't trust Martin McGuinness to take my dog for a walk'. Then he added: 'Why would you need your salary when you have the proceeds of the Northern Bank at your disposal.'

The remarks did not amuse programme presenter Eamonn Dunphy but next day, the Enniscorthy based politician from Bree felt he had no apology to make. He insisted that the Sinn Féin candidate had questions to answer about his income and his past.

'I have never met the man and I hope I will never have the opportunity to meet him as President of Ireland,' he commented. 'I stand over what I said.' Paul Kehoe added that he was proud to be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland and was concerned that Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister consistently refers to the Republic as the Twenty-Six Counties.

'If you are attacking Martin McGuinness, you are attacking the peace process,' responded Cllr. Johnny Mythen.

'It is a real sign of immaturity. Paul Kehoe would want to be careful with what he says. We have got to progress and get on.'

He said that the IRA and the Republican movement had now been brought into the mainstream of politics and predicted that his party's nominee will make a good go in the election campaign, which he predicted will be a ding-dong battle.

'I hope Martin McGuinness will win it. I met him in two occasions and he comes across very well. He is a great man to connect with the ordinary person.'

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