9th September 2002

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Ó Snodaigh accuses Taoiseach of insulting the electorate

Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has accused the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern of insulting the intelligence of the electorate. He was speaking following weekend comments from the Taoiseach. Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

``Is the Taoiseach so far removed from reality that he really expects to hoodwink the electorate into believing that there have not been widespread government cutbacks over the summer months. There is not one person on the whole island who is not fully aware that Fianna Fáil are engaging in a u-turn on their election promises on health, education and many other areas.

``It is also a bit rich for the Taoiseach to say that we'll be ignored if we vote No a second time given he led the charge to not only ignore but to challenge the democratic decision taken in June 2001.

``In the last week we have seen government spokespersons resorting to increasingly desperate language and insulting the intelligence of the electorate by telling us we didn't know what we were voting for in the last referendum. This is a time for a real debate based on respect and not bombastic rhetoric.''

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