Sinn Féin TD for Meath West, Johnny Guirke, has said Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has failed to answer why he is propping up the grubby backroom deal between Fiann Fáin, Fine Gael and so-called independents.

Deputy Guirke made his comments after Deputy Tóibín finally came out of hiding today.

Teachta Guirke said:

“Earlier today, I called on Peadar Tóibín to explain why he is facilitating the stroke politics of the incoming government.

“He has finally come out of hiding. But in his 500 words of guff, he has failed to explain why he is facilitating this coalition of chancers.

“It is the job of the opposition to hold the government to account. It is not the job of the opposition to prop up a nod-and-a-wink arrangement that hands over speaking time to government-supporting TDs.

“The reality is that there are other options for the two TDs of Aontú to form a technical group with independents and smaller parties who are genuine members of the opposition.

“Instead of exploring those options, Peadar has leapt into bed with Michael Lowry, Danny Healy-Rae, Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole – individuals who negotiated the Programme for Government and have pledged unflinching support for the incoming government.

“Peadar Tóibín was elected on a platform of opposing the status quo but has chosen to facilitate a grubby backroom deal with Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and so-called independents that maintains the status quo.”