The internal rift caused by the introduction of water charges seems to be about to claim another victim within the Fine Gael ranks.
Mere days after Fine Gael Mayor for Drogheda Kevin Callan resigned from the party over the handling of Irish Water and water charges, Kerry South TD Brendan Griffin has said that he is also considering a similar move.
Griffin has reportedly told a local radio station that the Government coalition has ‘mishandled’ the establishment of Irish Water, and also that the party whip is ‘stifling dialogue and political reform.’
Speaking in Radio Kerry this morning, Griffin was asked whether he was about to vote against (water charges) or leaving the party, Griffin responded ‘I’m very close to that.’
The TD is a member of the unofficial Fine Gael ‘five-a-side’ club, which has previously found itself at odds with the Taoiseach on the issue of political reform. This splinter group is also known for calling on the Taoiseach to deal with public sector pay and increments.