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Home Page > News > De Valera’s grandson on verge of quitting Fianna Fail over EU Fiscal Treaty

De Valera’s grandson on verge of quitting Fianna Fail over EU Fiscal Treaty

Eamon O Cuiv to announce decision on Tuesday night

PATRICK COUNIHAN,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 7:56 AM

Updated Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 12:39 PM

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Eamon O Cuiv stands in front of Ireland's Parliamentary building, Leinster House

Photo by Google Images

Fianna Fail founder Eamon De Valera’s grandson, Eamon O Cuiv, could walk away from the party on Tuesday night after his latest row with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin.

O Cuiv has promised to announce a decision on his future with the party at a press conference after months of disagreements with Martin.

The Galway deputy was stripped of the party’s deputy leadership after he urged a no vote in the forthcoming vote on the EU Fiscal Treaty – against party policy.

O Cuiv told the Irish Independent: “I have two choices - leave the party or say nothing about the treaty.

“It is fairly clear to me that I will have to leave the party if I campaign or speak in the media in favour of a No vote in the referendum.”

He insisted to the paper that his grandfather and family heritage would have no bearing on his decision.

“It’s a fairly stark decision that I have to take,” he said.

O Cuiv claimed in the interview that he was sent a letter by party chief whip Sean O Fearghail outlining Fianna Fail rules and its stance on the treaty.

He also stated it was clear that ‘they’ wanted him to leave the party. If he does so he will turn independent rather than join Sinn Fein.

Nster.com

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DanOLoingsigh | May 10, 2012, 09:55 AM EDT

O’Cuivs typifies what’s good and bad in the FF approach to politics - he brought a lot of investment and much-needed jobs to the Cornamona, Cloghbrack area and virtually single handedly stopped the local emigration cycle; he got big grants for road improvements, and the roads and general visual appearance were enhanced out of all recognition. BUT it was achieved with ‘pork barrel’ type policies. So I can see why his stock is so high in his own area…but his type of FF clientilism has a very big downside, as seen lately. He’s also not averse to the odd stroke…in one election he dropped the O from his name, so he got to the top of the ballot paper as Cuiv.

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seanomelb | May 09, 2012, 08:19 PM EDT

You're drinking to much of it "scotch"tommy your irrationality is aaaaaamusing.

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Scotchtommy | May 09, 2012, 03:24 PM EDT

I hate to be nasty (no I don't -what I liar I am becoming) but this fella O'Cuiv , with those glasses and that dumb smile doesn't look (as the Irish used to say -"The Full Shilling"- as our US cousins would say "Not the brightest light on the Christmass Tree)Still with his name he is a shoe in for being voted in .On the platform of "Bejaysus,me Grand Daddy was Eamonn Sumding or Udder.Duh .I tank yez."

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Bythebay | May 09, 2012, 12:20 PM EDT

Yes Irish political "dynasties" strangling the country, The Brian Lenihan dynasty, another good Fianna Fáil political family, Finance Minister who single handedly decided on the bank bailout with taxpayer money costing us billions while attempting to save property developers and other Fianna Fáil stalwarts.

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Bythebay | May 09, 2012, 12:15 PM EDT

As my comment of 2:39 p.m. yesterday US Eastern Time May 8, Éamon Ó Cuív has decided to be silent on the Financial Treaty. He's staying in Fianna Fáil. Self-interest has won. Dev would indeed be proud.

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connemaragirl | May 09, 2012, 01:53 AM EDT

As always Bythebay,you haven't a clue what your talking about.

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Scotchtommy | May 09, 2012, 01:28 AM EDT

So he is De Valera's grandson.How in heaven's name does this get him voted into public office?The Irish sneer at the Brits for their hereditary ruling family but the Irish and Irish Americans seem to love hereditary political families..In 50 years we will still be voting for John F Kennedy the 12th.Years ago I saw Gerry Fitt (a most decent honourable man you could not meet) yet he was shamelessly touting Catholic votes for a N.I.Republican candidate on the sole grounds (get this) that he was the grandson of James Connolly executed after the 1916 rising.That was bound to make him a first class politician>At the time I thought the guy looked rather dim but still with his family credentials he was an ideal candidate.

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pilib04 | May 08, 2012, 08:46 PM EDT

Sinn Fein? I guess Counihan is simply recognizing the fact that Sinn Fein is the leading opposition party and according to recent polls, the second most popular party in Ireland (and growing).

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clevelander | May 08, 2012, 07:26 PM EDT

@bytheway My God another thing I agree with you. Eamon De Valera was a horrible person to lead the Republic.

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seanomelb | May 08, 2012, 06:45 PM EDT

A rare event a politician making a principled stand,well done.

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LoyalCitizen | May 08, 2012, 05:47 PM EDT

He's a two faced traitor just like his ancestors.

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DanOLoingsigh | May 08, 2012, 02:41 PM EDT

A deValera splitter...surely not?

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Bythebay | May 08, 2012, 02:39 PM EDT

If Éamon Ó Cuív was putting the interests of the Irish people first he never would have continued to support the policies of Fianna Fáil which caused the economic downfall of Ireland. Rather his interest is self interest and as such Dev would definitely be proud of that.

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Seanmor | May 08, 2012, 12:01 PM EDT

Eamonn Ó Cuiv has a lot of moral courage to put the interests of the Irish state and its people ahead of his party and political careen. Dev would be very proud of his grandson's high principles.

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Murph46 | May 08, 2012, 11:12 AM EDT

All he need do is wait for Hollande!

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