‘Disrespectful to the people of Mayo’: Conway-Walsh hits back at Tánaiste

Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has strongly criticised Tánaiste Simon Harris for what she described as a “disrespectful” attack not just on her personally, but on the people of Mayo who elected her.

Deputy Conway-Walsh was responding to comments made by the Fine Gael leader during a heated exchange in Dáil Éireann last week, in which he said he did “not particularly think it is a good idea that Sinn Féin chairs the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security.”

Deputy Conway-Walsh, who currently chairs the committee but was not present in the Dáil when Minister Harris made the statements, said:

“The behaviour of An Tánaiste says a lot more about him than it does about me."

"It is disrespectful to the people of Mayo to make a comment like that. The people of Mayo are the ones who gave me a mandate to be in Dáil Éireann.”

She continued: “It would be more in his line to make an impact on the cost of living, housing, and health than to direct personal attacks against another member of the Dáil.”

The Tánaiste’s remarks provoked outrage from Sinn Féin TDs in the chamber.

Pearse Doherty TD said the comments were “a disgraceful slur” and accused Mr Harris of undermining Deputy Conway-Walsh’s integrity in her absence.

“That is scandalous,” he said. “That is a disgrace.”

Despite repeated calls for a withdrawal, Mr Harris refused, insisting he was entitled to his view.

“I do not believe Sinn Féin should chair a committee on national security,” he said.

“I will continue to hold that view and I will work day and night to make sure it never is.”

Dublin Bay North Sinn Féin TD Denise Mitchell also took aim at the Tánaiste, telling him to “get back into your playpen” during the row.