Thanks to Cian for bringing my attention to this little bit of venom from Enda Kenny on Thursday as reported yesterday by Lise Hand. Gemma Hussey had questioned Enda’s leadership on RTE’s Eleventh Hour on Wednesday night and Enda was asked about her comments.

Gemma Hussey is out of politics, she should stay out of politics,” he snapped.

“She is not part of the Fine Gael programme. Gemma Hussey had her day, she got a good time from Fine Gael when she was minister for education. I served with her as a junior for a number of times and she should remember the number of times I helped her with difficulties she had in that education portfolio.”

Gemma Hussey is Fine Gael to the core and has huge experience outside of government in promoting democracy and gender rights across Europe. She is one of very few women in Fine Gael history to have served in cabinet and Enda would be wise to refrain from smack down’s like that in future. Is sexism going to be the underlying tone of this campaign? If he didn’t like it he should have said so and moved on, but no he decided to get the dig in afterwards, one which does him no favours.

Update

Last nights Tonight with Vincent Browne had a clip of Enda’s remarks. (Thanks to Alexia)

Enda Kenny’s remarks on Gemma Hussey February 3rd from maman poulet on Vimeo.