Mary Lou McDonald Accuses Micheál Martin Of “Mansplaining”

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Mary Lou McDonald has accused the Taoiseach of “mansplaining” the issue of blackouts to her.

Speaking yesterday on the issue in the Dáil, Micheál Martin said that he can “absolutely assure” the public that both he and the Government will do everything they can to ensure there are no blackouts this winter.

Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan also said that he can “absolutely” assure that electricty blackouts will not occur in Ireland over the winter.

This led to Mary Lou McDonald questioning the Taoiseach. She felt that the Government were failing to get the basics right.

She said, “Taoiseach, when a Government is elected, there is a basic expectation that they get the basics right, so putting roofs over peoples heads, ensuring access to healthcare, and of course, keeping the lights on”.

McDonald also added, “It is now apparent that your Government fails, even on these most basic of tasks of any Government”.

“roll out the red carpet for data centres”

McDonald continued, “I’ve heard from your responses this morning that you clearly don’t appreciate just how anxious people are in regard to rocketing energy costs and the threat of power cuts this winter”. 

“I find it extraordinary that you are prepared to leave households in the dark so that you can roll out the red carpet for data centres and yet this is your proposed course of action”.

The Sinn Féin leader also questioned the Taoiseach on his decision not to introduce a moratorium on more data centres until an impact assessment was conducted.

“Mansplaing”

Micheál Martin said that he felt it was not a significant enough question to raise in Leader’s Questions.

This also led to McDonald hitting back with sarcastic remarks. She thanked the Taoiseach for “mansplaining” this policy to her.

“Can I thank you, Taoiseach, for mansplaining the importance of a public policy to a mere woman like myself”, she said.

She also added, “you’re very good Micheal, Go raibh míle maith agat”. 

McDonald later tweeted, “Taoiseach mansplaining his failures away. Another day in the Dail”. 

Earlier this month also saw the Taoiseach visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York. More on that here.