Former TD calls protest 'one of the most brazen gaslighting stunts pulled on Waterford in decades'
Waterford Airport
Former TD Matt Shanahan has described a planned Sinn Féin protest as "political theatre" and "pure gaslighting."
The social advocate took to social media to criticise the party's Waterford TDs for hosting the protest demanding funding for the airport runway extension instead of tabling a private members' motion in the Dáil.
Mr Shanahan said that tabling the motion and forcing a debate and vote in the Dáil.
"Sinn Féin's call for a protest over Waterford Airport funding is political theatre—pure gaslighting of the public.
"Since last November, they’ve had the power to table a private members’ motion in the Dáil—forcing a two-hour national debate and vote on the Airport.
"They refused. That silence speaks volumes," said Mr Shanahan.
He went on to call the protest "not just hypocritical" but "one of the most brazen gaslighting stunts pulled on Waterford in decades."
He suggested the Government representatives in Waterford and the South East were "hamstrung" and criticised Sinn Féin for supporting Derry Airport and Casement Park while their executive "stay silent."
"For decades, this region has been politically sidelined. That’s not an opinion—it’s a fact, etched into every corner of our city and county and most easily evidenced in the lack of economic infrastructure.
"And of course, people have a right to protest. But they also have the right to protest based on truth, not spin!
"This event shouldn’t be about party politics, but it is - it is about creating a political narrative not based in fact but based on emboldening a political party locally - instead of the political delivery people attending are crying out for.
"We have a clear, honest and transparent political case to support the delivery of Waterford Airport funding - We should have political representation that aligns with that position and aspiration.
"It is not in wide evidence at present," said Mr Shanahan.
In response, Sinn Fein Comeragh councillor Catherine Burke left a comment saying the protest is not gaslighting but a "response to real public frustration."
"Protesting is legitimate, and calling for accountability shouldn't be dismissed as theatre when real investment continues to bypass Waterford," commented Cllr Burke.
According to Dáil Eireann records, Sinn Féin TDs have raised the matter of Waterford Airport approximately 20 times, this year.
This includes raising the issue every month through the submission of Parliamentary Questions, contributions to Dáil debates and topical issues.
Waterford TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuinness were most likely to raise the matter, but the airport was also included in submissions made by Sinn Féin TD for Kerry Pa Daly.
While it is true that no private members motions have been submitted from the Sinn Féin camp, it is not correct to suggest that they do not use their position in the Dáil to advocate for the airport.
However, it is correct to say that no submissions have been made from the Sinn Féin executive.
