10/03/2009

Gogarty Resigns As Education Spokesman

Paul Gogarty has resigned as the Green Party Education Spokesman.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said he took the decision after Green Party members voted at their weekend conference to set up a group to devise the Party's education policies.

Asked if he would step down as chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Education, he said that would be a matter for Green Party leader John Gormley.

Ruairi Quinn, the Labour Party's own spokesman on education said the move was "futile".

"The resignation of Deputy Paul Gogarty as Education Spokesperson for the Green Party is a fairly futile gesture at this stage," Mr Quinn said.

He added: "Had Deputy Gogarty been prepared to take this stand when his government was forcing swinging education cuts through the Dail last October it might well have forced his Party to reconsider their support for Batt O'Keeffes proposals.

"Some of the significant damage that is now being caused to our education system might have been averted."

He added that Deputy Gogarty should now resign his paid position as chair of the Oireachtas Education Committee.

(DW/BMcC)

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