Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher: 'Sold out' by Barnier on fishing, home care needs and Mica

During a stirring speech to the Fianna Fáil grassroots in Donegal, moments after they gave him their backing to contest what will be his 16^th election, Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher told how he felt “sold out” by Michel Barnier on Ireland's fishing quotas.

Barnier is now the Prime Minister of France, elected to the office only last month, but in 2019 he was the European Union's Chief Negotiator in the Brexit talks when he met with then Deputy Gallagher.

One of the compromises agreed centred on the UK being allowed to reclaim control over fishing waters.

Ireland, as one of the EU countries most reliant on British waters for fishing, was disproportionately affected, losing around 15% of its quota as a result of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA).

“We have lost the equivalent of €224million worth of fish over that period,” Gallagher told local Fianna Fáil members on Thursday night having been chosen at a selection convention to join Charlie McConalogue, the sitting Minister for Agriculture, in contesting the next General Election for the party.

“Michel Barnier sat across a table in Dáil Éireann and told me: 'The fishing industry will not be affected while I am negotiating the Brexit deal'.

“How foolish I was to have listened to him. He sold us out at the time. We didn't get what he promised. He said negotiations on fisheries would be inextricably linked with trade and we wouldn't lose.

“No veto was used and had it been threatened we might have had a different outcome. That is the Prime Minister of France now who gave us the assurance, but didn't deliver.”

Gallagher urged the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, to carry out a review of all hospitals in the country and was highly critical of confirmation that in-home care providers in many counties – including Donegal – have been told that the HSE will not fund more hours of homecare for existing service-users.

“We still have to deliver and there are people out there in community who can't get home help,” Gallagher told a packed Shellbridge Suite at the Clanree Hotel.

“They are being delivered it on paper, but there is a rule now and officials are told not to provide any extra packages until somebody passes away. That is not good enough for me and I will not accept that. That should be a red letter line for us.

“I would hope before any election that the Minister would see sense and give a directive that money is spent.
“Fianna Fáil has always been a caring government and I would hope that that would be rectified sooner rather than later.”

Gallagher lost his seat in Leinster House at the last General Election. He wants to win back his perch having staved off Councillor Michéal Naughton by 169 votes to 96 to get his spot on the ticket.

Thursday's convention was preceded by a protest by homeowners blighted by defective concrete blocks who are demanding 100% redress.

“I have been in homes that appeared beautiful until they showed me the problems,” Gallagher said. “We must do everything possible and will work to make sure they receive the extra 10 per cent.

“It is only right and proper that they are not penalised. If there is work in progress, those people should not be penalised. While the work is in progress, they should avail of the same as those who would be approved going forward.”

With McConalogue given a free passage to be the party's candidate in Donegal North, Gallagher had to navigate a vote when challenged by Naughton for the spot in Donegal South.

Now, veteran politician Gallagher – who will turn 77 next March – is looking forward to another election campaign.

“I am as enthusiastic as I was when I was first elected (as a County Councillor) at the Ostan in Dungloe in the 1979 Local Election and when selected at the Highlands Hotel with Clement Coughlan in 1981; every bit as enthusiastic and nearly as fit as I was then.

“I will make myself available to individuals, families and communities.

“I have worked every single day. I only lost my seat. I didn't lose my contacts. Wherever I was, I would always return the call within a reasonable time. That will help to get me the extra votes to accompany Charlie McConalogue back to Dáil Éireann.

“It is vitally important that we secure the two seats.”