Taoiseach Micheál Martin has come under severe criticism after it was revealed he had revealed that Ireland will remain in a further 9 weeks of Level 5 lock-down in an interview with tabloid “The Irish Mirror”, published at 10 p.m. on Thursday night.
In the interview, Mr. Martin said: “We’ve already certainly indicated that beyond Easter we’ll look at it again, but until the end of April you can look at significant restrictions and we’ll review it after that then because we’ll have to see where we are”.
His comments have come as a bolt from the blue, according to members of the opposition, mental-health advocates and the general public, who feel the Taoiseach’s revelation of over two more months of lock-down was done in a “flippant”, “disrespectful” and “uncaring” manner by making the statement in a tabloid interview, instead of in a public address to the nation.
People’s lives have been turned upside down.
Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, took to Twitter to chastise Mr. Martin’s actions: “Taoiseach’s casual, flippant announcement of a further nine weeks of lockdown has caused anger and distress. People’s lives have been turned upside down. Govt internal rivalry, leaks and dithering adds stress upon stress”.
Meanwhile, Tipperary TD, Alan Kelly, also referred to the Taoiseach’s ill-mannered comments as having serious implication for the mental health of those suffering through an already difficult time:
For updated and factual Public Health information and advice on COVID-19 Coronavirus, please visit hse.ie/coronavirus or call 1800 700 700
For the latest information on the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme, please visit hse.ie/covid-19-vaccine
