Fianna FAIL yesterday rejected a call for the Government to announce in advance of the South Tipperary by-election whether the constituency is to benefit from decentralisation.
The independent candidate, Mr Seamus Healy, claimed the refusal of the Government to clarify the issue suggested South Tipperary was to be "palmed off with a minor sub-office" instead of the major department it deserved.
"The Government has promised to unveil its plan to decentralise 14,000 jobs before the end of July. It is difficult to believe that the Taoiseach would not have given some indication of his plan for South Tipperary during the byelection if the announcement would help the Government's candidate," he said.
The Fianna Fail candidate, Mr Barry O'Brien, said Mr Healy's comments showed his "lack of understanding" of the process involved in securing decentralisation for the constituency. Talks between unions and Government Departments were at an advanced stage to establish which sections could be transferred as part of this phase of the decentralisation programme.
"Having attempted to establish himself as a self-styled champion for workers' rights, I find it alarming that Mr Healy does not understand that due process and consultation with trade unions and local groups is a prerequisite to a final decision being taken," he said.
Mr Healy said South Tipperary, having failed to benefit from previous decentralisation programmes, was entitled to a minimum of 750 jobs. The Fine Gael and Labour candidates, Senator Tom Hayes and Ms Ellen Ferris respectively, have also said the issue is among the most important of the campaign.
Mr Hayes, canvassing yesterday in Tipperary town, said nine out of 10 graduates from the constituency were leaving the area to find work. He said promises to fund outreach centres for the Tipperary Rural and Business Development Institute had fallen "far short of delivery".
