Statements on George Lee

Statement by Enda Kenny on George Lee

I’m greatly saddened by George Lee's decision to resign from Fine Gael and politics just eight months into his new Dáil career. 

In July I appointed George to Chair the Parliamentary Party's Economic and Business Affairs Committee which all members of the Party could attend, and which was designed to act as a core group in developing Fine Gael economic policy for the next General Election. During a period of great political uncertainty when a General Election seemed imminent George played a very important role in Chairing our Business and Economic Forums around the country before Christmas. These played an integral part in planning our pre-Budget submission. George, along with our other economic Spokesmen, planned and presented that Fine Gael position to the media at Budget time. I had anticipated a very important role for George in the coming period with Fine Gael after a time of settling into a new career in politics. 

As part of our economic team George was due to attend the OECD later this week together with a senior Fine Gael delegation. Regrettably that, and other developments, will not now happen after George's decision today. While I regret his decision I would like, on a personal level, to wish George and his family well in the future.

Statement by Fianna Fáil Senator Maria Corrigan 

George Lee’s resignation from Dáil Eireann has come as a shock to the people of Dublin South today. 

Politics is a difficult career path and never more so than now with the current difficulties facing the country. Progress at times can be difficult and slow, but it is possible to make a difference. 

George is a bright person and he had a contribution to make. But it appears that Fine Gael is not an inclusive party. 

They have already been dismissive of former esteemed party leaders Alan Dukes and Garret Fitzgerald, and now George. 

It’s clear that Fine Gael has no genuine interest in economic policy. 

I wish George and his family well for the future.