War of words intensifies between rival Mayo TDs over FDI sector

Mayo Aontú TD Paul Lawless has launched a blistering response to what he called 'lazy spin and political cowardice' from Minister Alan Dillon, following remarks made in the Dáil that accused Deputy Lawless and his party of undermining foreign direct investment (FDI).

Lawless described the comments as not only false but emblematic of “a wider pattern of political behaviour that avoids real scrutiny and leans on sound-bites over substance.”

“I have no problem with any of my policies being challenged,” Lawless said.

“That’s what debate is for. What I do have a problem with is a TD who consistently dodges local debates — on Midwest Radio, Castlebar Radio, or anywhere else — and then turns around in the Dáil to throw out a lazy, ill-thought criticism with no evidence, no engagement, and clearly no understanding of my position.

"Minister Alan Dillon’s claim that the threat to FDI jobs from EU-US tariffs is unfounded.

"His comments are not just naive, they are dangerously complacent. In what universe is it wise to dismiss risk when your entire economic strategy resembles a poker player betting the house on a single hand?

"Ireland is a small open economy. We are the most exposed country in the European Union to a United States tariff war.

"Incredibly 27% of Ireland's net tax receipts in 2023 were collected from 10 companies. Dillon’s comments betray a worrying lack of understanding of the need to broaden our economic base.

"While multinationals are greeted with red carpets and tax breaks, SMEs are buried under red tape and robbed blind by extortionate taxation. SMEs are the backbone of our rural economy and they are the most discriminated-against sector in the economy."

Lawless hit back hard at Dillon’s accusation, saying the Minister’s comments wouldn’t stand up to “a basic reading of the record.”

“We’ve publicly supported FDI on the record — in Dáil debates, in meetings with business leaders, and at forums like the one in the MacWilliam Park Hotel with Mayo’s Chambers of Commerce.

"If Minister Dillon had bothered to show up to any of these, he would know my position and he wouldn’t have to make things up.”

Describing Dillon’s approach as “drive-by politics,” Lawless said it represents the worst kind of political culture: one that avoids dialogue, avoids detail, and avoids understanding what they are criticising.

"“It’s nothing short of political cowardice when Alan Dillon, who won’t face me or others in a local radio debate, chooses instead to spin yarns in the Dáil chamber before scurrying off like a man allergic to accountability.”

“Throwing out spin in the Dáil chamber and then scurrying away before it can be challenged — that’s not leadership, that’s political cowardice. It’s theatre without responsibility. It’s the kind of politics that treats the truth as optional.”

Deputy Lawless has now formally challenged Minister Dillon to a public debate on the issues of FDI, SME support, and Ireland’s economic direction — offering to join him on Midwest Radio, Castlebar Community Radio, or any platform of his choosing.

“If Minister Dillon believes what he said, let’s have it out in front of the people we both represent. Let’s test our policies, our records, and our ideas. That’s democracy. That’s accountability. I’m ready — is he?”

Lawless further accused Dillon and his government’s record of failing to extend the same level of support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that it rightly offers to multinational corporations.

“We roll out the red carpet for global giants, and we bury SMEs under red tape. If the logic of low tax and regulatory flexibility works for FDI — why are we not applying that same logic to local businesses, the backbone of our towns and communities?”

Lawless concluded by urging Minister Dillon to move away from what he called “the politics of cowardice” and toward open, honest debate.

“Minister Dillon doesn’t have to agree with me. He just has to show up. Stop the spin. Leave the script behind. And let’s give the people of Mayo a fair and honest debate. But I won’t hold my breath," he added.