Fine Gael TD Lucinda Creighton has called for an end to 'cute-hoor' politics within her own party and warned about the risk of Fine Gael becoming 'Fianna Fáil Light'.
Ms Creighton made her comments in a speech on standards in public life and accountability at the MacGill Summer School in Co Donegal.
She said her party cannot condemn Fianna Fáil's association with property developers when it was seeking contributions from similar individuals indebted to NAMA.
'Fine Gael cannot equivocate about the standards we wish to bring to the running of this Republic,' Ms Creighton said.
'We need a real ''New Politics'' - of substance rather than sound-bites.'
Speaking on RTÉ's News At One, Ms Creighton said the presence of property developer Michael O'Flynn at a Fine Gael fundraising golf classic did nothing towards cleaning up politics.
She believes that the money raised at the event in the K Club in Co Kildare should be returned.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has refused to respond to the criticisms from Ms Creighton.
Mr Kenny said he had not read her speech and would not comment until he had done so.
He said: 'I don't think it is fair to ask me to respond or comment to a speech I haven't read.'
When it was pointed out that the story first appeared in the Sunday Independent, Mr Kenny said he had not bought or read that paper for three years.
However, Mr Kenny insisted that all his party's activities are legitimate.
Cross-border proposals
Fine Gael has launched the first interim report from its Border Forum.
It calls on the Government to establish a multi-agency task force for the region to boost the economy and create jobs.
Included in the nine-point plan is the introduction of a joint Irish/British holiday visa to facilitate tourism across the island and in the border region in particular.
Other proposals include a joint initiative between state enterprises on both sides of the border to attract foreign direct investment and protect existing jobs.
The allocation of funds from the Exchequer, as well as other public and private investment to develop new infrastructural projects in the region, has also been suggested – especially in roads and the upgrading of broadband and energy networks.
The provision of immediate training places for those who are newly unemployed, as well as a review of all ‘cancelled transport projects in the region’ are also proposed by Fine Gael.
The party also proposes developments in the agri-food area, including an overhaul of labelling and an all-Ireland approach to animal health and welfare.
The final proposal calls for a clear definition of what areas are included in cross-border region.
Speaking in Cavan at the launch of the report, Mr Kenny said the border area had been held back for more than 90 years.
The best hope for those living here is for the authorities on both sides to focusing on developing its potential and securing existing jobs, he said.
Watch videos from the MacGill Summer School
