Þorgerður Katrín will not debate Jón Gnarr’s criticism

Foreign Minister and Viðreisn party leader Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir says Jón Gnarr’s departure from the party’s parliamentary group was a serious blow, but she will not get into an exchange with him over his criticism, mbl.is reported.

Gunnarsdóttir said she knew Gnarr held strong views on certain issues. She pointed to a strategy group, set up to examine the party’s internal workings with considerable freedom, and said she was looking forward to its findings, expected in November.

She hopes the group’s work will make Gnarr consider returning to the party. Gunnarsdóttir said she respects his decision, values working with him and does not take his criticism of the party leadership personally.

Asked about his comments on a lack of leadership and the case of Sigmar Guðmundsson, who recently stepped down as chair of Viðreisn’s parliamentary group, she declined to discuss personal matters involving MPs or group staff.