Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----I am certainly the last person to suggest that there would be anything underhand. However, given the fact that he has unique insight into and knowledge of the operation of An Bord Pleanála, if Mr. O'Connor, in pursuing his duties, involves himself in any way in the planning process of EirGrid - not just the preparation of a planning application or appearing at a public hearing but in any way - I do not know how that perception can be overturned in people's minds. I do not believe my party will be in a position to support his appointment as chairperson of EirGrid unless he can give a satisfactory answer and say he will dissociate himself in every respect from the planning process within EirGrid.