John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I now want to turn briefly again to the discussion that was had earlier with Senator D'Arcy, although I don't have any movies or books with me, but in your statement, you referred to the 19 November letter as being "gratuitous", which is, some might say, a somewhat strong word, in light of the fact, as you said, that discussions had already commenced. Why did you yourself feel the need to go on "Morning Ireland" on the 18th and could it not be said that that might be perceived by some to have been gratuitous itself?