Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

Thank you Mr. Cowen. In response to Deputy Phelan earlier, in regard to party funding, Mr. Cowen, you indicated that in your view there was no issue as members of the Government were not included. But can I ask you if in ... well, in 2006, the record shows that a golf classic raised €18,000 for yourself, from 18 donors, 12 of whom were very prominent in the property construction and related industries. Is it appropriate, do you think, for the Minister for Finance to have that type of engagement with what were popularly known as members of the golden circle, or do you think it gives rise to the idea of the golden circle, that this type of relationship would exist?