Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Walsh.

There was nothing personal in what I said to Mr. Meaney, but his appointment is one of many throughout the system that, unfortunately, land people whose loyalty is to the party in power - not just Fine Gael and the Labour Party - in key positions. Taking key positions in State bodies such as his is regarded by many, in particular by me, as being a reward for showing loyalty to a party in power. The fact that he did not go through the procedure, despite the fact that he had made applications, is a reflection more on the party than him, his membership thereof or his behaviour therein. It should have asked him to appear for vetting and approval. I am ready to admit that I am not qualified to question what he has done in IGB, but I am unhappy about the method through which he was appointed. His membership of and loyalty and service to Fine Gael were material factors in that regard.