Mr. Brendan McDonagh:

I do not have to tell the Deputy that it was reported in the media that there seemed to be disagreement within the Government about the person rather than the role. I genuinely feel that the role is important. Somebody with the right skill set can go in and add value and start unlocking things, which has to be the objective of us all. It cannot be about nothing happening. Nothing happening is not an option when you have so many people who need housing. I decided I would not be part of this anymore, because when it becomes about the personality rather than the importance of the job, I felt that was not the way to go. Why would I sit in there and just be kicked around like a political football? I am a public servant but I am apolitical. I admire all Members. They put themselves up for election and get elected. They are public representatives. I am not a public representative but I am a public servant. I said I felt the right thing to do was remove myself from the process and let the process move on.