Mr. Ray MacSharry:

Having been a public representative for 30 years, I believe I have some knowledge of what is on the public's mind.

When I was in the position in which I had to make a decision that affected the public, I considered what I believed to be in the public interest. I would do exactly the same at a board meeting of the bank as to what would be in the public interest. We are bound under company law to look after the interests of the institution. If the Oireachtas wishes, it can change the law. We do that to ensure that it is run appropriately and responsibly.