Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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The tone of the correspondence is also cranky in respect of Deputy Martin, the then line Minister and now the leader of Deputy McGuinness' party. It is quite a stretch - even accepting the pressures involved - to insinuate any level of intimidation or ethical high-handedness on the part of the man who was both the Deputy's line Minister and party colleague. The atmosphere which obtained was clearly charged. At the time did Deputy McGuinness approach Deputy Martin and inform him that he was obliged to travel a great deal, that he had made an inquiry about his spouse accompanying him, that he was prepared to pay her way but that he was being stonewalled by the officials? Did Deputy Martin approach Deputy McGuinness and say, "Listen, John, there are ethical issues here"? Did any conversation take place six years ago in respect of this matter?