Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)

That is village chieftain politics rather than the politics of merit. I would rather see the politics of merit come to the fore. Last year when the members of the heritage trust were appointed, the Minister responsible, Deputy Roche, ignored An Taisce. If that is not spite, what is it? I cannot believe he passed over some of the people who have contributed most to the protection, preservation and conservation of towns, villages and houses. There is something strange afoot.

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