Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Mr. Burke, as a member and chairman of the board for many years, has carried out a hugely successful reform of the port company and is recognised as having done so across all political persuasions. His appointment is made on the basis of the knowledge, expertise and experience he brings to the job. These are the qualities a person should bring to a board. There are many Fine Gael and Labour Party people on boards. Most of the people I have appointed in my Department have a political orientation but are not from my party. They are all appointed on the same criteria. Mr. Burke's appointment was made on the basis of his knowledge and expertise. The improvements in the industrial relations situation and productivity in the company and the changes he has made over many years stand up to scrutiny by anyone.

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