Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Second, I object strongly to the fact that there has been no consultation on this matter. I want to make it clear that, when the resolution required to appoint former Deputy Michael Smith as a member of the commission is brought before the House, the Labour Party will oppose it in these circumstances. I say this with some regret because it is a matter on which there should be agreement in the House. It is wrong of the Government to seek to appoint one of its own to the Standards in Public Office Commission without consulting the Opposition parties and to have proceeded with the making of the appointment before a resolution was brought before the House.

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