James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

How much worse off would be country be if special political advisers were not in place because the country has gone down the tubes over the past 12 months? Unemployment has increased by almost 90% on what it was this time last year. The health service is on its knees throughout the country and law and order is out of control. What experience or qualifications have special advisers? Were they interviewed for the positions they hold? In the past Fianna Fáil appointed people with no experience and there was a jobs for the boys culture within the organisation. A former Taoiseach from my own county appointed all and sundry associated with Fianna Fáil to various positions.

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