Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I made the point that Máire Geoghegan-Quinn had to go before a parliament and be accepted. She was simply our nominee. I refer to the issue of the possibility of the former Senator de Búrca pursuing a career or seeking to establish if there were prospects in that area. I sought to assist in whatever way I could after it became clear that it would not be possible for her to become a member of the cabinet of Máire Geoghegan-Quinn. I asked if there was an interest in taking up a position that would become vacant in the Court of Auditors and to establish if I could inquire into that. There was an attaché position to be filled. I emphasise that I was supportive and sought to be helpful in every way I could but at the end of the day I do not determine the membership of the cabinets of Commissioners.

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