Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

Will the Taoiseach elucidate on the mysterious, anonymous spokespersons weakly quoted as sources for the Government who sometimes make very authoritative statements? How does the system work? Who are they and do they have favourite journalists whom they call in the dead of night to make serious revelations on behalf of Ministers or the Taoiseach, fly various kites and send up balloons to see which way the wind is blowing? In a supposedly modern and democratic system it would be much better if, rather than being an anonymous Deep Throat, the spokesperson concerned said on behalf of the Taoiseach what he wanted to say at 11 p.m. and gave the message to the nation. This may also apply to the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn. Would that be a better way to proceed at this time rather than by way of this ridiculous, old Fleet Street style journalism?

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