Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

Deputy Martin spoke about the need to change perception that big business can buy influence by financially supporting the election funds of parties or candidates, which is correct, but Fianna Fáil created this monster and not just over the past 14 years when it was in government but as far back as the days of Lemass. Fianna Fáil State board appointees were party people. That was an open secret. In fairness, there was little or no remuneration associated with these board positions but a deal with the devil was struck. The deal was political patronage.

Over time, this kind of cronyism infected every strand of public life. For instance, a young teacher could only get the job in the local school if the father knew the local Fianna Fáil Deputy who sat on the board and who would, in turn, give the local priest on the school board the nod.

See this speech in context