Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

Maith an tAire. In a situation where everybody else is taking pain, it is high time that we got down and dirty with the so-called elite. I respect these people's positions and their contribution, but my mantra is that there should be a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. With the gowns and wigs and so on, these people are put on pedestals. In reality, they are ordinary people and they must always remain in touch with their peers over whom they adjudicate. To go back to my situation, a jury of my peers saw, thankfully, that I was innocent. This jury was selected from my own county, thank God. I am glad of that outcome because without it, I, like other people, would be restricted now in terms of being excluded from public service, having difficulty in securing a passport and so on.

There are too many skeletons in the cupboards in this State. I wish the Government well, as we all did upon its appointment. Its members were like a breath of fresh air back in the spring. I voted in favour of their appointment. However, they have started to slip and there is evidence of an emerging arrogance. During the debate on the Smithwick tribunal, for example, the Minister for Justice and Equality attacked a colleague of mine, his constituency colleague. It was apparently nothing at all to do with what had happened that morning; it was a total accident. The Minister was vindictive enough to do that. In addition, he was foolish in the comments he made at the time of the referendum in lecturing eminent people who gave advice. These were not judges but former Attorneys General and people like that.

There is no doubt that a degree of arrogance has crept in. It took 12 or 13 years for that to happen to the last Government, and when it did, it did so in earnest and the parties involved ultimately paid the price. That arrogance is already evident in abundance on the part of one or two of the Minister's colleagues. It is damaging to the Government and to the body politic. The Government made many promises when there was no need to do so. The public was tired of the last lot and wanted change. People voted for change but they have not got it.

This proposal amounts to tinkering with the system. I acknowledge that these people are probably in the Minister's way and in his company every day. That is what happens. There must be a greater separation and distance. This can be achieved by employing private individuals to assist the Government. I had expected several such appointments to the Cabinet. We need their advice, wisdom, enthusiasm, passion, vigour and courage to lift this country out of the morass. That will not be achieved at the hands of the same people who put us in the morass. The shameful episode regarding Mr. Cardiff sends out entirely the wrong vibe to the public. It is a case of "As you were" and jobs for the boys, protecting one of our own. He is being sent out there where he might bring us all down. As I said, there are too many skeletons in the cupboard.

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