Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A confidence motion on a Minister should be pursued only when a Minister has done something improper or has been incompetent to the point of negligence. There is no question of either condition applying to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter. He clearly has done nothing improper and his record over the past three years shows that he has outstanding competence.

The approach of the Opposition, particularly Fianna Fáil, which has moved the motion, is dishonest. All of the pretend outrage coming from the benches opposite does not hide that fact. Fianna Fáil is bereft of all credibility. It has not a single policy on any issue. Like a defeated team, it has decided to play the man, not the ball.

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