Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. Although this is a short Bill, it was a couple of years in the drafting and, as such, I did not really expect him to accept any amendments. I am aware of the political dynamics that have been going on behind the scenes and the difficulties that are left unspoken, for some reason, in this House and which are the reason it took so long bring the legislation forward. I do not intend to go into any of that other than to observe that there appears to have been a struggle between the Taoiseach and the Ceann Comhairle on the issue and the Bill is some sort of a fudged compromise. It is an outcome that is detrimental to the culture of political life in this country, and I say that with full sincerity. I accept that the Minister is genuine in what he says in terms of why he is making these appointments, but most party politicians do not see this the same way as do some of the Independent Members. We see the use of the word "discernment", which is a kind of euphemism for patronage and choice, as once again giving-----

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