Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

When I read the Fennelly report I wonder whether it is like two lives. When I go to one page I read one thing but there is nearly a contradiction on the next page. I must question one thing. Were the participants or the players too big to give the real truth regarding what went on? I believe, and I do not think anyone in the country would disagree, that given what went on during the committee meetings with regard to Mr. Callinan, he had to go. There is no doubt about it. However, it is a question of the way the Government went about that. Mr. Purcell was sent off. It reminds me of the film "The Field". He was The Bird. He was sent off to give the news to the widow and he went.

Let us consider other parts of the report. Mr. Callinan wanted two or three months and the Taoiseach pondered. There were ways of doing it and ways of ensuring it was done right. We talk about doing things differently and a different way of policing. The Taoiseach should bear one thing in mind. Our current Commissioner sat beside the former Commissioner, Mr. Callinan, at the time. If someone is a leader, she should stand up and says what is right. However, when remarks that were not true were made about people in the force, she did not stand up to be counted. We need to have people with bravery to lead the force and if something is said that is wrong, it is unacceptable.

Let us bear in mind the country and where we come from, a part of the world that has been neglected in recent years, namely, the west. We need to think of the hospitals, our elderly and everything that is going on this country. Let us consider David McWilliams's programme last night in which he reported that 100 people increased their wealth more than the rest of our country. That shows us there is something seriously wrong. We heard of the cronyism going and of a different Ireland coming but, sadly, for many people, whether they be homeless, those with disabilities or those waiting on trolleys in hospitals, it is a worse Ireland than the country they had some years ago.

I call on the Taoiseach to reflect on the Fennelly report. As I said, I do not disagree altogether. I will say it clearly: Callinan had to go. However, it is a question of the way the Taoiseach did it. There are ways and means. The Taoiseach should bring in different Ministers, act in a united fashion and make it clear that it is a united decision by a Government.

I believe the Attorney General has questions to answer as well.

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