Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this very important debate on the interim report of the Fennelly commission and the issue of confidence in the Taoiseach, the Attorney General and the Government. I do not have confidence in the Government and the result of the Fennelly commission of investigation is just one big reason, among many others - trust, integrity and the performance of the Government - for the lack of confidence. The people have lost confidence, and during recent weeks most people are fed up with the Government's carry on. The motion is about trust and confidence, and people believe the Taoiseach played a major role in the sacking of the Garda Commissioner. Most people I know do not believe the Taoiseach and have major concerns about the credibility of the Taoiseach and the Government. That is the bottom line, and when one digs deeper into the interim report, particularly on page 212, on the issue of Mr. Purcell's visit to the Commissioner's home, we see, for example, "Mr Purcell agreed with the conclusion that, although it was certainly not something he wanted to do [it was] the least worst option". He was also "extremely uncomfortable" about finding himself in this position. The bottom line on the debate is that the people have lost confidence in the Government and the issue of lack of respect for the justice system, and I will vote accordingly.

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