Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

He will not seek reappointment because he is frustrated with what is going on.

From coverage on local radio stations, the Minister of State will have heard of Mr. Paddy McGuinness's frustration. Based on what he has seen in recent years, he believes there is no commitment from Government. If this were coming from somebody who had been giving out about things down through the years, it would not raise an eyebrow. However, this is coming from a person who has a passion for rural Ireland and wants to see things happening. He has worked with politicians and I believe he was involved in the Minister of State's party at one stage. Would that be fair to say? He has the belief that rural Ireland can be revamped. However, the statements we have read and what we have heard over the past week indicate that the man is totally frustrated with what has happened and he believes there is no commitment from Government. He is saying that there is lip service, but actions speak louder than words. I would like to hear the Minister of State's views on what can be done. There needs to be a good relationship with the WDC.

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