Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the clearest lessons from recent events is that the Taoiseach has, at best, a very limited commitment to transparency. He is willing to blame others and play the victim when anybody has the temerity to challenge him.

The people have seen a Government that has become obsessed with managing image. What is particularly striking is that members of the Government have felt the need to speak up. Last week, two Independent members of Cabinet made it known that they were deeply unhappy with the branding and marketing work commissioned under the Taoiseach's authority. While the Taoiseach has not attacked them in the same way as he has attacked journalists and Opposition Deputies who have had the cheek to question him, it is at best surprising that he was out of touch with their feelings. Can the Taoiseach tell us why two Independent members of Government felt the need to publicly criticise the workings of the strategic communications unit established by him? Obviously, the Minister, Deputy Ross, and Minister of State, Deputy Moran, were happy with the coverage delivered for them, with Minister of State, Deputy Moran, particularly pleased with State funding delivering a large article in his local newspaper calling him "king of the midlands". Can the Taoiseach also tell us why it is that Independent Ministers believe they are being treated differently in this regard?

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