Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to point out to Deputy Mattie McGrath that had I known that this simple amendment tabled in response to pleas from Deputies O'Callaghan and Ó Laoghaire would generate a discussion on local authorities and the abolition of town councils, I probably would have left it to one side and carried on. I thank the Deputies for their contributions. It would not be reasonable or fair of me to comment in detail on a case before the courts such as that raised by Deputy Michael Collins. I wish to impress upon Members the clarity of this rather simple amendment which provides for specific reference to members of local authorities.

See this speech in context