Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One cannot beat third level education. I have only been to the university of life. The Leas-Cheann Comhairle today reminded Members that we still have a democracy and free speech, with his permission. Our contributions are relevant as possible and speak to amendments that have been tabled. Deputy O'Callaghan suggested this amendment. I cannot remember the exact terminology used by the Minister but it sounded like he accepted it in desperation because he is afraid the confidence and supply pipe could erupt at any time. Ministers are four days away from the two-year mark and will be entitled to Government pensions and everything else on 6 May. Anything could happen next week. There could be an awful rupture in the pipe and a scattering to the hills. The Government would then be looking for a lot of water from the Shannon to quench the fires it has caused.

I think the Minister was a local authority member, although I am not certain and could be wrong. The motto of his late father, God be good to him, was "Here comes Oliver and there goes Flanagan". Fair dues to him. I have pictures of him pedalling his bicycle around his constituency. At least the Minister has the satisfaction of having a car and driver. Those were difficult times but county councillors were respected. We are fortunate to have a wise man such as Deputy O'Callaghan to think of the country councillors, although his party has forgotten about most other things in rural Ireland and did not even oppose the banishment of local town councils by the former Minister, big Phil Hogan, the enforcer, when he destroyed local government.

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