Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Regardless of their political persuasion, I adored the 744 councillors whose positions were eliminated. I did not care whether they represented Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Labour Party or Sinn Féin, or were Independents. They were doing great work in their localities. The Fine-Gael-Labour Party Government of that time was so arrogant that it thought it could impose whatever it wanted. It had such a majority that it was able to do so. It tore the heart out of local democracy because it was so big-headed and swollen-headed. I remember having a debate in this Chamber with the then Minister, Phil Hogan. I hate talking about somebody who is not here. I mentioned to him that certain Fine Gael councillors with whom I was personally friendly were upset about what their party was doing. I liked and admired the people in question because I was brought up as a child knowing about the work they were doing in their communities. When I was finished speaking, the then Minister stood up and said, "I am quaking in my boots". It is on the record of the Dáil. That is what Phil Hogan thought of his colleagues at the time. Just because he was a big fancy Minister above here, he forgot completely about the local councillors.

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