Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I should clarify that I was caricaturing the Senator's fears. I was not implying, and I have not encountered, any Ballygobackwards cumann in the Fianna Fáil Party. Senator Phelan would have to be more specific. I am not aware of any instance where anyone other than highly qualified people have been appointed to a body such as the board of the Central Bank. I do not accept that the fears expressed have any substance.

There is a general issue about appointments to State bodies, but that argument does not apply to the authority we are discussing. It would be suicidal in terms of financial confidence for any Government to appoint people who were blatantly not well qualified. I have no fears that it would happen under this or any other Government.