Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

In my 25 years in public life I have only worked for the people and not any shadowy figures. My motivation is simple. I want more passengers for Cork and Shannon Airports, for them to develop and more jobs to be created. I want freedom for Cork and Shannon Airports and for the mid-west region to continue to grow with the kind of enterprise and vision fostered in the early days by Sean Lemass. I want Cork to grow with the same type of vision, leadership and optimism. I want successful Shannon, Cork and Dublin Airports. That is my only motivation. I utterly reject any suggestion of shadowy figures with whom I must deal. I do not engage in such practices. I thank Senator Mansergh who spoke quite rightly about the proud role of State companies.

Senator O'Rourke and I go back a long way. We have been members of the same Cabinet and agreed many times.