Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We will seek advice on the matter and get back to Senator Ross.

The Senator also called for the abolition of political nominees. There is nothing wrong with having political beliefs and it is silly to believe that those with none have a halo. It is admirable to have political beliefs. To exclude everybody with a political persuasion from appointments and insist that everybody must be holy, whiter than white and declare they have no political beliefs would be rather odd. I have always believed it is good to hold, display and discuss one's political beliefs.

We have had a media fracas about events in a particular semi-State company. Many other issues arise regarding such companies. There are vested interests which remain hidden but wield influence in many telling ways, as I know well. These interests are to be equally abhorred but people appear to be afraid to discuss the issue or bring it into the open. I am aware of instances of vested interests exercising considerable influence over various people in authority. They are reckoned to be wonderful, assertive, abrasive and dynamic — all highly charged adjectives — and are not condemned.