Rónán Mullen (Independent)

The one aspect of the famous dinner at Druids Glen that I regret is the surreal nature of some of the debates around it. On the one hand, it is clear the Taoiseach is beleaguered. There seems to have been an embarrassment about even mentioning the name of Mr. Seán FitzPatrick which has led the Taoiseach into unnecessary trouble. I am inclined to think, however, that Mr. Gray's statement makes it clear no inappropriate discussions took place on this particular occasion. It seems to me that it was the type of discussion that one ought to be having.

The problem is that for those looking in at how we conduct our debates, they see us getting equally exercised about issues that matter and ones that do not. I understand why there is the temptation to take the road of oppositional politics. I subscribe to the view the Taoiseach has drawn unnecessary trouble on himself in this case. However, for us to have discussions as mature adults as to whether the Taoiseach is fit to represent us abroad on St. Patrick's Day seems to be losing a grip on reality.