Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Fine Gael people, many of whom feel this was a wrong-headed move, know what they have to do on this issue. I do not believe it will go away because it was unnecessarily hurtful. Not only was it a hurtful gesture, it is quite interesting to note that many eminent, neutral commentators in the media, including people like Mr. Stephen Collins, Mr. Deaglán de Bréadún and Mr. Eamon Delaney, a writer and former employee of the Department of Foreign Affairs, also think it is a wrong-headed move. It is not just a particular sector of society that is concerned about this.

There have been many calls for debates on political reform. The Irish Times and its journalist Mr. Paul Cullen have done us a service by pointing to the failure of the current Government to end the culture of cronyism when it comes to making political appointments.