David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to make a brief comment on the notion of merit. There is a certain fluidity attaching to the interpretation of the word "merit".Let me give one example. When I was lecturing in Trinity College Dublin, my lectures were always full to capacity, with students sitting all the way down the steps. People came from abroad to attend my lectures. Next door one of my very distinguished colleagues might have been reading from 20-year old notes.