The Taoiseach was privately promoting the project [ the Phoenix Park casino project] in 1994, but in 1997, when the issue became hot with local residents, he decided to switch tack in order to gain votes in the 1997 general election. - Phil Hogan, Fine Gael.
The tribunal should also explain how it can justify bringing The Irish Timesto the Supreme Court and threatening its journalists with jail over one leak, when no action is being taken to follow up the tidal wave of leaks printed by others. A circulation policy which all but guarantees these leaks requires either amendment or a better justification than has been provided. - Martin Cullen, Fianna Fáil
What I have found particularly distasteful and disturbing in recent weeks is the new Fine Gael approach since the election, of personalised and vindictive attacks against the Taoiseach. Deputy Kenny, stated in Brussels, in the heart of Europe, where this country is respected and admired for our achievements, that the Taoiseach was not fit to hold public office in this country or throughout Europe. That was a new low. That was an abdication of a good Fine Gael philosophy, besmirching a great Fine Gael tradition of putting country before party. - Peter Power, Fianna Fáil
I do not much approve of political trials, but one cannot fail to note that, just as the beef tribunal was turned into a trial, first of Charles Haughey and then Albert Reynolds, similarly the Mahon tribunal about certain planning matters has ended up - one might wonder how - as a trial of Bertie Ahern, complete with a Ken Starr style special prosecutor. - Martin Mansergh, Fianna Fáil