Taoiseach Enda Kenny has defended the Economic Management Council (EMC), saying it played a vital role in enabling the country to avert economic disaster.
Speaking at the launch of Political Communication in the Republic of Ireland, edited by Mark O'Brien and Donnacha Ó Beacháin, he referred to the enormous changes in politics and the media since he was first elected to the Dáil 39 years ago.
Stressing the importance of the EMC in enabling the Government to get to grips with important economic issues, he said the Cabinet was still the ultimate decision-making body.
The EMC has come in for criticism from some Fine Gael backbench critics of Mr Kenny in recent weeks but the Taoiseach said the structure had proved its worth to the people of Ireland.
Commenting on the relationship between politicians and the media, Mr Kenny said while politicians used the media they remained highly suspicious of journalists and while journalists were suspicious of politicians they needed access to them for information.
Sometimes those involved in the media failed to appreciate the human element in politics, he said.
*This article was amended to correct an error on November 28th, 2014.
