DR GARRET FITZGERALD's membership of a sub committee to choose the new director general of RTE was sharply criticised by the Fianna Fail deputy leader, Ms Mary O'Rourke. "This the same Dr FitzGerald who laid a trap for a presidential candidate back in the winter of 1990. This is the same Dr FitzGerald who masterminded the then Opposition spokesperson for defence in this House in her attack on Dr James McDaid."

Describing Dr FitzGerald as "a highly political person" who was entitled to be steeped in politics, she said it was "disquieting, alarming and a breach of public ethics" that RTE would see fit to have a former Taoiseach on the sub committee. She referred to the controversy that, she said, would arise if other former Taoisigh, Mr Charles Haughey, Mr Albert Reynolds or Mr Jack Lynch, were appointed to such a position. Ms O'Rourke was speaking during the debate on the inquiry into the Department of Justice.