Sir, – My teacher used to say that it was important to participate, so I asked a question. That question was the one asked on the Frontline debate (on October 24th)which caused Gay Mitchell to have such an explosive reaction.
I didn’t get a chance to reply on the night and feel I deserve such a chance.
My question was, “Would the panel consider Denis O’Brien to be a suitable candidate for the Council of State?” Mr O’Brien has been mentioned several times by candidates during the campaign. He polarises opinion: some see in him everything that is wrong with business in Ireland, investigated for deals, and a partial tax exile; while other see him as a shining example of Irish entrepreneurship. The importance of the Council of State hadn’t been mentioned, and I wanted to know where the candidates stood on his suitability for it.
The response from Gay Mitchell was certainly out of proportion. A simple Yes or No would have done. Or like the other candidates, he could have simply said that it wasn’t fair to comment on a man who was not present.
However, Denis O’Brien is far from defenceless – his ownership of several media outlets gives him plenty of avenues for a right of reply.
Surely the public has a right to ask questions about such a high-profile figure, and his potential unelected influence on the highest position in the land? Surely the public has a right to ask questions, full stop? This is what I would have liked to say to Gay Mitchell, but he continued to rant over me.
Was it a relevant question? Yes, it was relevant to me, a voter. – Yours, etc,