As you know when I was elected last June I promised the people of Dublin 15 a “clean break from business as usual” and we promised to challenge the political consensus. Yesterday I raised objections to a conference in Brazil being attended by any member of Fingal Council.

If you would like to see the debate please follow this link http://www.fingalcoco.public-i.tv/site/player/pl_compact.php?a=38430&t=0&m=wm&l=en_GB and go to 01:16:30 in the broadcast.

It certainly offers an interesting insight. There is absolutely nothing wrong with legitimate expenses being provided; indeed they are neccessary. However I think I speak for most citizens in Dublin 15 in saying that in the present economic climate attending a conference in Brazil is unacceptable.