My appointment to the National Consumer Agency predated RTE’s Rip Off Republic, since which I have remained a sharp critic of core Government policies most especially its failure to either predict and, to date, adequately deal with the economic crisis caused by the property bust and associated banking losses. In 2005 I was appointed to the interim board of the NCA which became the formal board of the NCA in 2007. In accordance with Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 on the anniversary of its appointment two members of the board must retire.

I have volunteered to retire at the discretion of Minister Mary Coughlan in May and have informed the Chairman that I will continue, if reappointed, to act on a voluntary basis. I have never claimed expenses.  I’m of the view that board fees across State agencies in this climate are too high  for the work required and may not represent good value for money especially at a time when the burden of spending cuts and taxes will fall disproportionately on the shoulders of low paid workers where average industrial wages are c.€20 per hour.

Eddie