Jim O'Callaghan

That wasn't my intention.

I'm just conscious of the counterfactual had I not announced it, because it was true.

Like, you know, maybe what I'm being told is that you shouldn't have said that.

You should have kept it quiet and then just let the army come in as they did when they did come in.

But this was, I've no problem acknowledging to you, it was a very difficult time.

But as Minister for Justice, the book stops with me in terms of the performance of the Gardaí and ending the blockades.

Like, you can't allow people to blockade refineries.

You can't allow people to blockade ports, you know.

You just can't allow that.

And again, you know,

If it makes me the Minister for Law and Order, well, I'm happy to be seen as the Minister for Law and Order.

That's more important than being popular.

I've no problem you asking me any questions, but I'm not here to answer for any of my wonderful sisters.

They're all women well able to speak for themselves.

I don't speak for them.

I've been very lucky to have such a wonderful family, but I'm not speaking for any of my wonderful sisters.

Well, I don't think it's absolutely necessary, to be honest with you, that you have an intimate understanding who I am.

And one thing that not irritates me, but I suppose concerns me about politics, it's become very folksy and sort of personal.

People want to know personal details about their politicians.

You know, I just do my job.