Fionnán Sheahan: Spectre of the RTÉ scandal hangs over all quangos – and now it’s haunting Taoiseach Simon Harris

Taoiseach Simon Harris was Higher Education Minister when issues arose at Science Foundation Ireland. Photo: PA

Fionnán Sheahan

Being labelled an “RTÉ” is apparently the worst offence now for a quango. “We are not like an RTÉ.” “It’s not the same as RTÉ, if that’s what you’re thinking.” “This is a different situation from RTÉ.”

The views from within the latest public-sector body to find itself under the spotlight were universal. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has been rocked by allegations, accusations and assertions.