Cullen the ‘worst-ever’ environment minister
It can be said of many politicians that at least they did no harm, but even this cannot be said of Cullen.
Without doubt he was the worst-ever Minister for the Environment.
Notable and regrettable events that took place during his tenure included the erection of a hotel adjacent to Ireland’s premier Anglo-Norman castle in Trim, Co Meath, and the Carrickmines Castle debacle which led to his amending the National Monuments Act to vest sole power in his ministry after losing a High Court challenge.
The worst-ever Environment Minister and, indeed, that’s saying something with a predecessor such as Pádraig Flynn and a successor like Dick Roche.
JD Mangan
Stillorgan Road
Stillorgan
Co Dublin





