Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have referred to this on a number of occasions. I deplore the fact that - human nature being what it is - some people use and have used the privilege of being elected to this House for personal advancement as distinct from public service. I have a very fundamental view about that. The contribution that was raised by the late David Austin has been the subject of intensive discussion. I have referred to it in the House and do so will again now and later. I might make the point that I understand that the deceased person referred to by Deputy Adams also raised £60,000 for the late Mr. Haughey when he was in office. Be that as it may. I would like to address the issue of the contribution from Telenor, which was transferred by circuitous routes and came to Fine Gael under a different heading before the subsequent election. When it was discovered that it was from the group involved, the then leader of the party, John Bruton, was outraged and asked that it be sent back. There followed some further rooting before it became clear that the Fine Gael Party did not benefit from this contribution. It was neither wanted nor held when it became known.

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