Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

The Taoiseach was asked a number of questions which have not been answered. When asked why he allowed Deputy Cooper Flynn to return to Fianna Fáil, he cited the Supreme Court appeal, notwithstanding the finding of the High Court. It seems that Fianna Fáil rules supersede High Court findings. That is very interesting. The Taoiseach still expects the public to roll over.

The Taoiseach was also asked why he went further, in terms of mileage and every other way, to embrace Mr. Pádraig Flynn and his daughter in County Mayo before the last election. He has not answered that question to any degree in this House. Is it credible to think that a present of enough cash to buy two houses had no strings attached? A cheque for £100, made out not to cash but to the Green Party, was sent to the party in the early 1990s. On investigation by a journalist, the donor openly declared that he sent the cheque to the Green Party as the price of having a rezoning proposal merely read. Is it credible then that a cheque for £50,000 could be made out to cash with no strings attached? Is the Taoiseach willing to take political responsibility for political sleaze in his party? It seems not. If justice delayed is justice denied, this is unforgivable.

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