Dáil debates

Tuesday, 3 October 2006

Disclosures relating to the Mahon Tribunal: Statements

 

5:00 pm

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

There is a third option, which would also be a positive action. Will the Taoiseach introduce legislation to ban corporate donations to political parties and limit personal donations to nominal sums rather than a sum equalling the price of a house or a large yacht? Will he cut the financial ties between vested interests and policymakers forever?

By normal standards, including his own expressed standards, the Taoiseach should not still hold his position. He has lost moral authority. What he has done is not right. It is unethical and improper and does not befit high office. However, the issue is bigger than the Taoiseach and his job, his party or, indeed, his coalition partners. We have taken up too much newsprint, too much air time and too much legislative time with this affair. We need to end it and let politics return to the issues, namely, the chronic issues in health, housing, transport, education and energy.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.