Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

For the protection of Members of the House more than anything else, I will make my argument. I cannot see a situation where a Member would be involved in a controversy but no one would make a complaint against him or her. We know what happens. If there is any controversy, people will send in letters that the commission must examine. There would be no lack of such people among the public. If somebody is mentioned in a newspaper, should the commission investigate the matter? Where does it end? I would like to see the argument. We should not start to regulate ourselves into that position. Members are under enough pressure work-wise. I would consider any fair argument.

On something being written about someone in the House, the Deputy and I know that I would keep all of the law offices in town working full-time if I were to correct all of the things written about us that are incorrect. Would they be justification enough for someone to take up the matter and follow it through? If it were the Deputy, me or someone else, I would like to think that there would be justification for the investigation. I would like to see the argument. I could just stand up and say that the commission should make the recommendation to the Department of Finance, but I am not sure. Where will the witch hunts concerning Members start and end in future? People should be careful.

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