Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Moriarty tribunal report, which dealt with payments to Mr. Haughey and Deputy Lowry. It is a very important and detailed report and I commend Mr. Justice Moriarty and his excellent team for their top-class work. It is a sad day for politics and those in public life — Deputies, Senators and councillors. As a former member of Dublin City Council, I know that many councillors are very upset over what has happened over the years on this issue.

Corruption and sleaze in politics are simply wrong. There should be no fudge, no dithering and no dodging the issue. It is simply wrong and all politicians should say so. Being elected to the Oireachtas is a great honour and privilege. Many of us have worked hard to get here. When we witness events such as those outlined in the Moriarty tribunal report it deeply disturbs us. We are elected on the trust of our people. That trust should never be damaged or tainted in any way. The report clearly shows how certain politicians did that. All the major parties need to examine themselves. It is not just one or two individuals. We need to review the role of big business and vested interests, and their political connection. Even in 2007 big builders, developers and those with big resources are supporting and actively lobbying certain Deputies, which is not acceptable and is dangerous. The decision-making process can be compromised very easily.

There is a way forward on this issue. Many of us believe the two most important things in politics are hard work and honest politics. We need to challenge those out there. Sadly we lose 20% to 30% of the voters at each election because they have become disillusioned. I constantly hear "You are all the same" on the doorsteps. We are not all the same and it is not acceptable. I challenge people who say that and do not vote. Many of us here do our best. We try honest politics, try hard work and we get on. I agree we have a vested interest. My vested interest is to represent working people, the elderly and the disabled. That is my mandate and I have the honour to represent the people of Dublin North-Central.

Mr. Justice Moriarty's report states that the whole issue can only be said to have devalued the quality of a modern democracy. This is what happened with those individuals and many other individuals, many of whom have not yet been caught. I do not take the high moral ground on this issue. There is nothing wrong in demanding and expecting high standards in our politics, which is crucial to the debate on the Moriarty tribunal report.

Ireland was once known as the land of saints and scholars. However, today it is better known as the land of scandals and tribunals. It is not just politicians. Banking, the church, business, the medical profession and the Garda have all suffered from erosion of public confidence in the wake of an astonishing list of scandals. Moreover Ireland has undergone rapid social economic and political change in the past decade, which has had a profound impact on our value system. Ireland at the start of the 21st century is fairly prosperous, which I welcome. However, difficult decisions need to be made about the distribution of resources and questions need to be asked. How can the tension between the rights of the individuals and the overall good of society be resolved? To whom do we look for guidance? The political elite, the church, the medical and legal profession, and business leaders have all had their credibility damaged, which we must also face up to. I believe these issues are relevant to the debate.

Earlier I heard the Taoiseach say that history would be the final judge of Mr. Haughey. In reality the Taoiseach should come out straight and say it was simply wrong. It is not acceptable for him to ask us to leave it to history. The serious misappropriation of donations intended to assist with the medical treatment of the late Mr. Brian Lenihan was appalling. It was disgraceful that money from a medical treatment fund was taken for personal benefit. It is appalling for something like this to happen in someone's private life or public life. I welcome the sensible Ethics in Public Office Act 1995 and the Standards in Public Office Act 2001. There are times when we may feel that some of their requirements are over the top, but nevertheless they exist.

It is not just a question of legislation. It is up to each individual in the House to get on with the job and root out corruption and sleaze in politics. As one of the more recent arrivals to this House, I believe this is something on which we should all unite. I thank Mr. Justice Moriarty for this excellent report and I reiterate that the way forward in Irish politics is through honest politics and hard work.

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