Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

The sense of déjÀ vu was confirmed yesterday evening when I listened incredulously to the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, on an RTE radio programme as he said that this was the hounding of an honourable man. Where have I heard that line before? It was the term used by the Taoiseach himself in the context of Ray Burke's departure from public office. The accusation was hurled at these benches that this was the hounding of an honourable man. If we use this occasion to draw a line in the sand and to start a new chapter in Irish politics where trust and truth will be the central planks of how we conduct our daily business, then this will be a welcome debate.

It is regrettable that the Taoiseach has tarnished the body politic. The honourable option to do the honourable thing and resign, as encouraged by the leader of the Labour Party yesterday morning, is not an option the Taoiseach will take. It is incredible that Minister after Minister can stand up in this House and, leaving aside the motivation, say there is nothing wrong with an office holder admitting that very substantial sums of money were given to him and passed through his accounts. The argument put forward is that we are undermining the tribunal and we should allow the tribunal pass judgment. The tribunal will complete its business in due course but we have a political rather than a judicial role to play. That role is to do with accepting standards and trying to reconnect with the public who are obviously disbelieving of the Taoiseach's evidence to the tribunal.

I regret that my first opportunity to speak in the 30th Dáil is in a debate on a vote of no confidence in the Taoiseach. I wish we were about the true business of the nation such as the health service but we must deal with fundamental issues such as the Taoiseach's credibility and his unsuitability for office.

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