Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

A number of people on boards have raised this question with me over the years. I do not want to get into names but I have seen a number of them step aside. However, overwhelmingly, whether they did or did not, it would be entirely wrong because most of the insinuations made about them subsequently — usually not long afterwards — turn out to be wrong. There are a few cases in point at the moment where it would be an absolute travesty of justice if they stepped aside because they prove to have absolutely nothing in them. I do not really think we should get into that.

There is a problem in this country as against other countries. We have to change our culture. Stepping aside in this country means the person steps aside forever. It is about the only country where that happens. In every other country one steps aside for a few months and then steps back. That culture does not exist in this country — wrongly so in my view. It applies to politicians and it applies to people on boards and agencies. If somebody for some reason steps aside then he or she should not be gone out of a position forever, particularly people who have a lot to contribute especially to State boards. We have had a few significant people on State boards who did that over time and never came back again. I think that is wrong. Just because somebody takes off with some allegation — in this country most of the allegations are——

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