Seanad debates

Tuesday, 12 November 2002

Second Interim Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments: Statements.

 

Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

Mr. Justice Flood must be commended for his excellent work in producing his important interim report. It is an act of public service to the State. Many of those who read the report are justifiably outraged at its content. It is a source of hurt to me that I am a member of a profession in which there is so much corruption. Having said that, there are very few corrupt politicians, but this is a damning report on Mr. Burke, a former member of our profession. I have been an elected representative since 1991 and perhaps if I had known then what I know now, I might have chosen another profession or at least decided not to become a politician.

I believe the vast majority of politicians enter public life to deliver what is best for their communities. Unfortunately, the wrongs committed by one individual have tarnished everybody. We are all tainted. It is up to each one of us to prove we are not corrupt. That is an indication of how low we have sunk in the public's estimation. This report is the first step in cleaning up our act. It gives us hope things will get better and that there will not be a continuation of the shady deals that were sometimes done.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.