The second case, which came to my notice recently, is more serious and involves what must be a common occurrence. It concerns a highly reputable firm of auctioneers, if there is such a thing, and involved a house that was up for auction in south Dublin. I understand the property was withdrawn. One set of bidders went to the auctioneer to buy it. Bidding, as it normally does, took place behind closed doors, with another set of bidders of whose identity the members of the first group were unaware. They were bidding against each other for a long time. Eventually the auctioneer said that unless they had the money up-front by 5 p.m. that day, the house would go to the other bidder. The house was worth over £500,000. The money was made available by 5 p.m., within two hours of the auctioneer's request. However, the auctioneer stated that matters had become ridiculous and that there would be a process of sealed bids. This was agreed to by those present. The bidders to whom I am referring asked if they could be present at the opening of the sealed bids and were told they could not. They asked if they could have an independent person present and again were refused. When the sealed bids were opened they had submitted the highest bid but the property was sold to the underbidder.