Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I join others in welcoming the publication of the Mahon report. It is particularly welcome given the 15 years of drip-feeding of information which, despite the wishes of many while the deliberations were ongoing, prevented many actions being taken during that period. I say, as a relatively young Member, that a start can finally be made, following some legislative improvements in recent years dealing with standards in public office, on introducing more of the recommendations in the report to ensure the people can have some level of trust in a political system that has failed them for almost 40 years.

I share the view of other Senators that no one has exclusivity on the abhorrence of the contents of the report or for anybody who abuses the privilege of public office. When the report is debated in the House, we can devise tangible solutions and recommendations for legislative improvements, similar to the many that have been made by Fianna Fáil in government in recent years. I reiterate what our Leader has said, that nobody in Fianna Fáil, nor indeed any other party, should or will hide from the conclusions of this report which, I hope, will mark a new beginning for all those within politics, but particularly the people who deserve much more than what they have received over the past 40 years.