Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

What is so depressing about the Mahon tribunal report is that nobody at a high level shouted, "Stop." Since the 1960s the dogs in the street knew there was corruption in the political system and that there was illegal activity within government, particularly Governments led by the largest party. Several former Ministers and Taoisigh have been disgraced. It is ironic that the person central to the tribunal is in Nigeria, the second most corrupt country in the world, telling people how they should run their business.

I feel sorry for three groups, the first of which is the people who have paid a very heavy price for corruption, manipulation and mismanagement. The second is rank and file members of Fianna Fáil who have been badly let down by their senior politicians. The third is the honest, decent, hard working politicians of all parties who are tainted by association. I hope the Director for Public Prosecutions, the Revenue Commissioners, the CAB and the SIPO will do their job and take on board the findings of the Mahon tribunal.