Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and the Bill. As the Minister stated, this is significant and substantial legislation which overhauls our anti-corruption regime. None of us is above the law, irrespective of who we are or where we are from. There can be a sensational rush to populism and to be all things to all people. I have always taken the view that politics must not be the preserve of a few and it must be open to everyone to become involved in politics and to run in elections. As politicians, our words and actions are very important.

As Senator Craughwell stated on the Order of Business this morning, we must always hold people to account. However, we must do so based on all the facts. For this reason, I welcome the more severe penalties which will apply to those who engage in corrupt behaviour and practices. The key phrase in this connection is "behaviour and practices". Politicians must always lead by example, both in what we say and how we behave. I was slightly amused, therefore, by Senator Clifford-Lee's pre-emptive strike against Senator Conway at the beginning of the debate. I ask Members to cast their minds back to Tim Sebastian's interview with Bertie Ahern. Perhaps we should reflect on that.