Ahern outlines new `code of conduct' for Fianna Fail

A new code of conduct for Fianna Fail aimed at establishing what the Taoiseach has called "a new political culture", was outlined last night by Mr Ahern at the opening of the party's ardfheis in Dublin.

In an attempt to distance the Government from the proceedings at the Moriarty payments-to-politicians tribunal and the Flood planning tribunal, Mr Ahern said public trust required integrity and a genuine dedication to public service from members of the party.

"The cynics may be able to point to the past," he said, "but they should not be able easily to point the finger at political life."

He proposed that the code of conduct - in draft form for circulation to members after the ardfheis - should be underpinned by six governing principles: public service, honesty, integrity, transparency, independence and leadership.

Mr Ahern's decision to return to the theme of restoring public confidence and trust to politics - at the opening of his first ardfheis as Taoiseach - underlines, once again, the party's fears about the findings of the tribunals.

Speaking to 600 delegates, Mr Ahern said it was his intention that the code should extend beyond current ethics legislation to cover councillors, party staff and Government advisers, as well as members of the Oireachtas. Among the areas to be covered were declarations of interest, compliance with legal obligations and fund-raising.

He envisaged the code would be incorporated into a pledge to be signed by Fianna Fail candidates for election. It would also put a procedure for sanctions in place for breaches of its provisions.

Mr Ahern said holders of public office should act purely in terms of the public interest, "not for their own private ends". All relevant interest should be declared and public representatives had to ensure that any conflicts of interest were clearly flagged and resolved.

Public representatives should act at all times with honesty, and without fear or favour, "even when it may be unpopular to do so". They, and office-holders, should be open and accountable in relation to decisions taken by them, which must have a clear justification.

Decisions should be taken independently of outside influences, Mr Ahern stated. An individual should not compromise his or her independence in any way, "particularly not by putting themselves under financial or other obligations which could be perceived as influencing their role in decisions".

Departing from his script to refer to the Labour/Democratic Left merger, Mr Ahern said it was sad to see the demise of another political party which had been working hard and doing its best.

"They have decided to integrate - the DL gone, gone, gone forever. I do in all seriousness wish president De Rossa and his new comrades of the centre every success in the future. We will do all we can to make sure it is miserable," he said to a big round of applause.