The Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, should reply immediately to the Ethics in Public Office Commission concerning his possible ownership of a Florida apartment, the Fine Gael chief whip, Mr Charles Flanagan, said yesterday.
The commission has written twice already to the Minister for an explanation.
"Once again the credibility of politics is taking a hit. There is a solemn duty on the part of a Cabinet Minister to show clear leadership and example in all matters, but in particular to deal promptly with queries from an ethics body set up under the acts of the Oireachtas," said Mr Flanagan.
He pointed out that it was five weeks since the matter was first raised and the commission had indicated that it would not have to ask the Minister for a third time for his response.