Madam, – The John O’Donoghue expenses scandal is a replication of the recent Fás/Westminster and imminent Stormont expenses outcry and is one welcome aspect of a recession.
At a time when thousands of ordinary taxpayers have lost their jobs and homes, Mr O Donoghue indulged himself in an outrageous fashion at the taxpayers’ expense. He did this simply because he could. There is a total lack of governance and reality in the political system despite claims that such expenses comply with Department of Finance guidelines.
It is inconceivable that all the expenses disclosed here were wholly and exclusively incurred in the discharge of official duties which should render them taxable (Revenue/Comptroller Auditor General to note). If Mr O’Donoghue could do it unimpeded, then it follows that many other TDs can and are behaving in the same over-indulgent manner.
The Opposition outrage is tempered just enough to keep the lid on a scandal that will claim casualties across both sides of the house, aka Westminster, if it is not laid to rest soon. At the time of writing it remains to be seen whether Mr O’Donoghue will be sacrificed in an attempt by all sides to put an end to this “unpleasant” affair. – Yours, etc,
A chara, – I recall some years ago, an up and coming TD shouting on the airwaves non-stop: zero tolerance, zero tolerance is the only way. I wonder where he is now? – Is mise,
Madam, – You devote great space to the alleged wrong doings of politicians.
Somehow journalists who break the law by withholding information from the Garda Síochána or by leaking confidential information are immune from obloquy in your columns. The courts, which turn known criminals free on bail and who flout the wishes of the people expressed through legislation in the Oireachtas when ignoring minimum sentences for drugs offences, also largely escape criticism. Solicitors embezzle millions but not one has been sentenced to jail for such a crime in the past 10 years – but where are the banner headlines screaming favouritism?
Instead you seek to increase circulation by undermining confidence in politicians, the visible symbol of our democracy. While no one would claim that all politicians are angels, as a body they deserve respect and support. Perhaps you should find room for a few political “good news” stories to restore balance to your columns? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Your Editorial (October 6th) mentions that the “diminished” authority of John O’Donoghue had placed a question over his future. It would be nice if this newspaper could reflect what practically every person in this country feels and demand that the Ceann Comhairle resign. His statement that he will put forward detailed proposals to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission is ludicrous.
The fact that this statement was not immediately ridiculed by Opposition party leaders does not reflect well on them. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – A simple and inexpensive first step in restoring confidence would be to require all Oireachtas members to submit receipted claims for expenses, signing on each claim summary that each expense arose wholly and necessarily as a result of their work. No receipt – no payment. This proposal is not revolutionary – it is by and large what the Revenue Commissioners require of the rest of us. – Yours, etc,