Action could have spared blushes

AS a string of Government ministers have learned to their cost, amnesia can be highly embarrassing in politics.

Indeed, as Transport Minister Seamus Brennan knows, it is tantamount to handing the opposition dynamite when it involves £5,000 worth of drink and cigars and allegations that bills were unpaid.

Based on his very best recollection, the minister categorically denies ever ordering or receiving such largesse from Aer Rianta. However, his denial was not definitive it may be days before the facts are known.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern’s customary support for a Fianna Fáil ministerial colleague under pressure was not matched by his awareness of the effects of drink. His insistence that anyone who had consumed that amount of drink and cigars would remember it, will be added to the growing lexicon of ‘Bertieisms’.

Be that as it may, Mr Brennan could have saved himself and the Government much embarrassment if he had issued a statement last weekend.

Even if the allegations prove groundless or a ploy to undermine the minister’s bid to dismantle Aer Rianta, mud sticks. While perks may be dispensed at Christmas time, it would be outrageous of any minister to order thousands of pounds worth of gifts from a State company and then leave the bill unpaid.