Ireland one of the most corrupt nations in the western world

IRELAND remains one of the most corrupt nations in the western world, a major international survey revealed yesterday.

Bribery is perceived to be far more rampant in this country’s public sector than in similar countries such as Britain. A corruption index gave Ireland an honesty rating of 7.4 out of a possible 10, well below the leaders Iceland, Finland and New Zealand which each received a score of 9.6.

The Republic’s ranking was the same as last year, but allowed it to rise one place to 18th in the honesty league, seven places below Britain, which scored 8.6.