Greens want ‘buffer period’ for ex-ministers

THE Green Party last night called for a code of conduct for politicians leaving office, after PD president Tom Parlon’s acceptance of a lucrative private sector job led to conflict of interest allegations.

Green Party TD Ciaran Cuffe called for a “buffer period” of 12 months, during which politicians could not take up private sector positions “relating to their previous area of responsibility”.

While not naming Mr Parlon directly, the statement was a clear indication of Green disquiet over his move into the private sector.

Independent corruption monitoring body Transparency Ireland similarly said ministers should serve a “cooling-off period” to avoid conflicts of interest.

On Tuesday, Mr Parlon announced he was quitting politics to become director general of the Construction Industry Federation, the representative body for building companies.

The Labour Party immediately claimed a conflict of interest could exist, as Mr Parlon had been minister of state in charge of the Office of Public Works, until he lost his seat in the May general election.

The OPW manages the State’s property portfolio and issues Government building contracts worth hundreds of millions of euro. Under Mr Parlon’s stewardship, it was responsible for a massive State assets sell-off.

A PD spokesman yesterday said Mr Parlon regarded any suggestions of a conflict of interest as “outrageous”.

But the unease of their Green party partners in government was apparent.

There already exists a code of conduct for office holders but it lays down guidelines rather than rules for resigning ministers.

Section 2.2.4 of the code states: “Office holders, in taking up appointments on leaving office, should be careful to avoid any real or apparent conflict of interest with the office they formerly occupied.”

Mr Cuffe said a more comprehensive code of conduct should be introduced, modelled on that in place for civil servants.

“The civil service code states that former civil servants must seek approval where conflict may arise in accepting external positions,” he said. “Similar provisions should apply to politicians who have been office holders.

“Providing a buffer period of 12 months, during which such politicians could not take up private sector employment relating to their previous area of responsibility, could help ensure that there is no perception of conflict of interest.”

Mr Cuffe warned it was essential to bring forward legislation to regulate lobbyists, making clear reference to Mr Parlon.

“Given that a former Minister for State is now working for the CIF, one of the most powerful lobby groups in the country, there is a strong need to bring forward this legislation,” he said.

PD senator Colm O’Gorman acknowledged there were issues to be addressed, but said he did not wish for the debate to be personalised.