Honours system ‘would be open to cronyism’

THE prospect of establishing an Irish honours list is off the table after Fine Gael warned the scheme would be “open to cronyism” by Fianna Fáil.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern recently reiterated his belief that the State should have such a system, to salute people for their contribution to Irish life.

But Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O’Keeffe said yesterday: “Quite honestly, there would be concern at the element of cronyism in a situation where you’ve had virtually one party in government for practically the last 20 years and the next five years.”