Opposition claims Fianna Fáil trying to escape scrutiny

THE Government was compared to a “dictatorship” for attempting to escape accountability or public scrutiny for the financial crisis through a “secretive and controlled” investigation.

Fine Gael said Taoiseach Brian Cowen wanted hearings behind closed doors to protect himself and his Fianna Fáil party from any criticism for their role in the banking collapse.

“It is a secretive, controlled process designed to protect the Taoiseach and his colleagues who lead us into this catastrophe. It is an inquiry conceived by insiders on behalf of insiders,” said Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.