PJ Mara: Banking inquiry would absolve Fianna Fáil of blame
Mr Mara said Fianna Fáil could be the biggest party at the next general election and could actually benefit from a judicial-led inquiry into the financial meltdown. Former taoisigh Bertie Ahern and Brian Cowen should reveal all, he added.
In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Mara also criticised Government proposals to regulate the lobbying of politicians, saying the plans are “bullshit” and “heavy-handed”.
The former government press secretary spoke candidly about how, as a lobbyist, he accessed key officials and ministers after he stopped working for Fianna Fáil.
“What Fianna Fáil should do now is get up on their legs and demand a whole proper inquiry into the financial meltdown,” he said.
“All the members of the previous government who were involved should have to attend and give evidence. There should be a judge for that thing. It shouldn’t be some mickey mouse parliamentary thing. A bunch of jokers from the committees; it will be very political.
“Let all the guys come in, let the chips fall where they may.”
Under Bertie Ahern, Mr Mara led Fianna Fáil’s election strategies in 1997, 2002, and 2007. Prior to that, he was press secretary for former taoiseach Charles Haughey. Mr Mara got both men re-elected, in spite of damning tribunal findings against them.
Mr Mara bowed out of politics in 2007, worked as a lobbyist, and now is a director with Digicel, the telecoms firm run by billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien.
The 71-year-old, who recently became a father again, said past Fianna Fáil governments and taoisigh should be quizzed about the economic crash but so should senior officials from departments, banks, regulators, and firms that advised ministers.
“Of course, Fianna Fáil will have to take their share of the blame, but it is ridiculous at the moment that they are the only [ones],” he said. “It will benefit the party to the extent that people will say they were not the main players in this. Clear the air anyway.
“Let’s hear it then, Bertie’s retired now. Let us hear him come in and answer for his sins if he has sins to answer for and let Brian Cowen come in, if he has anything to say. Brian Cowen, I’m sure, will have a good story to tell.”
Mr Mara also criticised Government plans to regulate lobbyists. “If that’s what they want to do, away with them [the Coalition]. But it’s still not going to stop people having quiet words in corners. People are going to find their way around that, if they want to.”
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