Statutory rape case - Public tired of lack of responsibility

IT is not good enough that an anonymous official should have to carry the can for the administrative error which triggered the Supreme Court decision on statutory rape.

Given the constitutional crisis which erupted, political blame must also be apportioned. Arguably, a fully independent and more wide-ranging investigation was warranted.

That said, however, the much-leaked Sullivan Report has blamed an official for failing to alert the Attorney General that the sensitive rape case was looming. Significantly, the probe found no attempt at a cover-up or concealment and has recommended measures to ensure it never happens again.

An embarrassed Government refused to grant even an extra hour to debate the findings in the Dáil yesterday.

As TDs embark on their unconscionably long holiday in the sun, is it any wonder jaundiced voters are cynical about politicians?