Ministers must stick to the highest standards

WHILE some people have tried to justify Bertie Ahern’s actions by saying he was in debt, we shouldn’t begrudge him for having such generous friends in a time of need.

But what they forget is that he was a minister, and what may be acceptable behaviour for a private citizen is unacceptable for a holder of high public office.

A private citizen can chance his or her arm with the Revenue Commissioners by accepting a non-repayable loan. But a minister cannot. It doesn’t matter whether it was for a home extension or debts, a minister can’t take it. No buts, no excuses, no exceptions.

But was Mr Ahern so indebted that he needed a dig-out to the equivalent of €50,000? If so, it begs the question whether he should have remained in office. Imagine the embarrassment to the country of having a bankrupt finance minister? It wouldn’t have inspired much confidence in the economy.

Neither was he living in fear of debt collectors because no barrister would be stupid enough to send round brawny goons to rough up the finance minister for his legal fees.

Equally, no bank would want to refuse the finance minister a loan. Indeed at the time he accepted the non-repayable loan, Mr Ahern had just taken out a repayable loan from a bank.

He wasn’t like other separated working-class fathers sleeping in miserable bedsits, watching telly on a grainy black ‘n’ white set and eating beans on toast.

He had a ministerial salary of €90,000, a chauffeured Merc, and hobnobbed with the rich. People should help out their friends in times of need. But when your friend is a minister, it is not smart to offer him an unsolicited non-repayable loan. For a minister to accept it is even dumber.

Jason FitzHarris

Rivervalley

Swords

Co Dublin