PDs fail to measure up as FF’s moral guardians

THE most memorable image of the whole payments to the Taoiseach debacle was the soothing comment in his ear from Tánaiste Michael McDowell — “well done” — after the Dáil speech in which Mr Ahern gave absolutely no new information or clarification on the bungs; and “we survived it”, when they both tried later to put the crisis to bed.

How stomach-churning to watch the erstwhile watchdog drool all over his master more like a lovesick puppy begging to be tickled for being so good.

The PDs (who, despite their protestations, campaigned and won seats as moral guardians of Fianna Fáil) have become what McDowell himself accused Dick Spring of being — morally brain dead.

What the PDs have to ask themselves is what difference did their being in office make to FF’s reaction when the Taoiseach’s bungs were disclosed?

The answer is none. FF behaved as if they had the overall majority which Mr McDowell climbed up the lamp-posts to prevent at the last election.

How the mighty have fallen. Other than keeping those who are only ‘knee high’ to Mr McDowell in check, what purpose do the PDs have in this Government?

They should now be called the Pathetic Democrats and, with 3% support, confined to the political wilderness.

William Maguire

Millstreet Road

Macroom

Co Cork