Drink-drive politicians: how leaders responded

ENDA KENNY must be congratulated in what was a difficult period for Fine Gael.

Since his election as party leader he has always promised transparency in his party and accountability of his public representatives, and that is what we saw last week when Tipperary Cllr Michael Fitzgerald admitted to driving after taking a drink.

Mr Kenny has recommended to the FG national executive that the whip be removed from the beleaguered councillor.

Now compare Mr Kenny’s decisive reaction with that of Bertie Ahern’s when former Fianna Fáil minister Jim McDaid was convicted in October 2005 of dangerous and drunken driving at Naas District Court and given a two-year ban for driving up the wrong side of a dual carriageway.

Or Mr Ahern’s response when North Dublin deputy GV Wright publicly admitted knocking down a pedestrian while driving after drinking.

Both deputies are still members of Fianna Fáil, with Jim McDaid being considered as a general election candidate next year.

Laura McGonigle

Knocknamullagh

Rochestown

Co Cork