The PD watchdog is all bark and no bite

JUSTICE Minister Michael McDowell recently suggested that because we have ‘the gist’ of the corruption involved, the Mahon tribunal should be wrapped up.

This proves the falsity of the Tánaiste’s claim that it is better to have the Progressive Democrats in government with Fianna Fáil as a type of watchdog.

Unfortunately, this dog is all bark and no bite.

The PDs might as well merge with FF as they are now trying to prevent the Taoiseach from being investigated any further by the Mahon tribunal. McDowell’s idea of investigating corruption is to ‘get the gist of it’ and then move on.

But he can only blame himself for the spiralling cost of the tribunal as the lawyers’ fees were agreed by the Government.

It is also members of the Government, among others, the tribunal is investigating. McDowell would be better off concentrating on the spiralling levels of gangland crime and overcrowding in our prisons — if you get my gist.

Caitriona Fitzpatrick

Elvaston

Marble Hall Park

Douglas Road

Cork