Political ethics - When will they ever learn?

IN THE wake of the BertieGate loans scandal, long-promised legislation on political ethics has at last been published.

But whether it will reach the statute books before the Taoiseach calls next month’s General Election is in doubt.

Effectively, this was the “urgent” sticking plaster to keep Justice Minister Michael McDowell and the PDs in coalition with Fianna Fáil following last year’s controversy over payments to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern in the early 1990s.

Though he denied any wrongdoing or breaking any laws, Mr Ahern admitted receiving monies in the form of loans and gifts from close friends and business people.

Seven months later, the new legislation requires ministers, TDs and senators to get clearance before accepting a benefit or gift worth in aggregate more than €2,000 from a friend for personal reasons. Typifying Irish “stroke” politics, the limit trebled from €650.

When will they ever learn?