Israel shows us how to probe corruption cases

SO Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert is to face a criminal investigation into his purchase of a property.

In Israel, as in most western democracies, where there is strong suspicion of political corruption, police involvement is immediate. If sufficient evidence is revealed, there is immediate legal action. If a politician is found guilty, there is immediate accountability.

In Ireland, no government watchdog has ever initiated a criminal investigation against a politician. The gardaí do not investigate allegations of political corruption.