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.

Instead, Irish politicians and officials turn up at expensive and, for the most part, ineffective tribunals to inform the nation they are suffering from amnesia.

There is not the remotest possibility that the Taoiseach will face an investigation that would make him immediately accountable, despite failing to provide satisfactory answers to the many serious questions regarding his acceptance of large amounts of cash.

Recent polls and elections confirm that most citizens are happy with this state of affairs and apparently have no worries about the serious consequences that inevitably follow when low standards in high places become the norm.

Anthony Sheridan

1 Carraig Eoin

Cobh

Co Cork