Scrap tribunals and hope for better leadership

WE are now in the second decade of tribunals. Having listened to all kinds of allegations and conflicting evidence for so long, we have been become a nation of cynics and doubting Thomases.

There is an old saying that “a little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation” but, I might add, rarely does it give a satisfactory answer.

We have had a procession of top people in politics and business facing allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption. An ongoing parade of investigations flavoured with intrigue, suspense, suspicion and doubt — the real truth rarely surfacing.

Lawyers laughed all the way to the bank as attempts at stalling or hindering the operation of the tribunals became the order of the day, adding further spoils to their overflowing kitties.

And because of coincidental discovery of Ansbacher and other suspect overseas accounts, tens of millions of euro also flowed into the coffers of the Revenue Commissioners.

This was probably one of the few redeeming features of the investigations since it eased the burden on the PAYE sector, which normally picks up the tab.

Otherwise, the tribunals are largely useless. The last straw was when some of the individuals whose activities they were set up to investigate began hindering their operation, branding them a waste of time and money and demanding their termination.

Some had become so wealthy and powerful as to believe themselves above the law while at the same time running scared that the net might close on them.

What standards are we passing to the younger generation who are disillusioned and uncertain whether to believe in God or man.

Is it any wonder that so much of our media coverage is devoted to murder, rape and fatal accidents often caused by reckless driving, alcohol and drugs? If the tribunals have been worth anything, at least they have revealed low standards which discredit all of us. They should be ended now in the hope lessons have been learned and a new leadership, with a restored sense of honesty and integrity, will ultimately emerge.

James Gleeson

Turtulla

Thurles

Co Tipperary