FG is in no position to lecture Bertie

IN their recent attacks on the Taoiseach, Fine Gael spokesmen have shown themselves to be hypocrites of the highest order.

Perhaps they need to be given a lesson on recent strange occurrences in their own party?

Fianna Fáil is not going to take lectures from Enda Kenny and FG on taxation issues.

In the early ’90s — the period the party is focusing on regarding Bertie’s tax affairs — FG was paying its staff under the table. This was institutionalised tax fraud and took place up until 1995. The party was severely penalised for this by the Revenue in 2001.

We have seen the hypocrisy of FG’s criticism of the Taoiseach for alleged non-cooperation with the tribunal. But FG deliberately concealed a document from the Moriarty Tribunal. The party has never explained why it did not disclose the $50,000 Telenor donation routed through an overseas company.

Then we have the hypocrisy of FG’s criticism of the Taoiseach’s alleged lack of memory at the tribunal.

Enda Kenny and Richard Bruton both met with Esat representatives to hear their interests in the second GSM licence. At the Moriarty Tribunal on December 3, 2002, evidence was heard that Kenny had informed the tribunal in writing he had no recollection of any such Esat meeting, although his official diary noted a meeting.

Richard Bruton also denied he had any recollection of a meeting with Esat, but his diary also contained such an entry.

Then we had the hypocrisy of FG’s criticism of the Taoiseach’s conflicting evidence at the tribunal.

Former FG leader John Bruton, on October 18, 2007, gave evidence to the tribunal which conflicted with his previous accounts.

Bruton admitted he now remembered a conversation in which Frank Dunlop had told him a former FG councillor had sought a large bribe. FG did not criticise him for giving conflicting accounts.

The old saying “people in glasshouses…” comes to mind.

Cllr Tom Brabazon (FF)

75 Grattan Lodge

Dublin 13