Bertie can’t tell his own money from someone else’s
Unfortunately, when the Moriarty Tribunal suggested he had been “imprudent” with regard to the multiple signing of blank cheques on the Haughey’s leader’s account, his response (“everybody had been at it”) indicated he had no grasp of the core issues — notably accountability and responsibility. Or of their gravity.
The Gilmartin allegations may turn out to be a fantasy or worse, but what the Mahon tribunal, and Mr Ahern’s own attempts to appeal beyond it, have done is to confirm this glaring deficiency.
Countless numbers of people find themselves (as trustees, treasurers, employees and managers) in charge of other people’s money.
Often clumsily and inadequately (sometimes long into sweaty nights and not without worry), they try to exercise these duties in an appropriate and, especially, accountable fashion. Are they fools? It is possible Mr Ahern did not know, until after the event, how Ms Larkin’s aunts solved their serious housing problem.
It is possible, in relation to the Brian Lenihan appeal monies (for which as co-signatory of the account he was morally, if not legally, responsible) that he never once asked:
* How much money had come in?
* How much money had been spent?
* How much was left? (Actually half).
* What had happened to the residue.
It is possible that at no stage in relation to that leader’s account did any alarm bells ring in Mr Ahern’s astute mind.
It is, alas, also more than possible that at least 30% of those who vote in this State do not understand that the game is not about handing out the goodies to pals in a pseudo-republic with which no self-respecting banana would wish to be associated.
We all know that the human psyche is capable of almost limitless ‘denial’. Those of us who have dabbled slightly in politics have encountered, (and even used), the double mantra: “Don’t rock the boat, and keep it in the party”.
The other 14 members of the Government troop into the cabinet room week after week and try not to look at the elephant (or is it a time-bomb?) at the table.
When they swear unwavering loyalty to the infallibility of their leader, they seem not to realise that every day they lose something of their own integrity, honour and self-respect — not to speak of those of their parties.
That is their prerogative – and, if they so desire, their personal legacy to history.
A more serious casualty may well be the negotiation of the economic makeover which is crucial to our survival in the new world disorder. Another could be the Lisbon treaty which, beyond the rhetoric and the silly threats, is vital for the future of Europe — and of Ireland in Europe and the world.
Maurice O’Connell
19 Forge Park
Oakpark
Tralee
Co Kerry
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