We need a new value system in politics

THE controversies over directors’ loans, the allegations of share price manipulation and the window-dressing of deposits at Anglo Irish Bank have created the international perception that Ireland is a dodgy place to do business.

This is being exacerbated by the Government’s weak excuse that naming the so-called Maple 10 will only further damage Ireland’s reputation.

The opposite is the case — international businessmen are now running a mile from Ireland for fear they could be dealing with the undisclosed businessmen. Allied to this is the failure of the Financial Regulator’s office, along with the Department of Finance and the Government, rigorously to police the sector while allowing those responsible to resign, receive unimaginably generous pay-offs and walk. The reaction of senior politicians to the financial scandals has been alarming, yet a more detailed analysis shows that our senior politicians are also pocketing hundreds of thousands in pensions while drawing some of the biggest political salaries and unvouched expenses in the world.

With small firms struggling and people being laid off in record numbers, it is not acceptable for the Greens to say that, as long as their policy platform is being implemented, they are in for the long haul. Is it acceptable to stand on the sidelines as education, health and equality policy take a hammering in the name of sharing the pain?

There is only one clear “triumph of transparency and accountability”, as Finance Minister Brian Lenihan puts it... the Government’s bailout of the banking sector will severely compromise the financing of health and education services for ordinary people for years to come. Surely it is time for a new transparency and accountability, a new value system that serves the public interest above sectoral interests and that rewards hard work.

Cllr Bronwen Maher (Ind)

The Bramblings

Killester

Dublin