Openness in politics - Secrecy on expenses must end

OUTSTANDING food and drink bills hardly represent a threat to this democracy even if they are held in the Dáil restaurant.

Overall, 157 of 226 Oireachtas members owe the restaurant just under €75,000 for food and drink. The largest bill stands at €5,612.80, the lowest just 22c.

Put in the context of the scandal that has become something approaching a very British revolution in London these figures are smallish cheese.