O’Donoghue steps down - Reform is needed now

JOHN O’DONOGHUE made a spirited and passionate defence of his position and achievements during his resignation speech in the Dáil yesterday afternoon.

His recurring theme was that he had been denied the opportunity to respond to the charges made against him because of the non-political nature of his office. The argument that he should have made a comprehensive, once-off statement to protect the non-political character of that office is at least as valid.

He insisted that he followed norms observed by all ministers. This may be an excuse but it is not a valid defence, especially in these straitened times.