A fate worse than resignation ... O’Donoghue enters list of lost causes

MAYBE we should find it in our hearts to temper our condemnation of “zero tolerance man” John O’Donoghue in his hour of need.

I don’t mean his bit of bother over those limousines and five-star hotels, not to mention all those horseracing events he was forced to travel long distances to attend thanks to the crass unprofessionalism of his departmental staff.

No. While these minor misdemeanours have caused him some problems with less understanding members of the opposition who are obviously above reproach in matters of expenses themselves, the reason I feel some sorrow for the ex-Ceann Comhairle is more to do with his friends rather than his enemies.