Lowry censure - Real reform is needed

The Dáil passed a motion of censure calling on Michael Lowry to resign his seat. The motion, taken without a vote, was essentially a meaningless gesture with no more credibility than an anonymous complaint.

Despite all the recent talk of reform, the Dáil proceeded with the same kind of empty gesture that it adopted against Liam Lawlor in February 2002, when he treated a similar call for his resignation with contempt.

Deputies should have had the courage to stand up and be counted by voting on the motion. It might then have real significance, but it has no more significance today than an April fool’s joke.