Enduring politics without principles

THE decision by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae to pay the cost of the premium-rate phone calls which were made in Leinster House in support of Mr Healy- Rae’s appearance on Celebrities Go Wild, is to be welcomed. However, it should not be an end to the issue.

The 3,636 calls claimed to have been made cost taxpayers €2,600.

Yet again the behaviour of some members of the Oireachtas have brought further ridicule on our legislature. Our national parliament has been reduced to junk status.

When the Dáil Committee on Procedure and Privileges scrutinise this matter, perhaps they might ascertain why it took four years to be made public. The matter first came to light in 2007 when Eircom, the Oireachtas phone service provider, noted a surge in premium-rate calls from Leinster House and brought it to their attention.

Is it any wonder that this country was driven onto the rocks when some of those elected to steer us through the economic maelstrom gathering in 2007 were otherwise engaged in superficial phone-in game shows?

We have tolerated for far too long in this country politics without principles and politicians without conscience, character or morality.

The so-called political giants in Leinster House have turned out to be ethical pygmies.

Tom Cooper

Knocklyon,

Dublin 16