The Mahon Report - Real lessons point to the future

“It is clear ... corruption in Irish political life was both endemic and systematic. It affected every level of Government from some holders of top ministerial offices to some local councillors and its existence a was widely known and widely tolerated.”

The Mahon Tribunal Report, March 22, 2012

So there it is; they all partied. Even though it’s taken 15 years and €300 million to publish these conclusions, and though in our heart of hearts we all suspected as much, the findings are still a shocking kick for the great majority of Irish people and politicians, who remain decent, more-or-less-honest citizens.