An ethical society - Why don’t we hold anyone to account?

Deputy Mick Wallace was expected to make a statement to the Dáil yesterday about his tax-dodging and maybe his multi-million euro failed loans, but yesterday’s decision by Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett ruling out any such mea maxima culpa matinee precluded that enthralling possibility.

Mr Wallace wanted to speak about his €2.1m settlement — how can it can be so called, as he admits it may never be paid? — with the Revenue Commissioners. However, the Dáil Committee of Members Interests will meet tomorrow to discuss the reality-as-farce, farce-as-reality circus.

The committee, which is being by Independent Thomas Pringle, may examine if Mr Wallace contravened ethics legislation since his election to Leinster House by not attempting to repay outstanding Vat. Whether it can match its conclusions with anything stronger than a pink gin remains to be seen. Like the rest of us, the committee may do censure but real, dissuading consequences are a horse of an entirely different colour.