Political farce - Wallace must go — now

Unlike their counterparts in other working democracies, Irish politicians have an abysmal record of not falling on their swords. That was never more evident than in the controversy surrounding Independent Wexford TD Mick Wallace.

It is mind boggling that after a week of political pussy-footing the matter has yet to be discussed on the floor of Dáil Éireann.

This case raises fundamental questions about the way the political system operates and underlines the urgent need to reform glaring loopholes designed to protect politicians against meaningful censure.

This political fiasco is further compounded by the uncertainty of the Dáil committee on members’ interests regarding its jurisdiction in an affair that is making a mockery of political probity. In any other parliament, an admission of knowingly making a false company declaration to the taxman, under-declaring Vat and being fined €2.1m, would result in political hari-kari.

However, Mr Wallace seems determined to cling to his Dáil seat at any cost. That would be a travesty. He must go — and go now.