Penalty points scandal - Political elitism must be ended

Leaving aside the inordinate pay, perks, pensions and long holidays of TDs and senators, the public are sick to the teeth of the kind of constitutional privilege which affords politicians protection from being arrested either when going to, or returning from, or being within, the precincts of either the Dáil or Seanad.

This bizarre law is a hangover from darker days and a glaring example of how inappropriate privilege is still enjoyed by the political classes. It is almost as if by virtue of being elected they somehow become elevated to a status that puts them head and shoulders above the other citizens of the country.

Today’s front-page exposé relating to the controversy surrounding the penalty points system, including penalties for speeding or use of mobile phones by politicians while driving, provides a graphic illustration of the urgency for reform of nod-and-wink laws which set TDs and senators apart from other people.

The findings of the Irish Examiner investigation show, for instance, that a TD’s wife was allocated his penalty points for speeding, while another TD conceded that it “may have happened” that he asked gardaí to quash his driving fines.

Though a small number of TDs refused to answer questions, 76% of those contacted replied, with most flatly denying either seeking or having penalties wiped off their driving records. The admission by one TD of having the points incorrectly taken by his wife saw him bizarrely blame the incorrect allocation on forms that were left sitting “in her handbag”.

Viewed through the jaundiced eyes of people enduring immense hardship, largely caused by out-of-touch political elitism, the investigation has brought to light examples of the them-and-us syndrome which permeates much of daily life in this country. It is a further illustration of just how skewed the administration of justice in Ireland can be.

Fortunately, those who framed the Constitution were wise enough, given the turbulence of Irish politics in the post-Civil War era, to draw the line at treason, felony, or breach of the peace, crimes for which TDs or senators can indeed be arrested.

There is no denying that the most glaring example of the sharp divide between politicians and the plain people of Ireland is the ongoing furore surrounding Roscommon TD Luke “Ming” Flanagan.

Astonishingly, despite his prominent involvement in a campaign against the gardaí over the cancellation of penalty points for high-profile figures, the Independent TD was forced to admit that he had been approached on two occasions and told his penalties would be revoked.

To suggest that he shot himself in both feet is the understatement of the year. It is a classic example of the kind of hypocrisy that voters hate in politicians. In political terms, especially given his liking for the high moral ground, it may yet prove terminal.

In the administration of law, there must betransparency, fairness and balance. There cannot be one rule for politicians or VIPs and another for the man and woman in the street. Not alone does that scenario make a mockery of the justice system, it undermines fundamental principles of democracy.