Drumm should not be allowed to use video link

The declaration by David Drumm, former chief executive of Anglo Irish Bank that he would deliberate to the banking inquiry by video link is an outrageous display of condescension and disrespect toward the Irish public and a mischievous instance of self-serving manipulation.

The modus operandi of this Oireachtas Inquiry is to examine the sworn testimony of witnesses and to cross-examine their evidence in person.

Drumm’s suggestion follows the precedent last April when members of the banking inquiry team were reduced to asking questions submitted in advance to Jean-Claude Trichet, former President of the European Central Bank at the premises of the Institute of International and European Affairs, following a lecture by him.