Politics needs to endorse and live the ideals of the Nolan principles

It was in November 1997 that the Oireachtas appointed the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments but it is abundantly clear, following the RTÉ exposé, that the legacy of this painstaking and costly 15-year inquiry has neither eliminated corruption from the planning process; given clarity to the basic ethical standards expected of public office holders or inspired confidence in the integrity of the planning system.

Public trust continues to be abused and public confidence in politicians is undermined by the clandestine actions of some and the impunity of their behaviour.

Three years before this tribunal was appointed, the son of Kerry-born Famine emigrants to England, Baron Michael Patrick Nolan QC, a judge of the United Kingdom, became the first Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, a position he held until 1997.