Revenge not ethics behind exposure of corruption

Had Fred Forsey not cheated on his wife, we would probably not know of his corruption It seems little has changed despite all the tribunals, writes Michael Clifford

SOME of the detail in the Fred Forsey case beggars belief. If anything, it shows that the more things change, the more they stay the same when it comes to corruption in the planning process. And once again, a bright, shining exhibit for proper reform has been shoved into the public square.

Forsey is a former town councillor for Dungarvan, Co Waterford. He once served as deputy mayor of the town. Yesterday, he was sentenced to six years in prison, with two years suspended following his conviction for receiving €80,000 in corrupt payments in 2006. The case related to a 32-hectare site outside the town which a developer wanted rezoned. His plans included an industrial park and a development of 30 houses.