Political patronage is sickening

WHO is the Government kidding?

A gullible public are seemingly being asked to believe it is either coincidence or a quirk of fate that Kerry groups have received generous funding from the National Lottery, even though, as we are told by his Department, Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue had no direct links with the recipients.

With an eye to political survival, a succession of Fianna Fáil ministers have displayed a propensity to look after those in their own backyard.

In 2001, Sports Minister Dr Jim McDaid gave €3.21 million in lottery funding to Donegal, with a further €5m last year.

Arts Minister Síle de Valera also approved €3.3m for arts projects in Clare in 2001.

So far this year, Tourism and Sports Minister John O’Donoghue has pumped €5.85m into Kerry, treble the amount earmarked for neighbouring counties with bigger populations.

Is it any wonder the Opposition parties, lacking the wherewithal to emulate Mr O’Donoghue’s example, are calling for an independent body to oversee the allocation of National Lottery funding ?

It would help rid the system of nauseous political patronage, but don’t hold your breath.