From Unity, 7 October 2006

Same old story?

It was the turn of Bertie Ahern to be exposed for corruption when leaked financial records revealed highly dubious cash payments to him by Irish businessmen in the 1990s. The Irish Times broke the original story that the Taoiseach was being investigated by the Mahon Tribunal, looking into allegations of corruption in the planning process. Ahern himself also said on national television that at that time he had been loaned around £33,000 by friends.
     Ahern dampened down the unexpected leadership crisis within Fianna Fáil by admitting that taking €8,000 for a function in Manchester in 1994 while Minister for Finance was wrong and regrettable but "was an error, it was a misjudgement, although not in breach of any law or code of conduct.” His weak apology was enough for the party faithful, but, more surprising, it was also enough for the new Progressive Democrat (PD) leader, Michael McDowell. As the Labour Party leader, Pat Rabbitte, pointed out, the PDs had paraded themselves as “the moral watchdogs of Government conduct,” yet when it came to the test they were prepared to muzzle themselves to stay in office.
     That same old smell of corruption and hypocrisy could be found at the Conservative Party conference too, despite the moderate make-over that is under way. As police investigations continue into New Labour cash for honours, Cameron proclaims the need for the New Conservatives to lead the way and “clean up politics” by reforming party funding.
     But the whiff of shady financial dealings just won’t leave the Tories. Questions are being asked about businessmen reportedly pledging up to £50,000, followed by similar annual donations, in order to join the Conservative “Leaders’ Club”—guaranteeing direct access to Cameron. It was also reported that the Tories had avoided £625,000 in tax by selling Conservative Central Office to an offshore company. Offshore companies—now hasn’t that got a familiar ring to it?
[JP]

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