23/03/2012

Report Declares "Endemic Corrution" In Irish Politics

The final report published yesterday from the Mahon Tribunal declared that corruption affected every level of government from cabinet ministers to local councillors during two decades of political dominance by Fianna Fáil.

The report accused former taoiseach Bertie Ahern of untruthfulness. It found former European commissioner Pádraig Flynn behaved corruptly, and said another former taoiseach, Albert Reynolds, had abused his power.

“Corruption in Irish political life was both endemic and systemic,” read the report. “It affected every level of government, from some holders of top ministerial offices to some local councillors, and its existence was widely known and widely tolerated,” said the report.

Bertie Ahern last night said he was “incredulous” at what he described as “objectionable and inaccurate” findings and that he would be looking to vindicate his name.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny announced the Government was referring the report to the Garda Commissioner, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Revenue Commissioners and the Standards in Public Office Commission.

A three-day Dáil debate on the report will take place next week.

(H)


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