I listened to all of the statement today by John O’Donoghue. It was a bit surreal to hear him talk about the cost of the Great Westin hotel in the environment of Dail Eireann. He also talked about a one pound sterling contribution that really upset him.
He strongly argued that he had been denied fair procedure by his holding of the office of Ceann Comhairle. He did give a spirited defence of his record but the depth of his emotion was clear. This was an angered man who will be back to give his side of the story.
Let’s be clear about one thing though.
It was and is right for him to resign. He was too silent for too long over behaviour that as a Minister and Ceann Comhairle wasn’t acceptable.
However we need to move ahead now. Otherwise we’ll compound the cycnicism that is felt by the people we look to share. I think it is of huge importance that the new Ceann Comhairle quickly implement a new vouched expenses regime. Otherwise nothing has been learnt from all of this affair.