- Opinion
- 20 Mar 01
Tribunals & Tribulations
It s gas. Some idiot in a world observatory of finance or somesuch has dropped Ireland down the least corrupt league. S/he thinks we are more corrupt than, say, five years ago. And why is this? Because we have these tribunals, that s why. Logic? Don t talk to me about logic. It s no wonder the financial order goes pear-shaped from time to time if that s their logic. Because, of course, the tribunals are a sign that we were once corrupt, that we know it and are getting better, not the other way around.
And what have we learned? By Jasus, we ve had some great stuff this year, as last. Frank Dunlop s puncture was a highlight. Much deflated by being sent packing by Justice Flood, he exhaled. About Quarryvale, about Liam Lawlor, about envelopes passing in Conway s pub and elsewhere. The lot. Remember Mr Big and Mr Insatiable?
Of course, he wasn t alone. Century Radio was one of the tales that unfolded. Quite startling allegations were made. It was a highly politicised arena, to say the least. And who s to say that things have changed all that much?
Meanwhile, Moriarty carried on in parallel. Dermot Desmond achieved a unique double by appearing before both. Charles Haughey took the stand and stood his ground. But he got out of well, court, thanks to some injudicious comments by Mary Harney which Judge Haugh thought might prejudice a trial. By the autumn he was too unwell, according to his doctors to return to Moriarty. Twilight has come. Or not, as the case might be. Who knows?
The Lindsay tribunal into the blood scandal was more chilling. We still haven t heard all the evidence, nor have we heard the judge s conclusions. But be clear. This was some awful mess.
Which reminds me of an old Martyn Turner cartoon of a cow looking at a headline that says CJD not from cows , alongside others to do with bombing and murder and greed and corruption. And the cow wonders if not from us, then from where?
