You have to laugh about the whole Government expenses situation. Sure what else can we do!
For the last couple of Sundays we have been entertained and horrified in equal amounts as more revelations of politicians’ expenses came to light. For me, the horrifying part wasn’t the amount of money that was spent. It was more the politicians’ arrogance over the whole situation, and their blatant refusal to a ) admit, b ) apologise, and c ) stand down, that makes me wonder what kind of people we’ve been voting into power.
After all, we have some blame to shoulder here too. We have idolised and adored these excuses for politicians for far too long, holding them up as celebrities who can do no wrong, and forgetting all the time that we have put them into power and they are here to serve us.
They have got above their station, totally taking advantage of our trust in them, and have left us red-faced and bankrupt. Perhaps it’s time we took a leaf out of our neighbours’ books. Unless you’re thinking of comparing the Irish political system to that of Zimbabwe, you’ll find that in most countries political expenditure of John O’Donoghue’s kind wouldn’t be taken half as lightly as it is here.
The fact that these politicians didn’t, and still don’t, need to prove how much they spent, and reasonably back up why the expenses were incurred in the first place, amazes me.
Is this seriously how we run our Government? Is this what democracy is meant to be?
Now I’m all for enjoying your work, and continuously striving to learn more, and I’m sure that sometimes means getting the odd perk and a mini-break while representing your company. But there’s perks, and there’s taking complete liberty. And John O’Donoghue has done nothing more than show his utter and unapologetic greed.
This is embarrassing to say the least, and I really hope there are not too many more worms in the woodwork. I don’t think the nation’s spirit could take it, or our bank balance for that matter.
It just shows you how one man’s greed can kill trust.
And what’s even worse, accountability was sought by Tom O’Higgins, former chairman of the audit committee of the Oireachtas Commission. But instead of our politicians agreeing, Tom was ignored and left with no choice but to resign. Over what? Over trying to make spending a little bit more accountable.
Tom O'Higgins attended his last meeting on Tuesday to explain that he felt obliged to resign the position during the summer because of the refusal of the politicians to reform their expenses and allowances regime.
This is farcical. Apart from a bit of mockery, and the odd funny email going about, Johno is walking away unscathed. Bertie’s on his side, as are the people of Kerry. And the one person who was trying to bring about reform resigns.
Our Government is a joke, and as such makes us look like a joke.
Greed is an ugly thing, and looks like it might be our ruination.
