Ethics - Choice Quotes
Labour and the Greens criticised reports that the main Government party is selling membership for a ‘Forum of Opportunity’ scheme to business people in a bid to raise funds for the next General Election.
A promotional leaflet promises members they will receive “networking opportunities” with ministers and TDs if they pay membership fees of €1,500 a year for three years.
Irish Examiner, 29 March 2005
Mr. Dillon: Might I inquire how much of this particular commodity was consumed at the last dinner given by the members of Taca and might I further inquire whether it was the draught or bottled variety?
The Taoiseach [Jack Lynch]: A good few pints, if the Deputy wants to know, and we are well able to drink them.
Mr. Dillon: Were they pints of beer?
The Taoiseach: Murphy, Beamish and Guinness, in that order.
Mr. Dillon: It is a comfort to know that they are getting something for their £100. I was afraid that it was pure benevolence.
Dáil Exchange, 11 April 1967
Former Kerry footballer, Deenihan, had stood toe to toe, and occasionally traded blows, with Heffo’s Army, the uncompromising Dublin side in the 1970s, and come out on the top.
Liam Lawlor was a GAA star of the hurling code for Dublin and Leinster, a fact for which the Kingdom man admitted, yesterday evening, that he is eternally grateful.
“Thanks be to Jesus he didn’t play football,” remarked Deenihan, who retired rapidly to the Dáil bar to recover his composure after his successful, if traumatic, call on Lawlor to resign his position.
The record will show that Deputy Lawlor resigned his position as Vice Chair of the committee which will shortly discuss new proposals on ethics in public life.
Karl Brophy, Irish Examiner, 2000
Deputy Kenny and I have been Members of the House for long enough to know that there is a code of ethics whereby those who have been elected to the House try to remain elected. That is the code of ethics in this House.
Bertie Ahern, 09 Dec. 2003
You think you have joined the democratic club only to find there is an inner circle club which will cost more to join. This whole process undermines proper standards of political conduct.
Under Fianna Fáil’s rules if you have the money you will gain exclusive access. Fianna Fáil are now offering the chance to buy influence.
Trevor Sargent, 29 March 2005
They talk about free enterprise, or at any rate some of them do; and they all talk about democracy. But they don’t believe in it for a minute. They belong to a club. You’re not a member of it and you never will be.
With acknowledgements to Billmon.
Mark Waters marked time at 12:39 pm on March 31st, 2005 .
I hold no patent on quotes.
Also: The fact that you’re on their side doesn’t mean that they’re on your side.