Editor's Blog

Culture of accountability?

Last week could have been a watershed in Irish political life. Two reports were released that examined the causes of the banking meltdown and the attendant regulatory malfunctions. These reports were commissioned by the Government to look into the role senior members of this government, and in particular the Taoiseach, played in stoking the boom-bust cycle. That both of these reports were free of political interference is possibly a first in the history of the State.

For the past few years Brian Cowen has trotted out the same excuse that it was international factors such as the collapse of Lehman Brothers that triggered the collapse of the economy. The reports rubbished this argument in no uncertain terms. The Taoiseach then went on to accept blame for the erroneous policies introduced when he was minister for finance. But what does it ultimately mean to accept responsibility without stepping down?

For far too long this has been the culture of corporate Ireland. Senior officers of large companies have refused to fall on their sword when they have committed wrongdoings. But why should they act any differently when the political culture is the exact same.

Today was an opportunity for the Dail to let the Taoiseach and the country know that actions have consequences. If wrong decisions are made then there has to be some form of accountability. That goes for politicians as well as corporate Ireland. There has to be an attempt to bring this country in line with OECD standards in this respect.

That opportunity has been squandered by a leadership contest in Fine Gael. That is not to say that this magazine is a supporter of Enda Kenny. He has not provided the type of robust opposition that is needed. In fact, Kenny has clearly not come to terms with the economic challenges facing this country. But this is an issue that should have been resolved at another time.

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