Minister Paschal Donohoe Refuses to Answer Questions About Stone’s Contracts

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD questioned the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform today in the Dáil about the need for transparency in the democratic process. An Teachta Tóibín stated:

“Transparent declarations are vital to a functioning democracy. Why, because for decades there was a golden circle that bought power and influence through donations to Ministers. This created incredible damage in society”.

“The other side of this equation in this relationship is not being dealt with. Michael Stone was nominated to the board of the Land Development Agency shortly after the donation. That’s significant. Minister you named Mr Stone for the chair of the North East Inner city Initiative. That’s significant”.

“The Irish Mirror reported that your doner received €8.7m in Government payments over six years. Two companies of which Mr Stone was a director received at least 141 payments over six years – including for work in Leinster House. Many of these payments were made for contracts with the OPW which was part of your Department. Were you aware of any of these contracts contemporaneously, when they were made?

“Shockingly at this point the Minister refused to answer this simple questions but just talked down the clock. Given what has happened full transparency should be provided. Its not my job as an elected representative to accept the bonafides of any Minister on face value. My job is to challenge each Minister to ensure that administration in this country is open and fair. I have written to the Finance Committee to request that the Minister comes before the Committee to answer questions about the awarding of contracts”. CRIOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.