Once again there’s debate about how to control lobbyists. Once again we have politicians and commentators telling us, this needs to be done; that needs to be done. We need legislation; we need transparency and accountability blah, blah, blah.
There will, of course, be no effective action taken to control lobbyists, as any such move would seriously damage the interests of very powerful people.
And the current corrupt political system will never allow that to happen.
The ‘we have to regulate lobbyists’ debate was also a hot topic in 2000 (14 years ago) as a result of Frank Dunlop’s corrupt activities.
The following letter was published in the Irish Times 21 April 2000.
Sir,
Once again the politicians have set up a committee in response to the latest seepage of corruption from the body politic.
They seem to be completely unaware that the entire political system is operating from the sewers as far as ordinary citizens are concerned.
This latest committee will consider what legislation is required to control the activities of lobbyists in light of the Frank Dunlop revelations.
Its real purpose, of course, is to give the impression that action is being taken until the controversy has blown over.
Remember the Denis Foley committee?
All forgotten now.
Yours etc.,
Anthony Sheridan
Cobh