Should Bertie go? (22)

Has anyone been following Bertiegate? What do you think - should he step down as Taoiseach/FF leader after what has come out? My own opinion is that he did nothing legally wrong, but morally I think taking the money in Manchester was questionable, though I though his explanation in the Dail yesterday was persuasive. I do agree with his own assessment that he made an error of judgement, and although I'm not a party political animal, I do respect him, and think he is an honest man, with integrity. However, I also think that he has seriously undermined his own position. What happens the next time a member of his party is found to have taken money from somebody, however innocent the circumstances? He certainly will not be in a position to ask them to resign from any position of power they might hold. And what is it with giving people seats on boards because they are friends and not for reward? Where's the difference? Thought they were supposed to be filled on merit?

Even though I think he did nothing wrong, and I believe him to be a good and honest man, I think he should step down, because I for one would have doubts about his judgements in future.

Munchkin2

I don't think he should go, though he did make a stupid decision to take the cash. Certainly, he has undermined his position though now, everybody knows that it isn't the way to go, innocent or genuine the need.

Big welcome back Munchkin
I agree with you that he should step down. He explained himself very well yesterday but the seeds of doubt have been planted now. Makes you wonder if there is anything else there that hasn't been uncovered. The current affair may only be the tip of the iceberg.
To me at least it reminded me of a child apologising...it wasn't because he did wrong, more because he got caught.

Couldn't have put it better myself, Bluebells - the only reason we got an apology was cos we found out - well done, Irish Times!!

He's better than Pat Rabbitte, and the way things are going, chances are we're going to be listening to both of them next year - groan!!

Oh God, just imagine that!!

i think he should stay, hes a great speaker. and he bought me a pint of guiness one nite in co.donegal when i ran into him at the bar!

hey Munchkin, do you think his own office leaked it now, cos its far enough away from an election so as to do as little political damage as possible. If it came out next year theres no way he'd have got bak in cos as they say mud sticks

Might find out who leaked it when Noel Treacy goes before the tribunal next week. Why do you think his own office leaked it? What have they to gain from it? I think that the opposition will make sure that it is raised before the next election. It seems to be excercising them more than difficulties with health or education!!


It seems that the person who is paying the real price for all of this is Michael McDowell. Regardless of what you think of him, he is the one who is taking all the flac - dammed if he does, dammed if he doesn't. His political career will probably be finished in the next election.