The resignation of Ray Burke has left a strong stench of
hypocrisy around Leinster House. It may have provided the first
piece of drama since the House assembled but no-one got
satisfaction from it - at least not in public.
When John Bruton began his reaction with words of regret at the
circumstances of the resignation, David Andrews shouted across
the chamber and his taunts of ``Humbug'' were taken up by other
Fianna Failers as Andrews stormed out in protest.
The Fine Gael benches were subdued and well they might. Only the
most naive supporters of that party could believe that the
planning fiascos in North County Dublin, or in other councils
across the country, were soley the responsibility of Fianna Fáil,
or of any one individual in FF. Politicians of both parties were
involved.
The hypocrisy on the issue of the sale of Irish passports is even
more breathtaking. Successive governments, both Fianna
Fáil-dominated and Fine Gael-dominated, have operated this
shameful passports for investment scheme.
While foreign billionaires are sold Irish citizenship, Irish
passport holders in the Six Counties are denied the right to vote
in elections in this state, as are our citizens who are
emigrants, and cross-border workers suffer discrimination within
the tax system. The selling of passports also contrasts with the
treatment meted out to those seeking refuge in this state from
political persecution.
Responding to a question on Wednesday morning Bertie Ahern
highlighted the fact that this scheme was not even set up under
legislation. The Minister for Foreign Affairs just needs to sign
the authorisation and the new citizen is born - for a large
consideration, of course.
At one time ``selling Ireland'' meant betraying the nation; today
it means business but it's still flogging the harp...to the
highest bidder.
Republicans are well used to picketing Leinster House in all
kinds of campaigns. It's nice to be able to offer solidarity to
campaigners from the inside. Last week there were three such
lobbies outside the gates of Leinster House. The biggest was that
of communities campaigning against microwave transmitters which
are springing up on hills all over the country as the mobile
phone system expands. At Lough-an-lea, near Kingscourt, one of
the most scenic sites in County Cavan there are already 11 masts
for various communications purposes. Esat Digifone want to put up
a 12th.
Caoimhghín met the protesters and brought a delegation into the
House. This is an issue which is going to escalate countrywide as
concern grows about the environmental, human and animal health
impact of microwave radiation. We have a question down to the
Minister for Environment seeking a moratorium on the building of
the masts.
Also up to lobby were people from Castleblayney, County Monaghan,
who are objecting to a proposed development at another natural
amenity - Lough Muckno.
Caoimhghín met these as well as a vocal demonstration by retired
nurses and other public servants who are suffering a new form of
discrimination.
Previously their pensions were linked to rises in public service
pay but this link has been broken and many senior citizens are
set to lose out.
I wrote last week about the very restrictive procedures of the
House under Standing Orders. We had another example this week.
Questions tabled by us on the crisis in the export of live cattle
were ruled out because they `anticipated' a motion put down by
Fine Gael. ``The practices of this House continue to disturb me
not just a little,'' commented Caoimhghín. He had to `borrow' time
from Labour TD Willie Penrose in order to get his right to speak.
His two-minute contribution contrasted with the long-winded
orations of some other speakers who do not have to worry about
time.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/aprn.gif)