In a nutshell: A person is guilty of
enterprise corruption when, having knowledge of the existence of a criminal
enterprise and the nature of its activities, and being employed or ‘associated’
with such activities.
That pretty much sums up the position of golden circles
and corruption in this country for most of its time as a republic. The problem
with this law, is that in America they actually go to jail for that offence but
not here, for it has never existed in these shores until 2010.
Some of the richest countries in the
world enjoy the highest ratings in the corruption index of Transparency International, as if proof was needed to show what corruption is doing to this
country and it's impoverishment from the enemies within. Even with the proposed amendments currently on the table regarding
corruption, an Irish politician 'may' be forced to forfeit their present
office, yet only be excluded from seeking that office again for ‘up to’ 10
years. In other words, they may be gone for now but not gone away for ever.
Only one person in public office in
Ireland has ever been convicted of corruption associated with their political office or position.
This was a cheating husband in a minor county council job who was turned in by
his scorned wife. He even went to jail and is still there. This fact is verified
by none other than Transparency International as well. Any other
politicians were either convicted of failing to make proper tax returns, or of
perjury, but not for corruption.
As we move forward in the heady
optimism of 2014 and armed with the belief that bankers, developers and
politicians, will actually get their just deserts in court, I believe they will
only get their ‘just rewards’ for justice itself is very much on
their side for they are the ones writing the laws.
Barry Clifford
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