An RTÉ investigation exposing TDs offering to lobby on behalf of a fictitious wind farm in exchange for cash or future financial investment has been aired on Prime Time tonight – causing outrage online.
Three local councillors were seen promising to work secretly on behalf of a fictitious company, after the RTÉ investigations Unit examined conflicts of interest that may present themselves for politicians at both local and national level.
According to RTÉ, politicians are required to declare all business interests to ensure conflicts of interest don’t arrive, however “dozens of politicians failed to include the fact that they were directors of companies or owned undeclared properties.”
The report also indicated that a number of councillors had undeclared property portfolios, while others were acting as directors of companies.
Undercover footage this evening highlighted how three TDs all agreed to lobby a fictitucous wind farm company when approached in exchange for money. These were Hugh McElvaney – a four-time mayor of Monaghan who represented Fine Gael at the time, Fianna Fáil councillor in Co Sligo, Joe Queenan and independent councillor in Co Donegal, John O’Donnell.
As the footage unfolded, viewers understandably took to Twitter to make their feelings clear:
Wish they named the councillors who refused to meet with fake company on the grounds that it was unethical. #rteinvestigates #rtept
— Cathy Scanlan (@cathyscanlan) December 7, 2015
Cllr John O’Donnell campaign slogan was ‘vote for change’. You couldn’t make it up. #rteinvestigates #rtept Jesus wept!
— Helen Ní Chiaráin (@HelenK17) December 7, 2015
Tribunal said an Irish minister did the following. Not prosecuted. Still a TD. Electorally unassailable. #rtept pic.twitter.com/xf8z4uBcBP
— JPCampbellBiz (@JP_Biz) December 7, 2015
“Tis my money! I just didn’t want to fill out the forms.” #rteinvestigates #rtept pic.twitter.com/FFAn2mURra
— Ciarán Nevin (@CiaranNevin) December 7, 2015
#rtept #rteinvestigates I’ve a feeling that shredders will be catching fire this evening in some politicians offices. Crushers for PC’S too!
— Mark O’Donohoe (@howyadooin) December 7, 2015
“I’ll get paid through him” *wink*, “we have to work quietly”, “so many begrudgers out there” I got a little sick in my mouth there #rtept
— Andrew Gibbons (@andrewtgibbons) December 7, 2015
You know those “begrudgers”, not wanting their elected reps to take bribes and act corruptly. #rtept
— Mark Tighe (@marktigheST) December 7, 2015
Apparently wanting honest politicians with integrity is simple begrudgery according to cllr John O’Donnell #primetimeinvestigates #rtept
— Julian Lee (@Julian_Lee76) December 7, 2015
If you missed tonight’s show, be sure to check it out on RTÉ player… although you may be left with feelings of rage.
