Why the chancers get away with it

On yesterday’s Drivetime Journalist and author Olivia O’Leary told a story of how Bertie Ahern ruthlessly damaged her reputation and good name in order to protect his corrupt friend Haughey.

A vote of no confidence was due to be taken by the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party on Haughey’s leadership. In a cynical tactic to frighten anti Haughey TDs Ahern lied to the meeting by saying that O’Leary had informed him which anti Haughey TD had been her source of information.

One TD later angrily challenged her:

“So much for journalists protecting their sources.”

According to O’Leary, it took a very long time for her to clear her good name.

She finished the story with this amazing remark.

“I don’t hold it against him; his achievements as Taoiseach wipe these things out.”

It is this attitude, especially when held by those of influence in the media; that make it possible for corrupt politicians like Haughey, Burke etc. and self proclaimed mafia bosses like Ahern to safely live out their careers of enrichment for themselves and friends.