Central Bank to stage new soap opera

The Central Bank, in an obvious attempt to cheer us all up, is to stage its very own soap opera. Next week, three bank bosses who were on boards in the lead up to the 2008 financial crisis, must convince the Central Bank’s Fitness and Probity panel that they are capable of running their respective … Continue reading “Central Bank to stage new soap opera”

White collar crime: An easy thing in Ireland

A 47 year old man, Terence Maughan, has been jailed for one year for defrauding the state of €14,000 in dole payments. Maughan, a father of six with no previous convictions, committed his crimes between 2008 and 2010. State enforcement authorities left no stone unturned in their efforts to bring this man to justice. An … Continue reading “White collar crime: An easy thing in Ireland”

The CHC fraud proves that there is no effective financial regulation in Ireland

Prior to the collapse of Ireland’s economy in 2008 there was a universal belief that Ireland possessed a functional financial regulatory system. Subsequent to Ireland’s economic collapse there was a universal belief that light touch regulation was the core factor in bringing about the catastrophe. Presently there is a universal belief that financial regulation has … Continue reading “The CHC fraud proves that there is no effective financial regulation in Ireland”

Judge Kelly caves in to state pressure

On 19th July last I asked the question – Will Judge Kelly fold under state pressure? Sadly, and all too predictably, the judge folded. Judge Kelly had strongly challenged the state regarding the never ending investigation into Anglo Irish Bank. Throwing down the gauntlet he said the requested six months extension to the investigation would … Continue reading “Judge Kelly caves in to state pressure”

Will judge Kelly fold under state pressure?

Last May a very disturbing event occurred in this country which went almost completely unnoticed by the media. The Director of Public Prosecutions, James Hamilton, publicly rebuked a High Court judge. Some weeks earlier the judge in question, Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, had strongly criticised the long delay in the Anglo Irish Bank investigation. The … Continue reading “Will judge Kelly fold under state pressure?”

Rebellion: Sooner rather later

Madam, What an absolutely spiffing idea! An inquiry is exactly what we need; another 14 years and millions and millions of euros establishing unmitigated corruption which will go forever unpunished (“Burton seeks inquiry into banking crisis”, Home News, April 26th). Iceland, a country of fewer than 400,000 souls, also had a banking crisis. Little Iceland … Continue reading “Rebellion: Sooner rather later”

Moriarty Report: First reactions

The first and most important thing to be said about the Moriarty Report is that nobody will be made accountable. This, of course, is no accident. While tribunals have power to produce facts they are specifically prevented from bringing the guilty to account. Any subsequent police investigation is barred from using evidence uncovered by the … Continue reading “Moriarty Report: First reactions”

NAMA fails to deny very serious allegations

On the 27th January last Fianna Fail Senator Mark Daly made a series of very serious allegations on Today with Pat Kenny against the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA). The allegations are as follows: That NAMA is breaking the law by failing to hold pubic auctions or competitive tendering for the sale of public assets … Continue reading “NAMA fails to deny very serious allegations”

Drug dealer's excuses judged to be unbelievable

Drug dealer and crime boss John Gilligan was branded a loser and a liar in court recentl (Irish Independent). Judge Kevin Feeney said evidence given by Gilligan that he won some of his money on the horses was implausible, incredible and far fetched. The judge rejected his excuses out of hand. Bertie Ahern also gave … Continue reading “Drug dealer's excuses judged to be unbelievable”

Questions for Mr. Varadkar

I agree with Fine Gael TD Leo Varadkar that bankers have done more damage to the economy than the IRA and that they should be arrested and prosecuted. We here at Public Inquiry have been hammering on about this matter for years now. I do, however, have have a number of questions for Mr. Varadkar. … Continue reading “Questions for Mr. Varadkar”