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IF BEVERLEY Flynn lacks the moral compass to behave in an ethical fashion, then Taoiseach Brian Cowen has a duty to remove her from membership of Fianna Fáil. At a time when public confidence in Government is at an all-time low and people are desperately seeking a restoration of standards in public life, her determination to draw the untaxed allowances of an Independent TD while enjoying the full benefits of Fianna Fáil membership cannot be tolerated.

Society is already immersed in unethical dealings, pursued by individuals at the highest levels of business, banking and construction. And little or no remedial action has been taken. Those gross failures in standards will cause serious economic damage unless legislative action is taken to bring us into line with British and US business laws. In order for that to happen, Government and Oireachtas members must first clean up their own acts if they are to provide leadership, confidence and hope to the majority of honest citizens.