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FIANNA FÁIL still doesn’t get it. The collapse in support for the majority partner in Government is explained in large part by the failure of Ministers to maintain acceptable standards in public office and to be accountable for their actions. Remember the performances of Bertie Ahern and his various colleagues before tribunals of sworn inquiry? Serving ministers consistently refused to accept responsibility for policy decisions that helped to beggar society. So, instead of taking the correct course of action and asking Willie O’Dea to consider his position, the Taoiseach put party before his public obligation to uphold better standards in public life.

Mr Cowen has not been alone in failing to recognise and to uphold basic ethical standards. Senior Fianna Fáil Ministers accused those who criticised Mr O’Dea’s behaviour of acting in a despicable manner. They represented the episode as amounting to a political stroke, rather than a matter that would define this Government’s views on ethical standards. It was a shabby performance and has further diminished public confidence in the political process.