PD spirit has been tested but resolve will be stronger

Politics and controversy are all too regular bedfellows. It's hardly surprising. The political world is an influential sphere and the wealthy or well connected are constantly trying to penetrate it. With unfortunate regularity, it is the public good which is compromised.

The proposal by Charlie McCreevy to nominate former Supreme Court judge Hugh O'Flaherty as vice-president of the European Investment Bank this week has resulted in a further setback to the diminishing faith the general public has in the political system, which is lamentable.

The names associated with this affair reopen for one family in particular but for other individuals also, tragic and painful memories. The fact that these have been awoken so publicly for a second time is regrettable. The inconsequential matter of a job compares little to the loss of life.

Mr O'Flaherty's credentials in relation to this position are without doubt, but the manner of his nomination calls into question the procedures followed by a succession of governments in filling both judicial and public service positions.

An important lesson to be learned from the whole debacle is the urgent necessity to change the appointments procedure. Carol Coulter, Legal Affairs correspondent of The Irish Times, referred to this in a radio interview during the week. Speaking in particular about judicial appointments, she suggested that the current system is unashamedly political, leaving appointments open to criticism and accusations of cronyism.

With the system which currently prevails, the majority of public appointments are also steeped in politics. Positions are offered in reward for a lifetime's dedication to The Party. With particular reference to the judiciary, for the sake of executive and judicial separation, appointees, on accession, are required to divest themselves of political allegiance, not something which would come readily to a seasoned political operator.

I agree wholeheartedly. The procedures surrounding appointments to all public service positions must change. Currently, it is too overtly political and rewards on the basis of political allegiance rather than merit. Transparency must underpin a new system.

An all-party Dail committee which would operate like a public service appointments commission would go a long way towards achieving this. The committee could be supplemented by individuals from the respective representative professional bodies, who would provide the relevant expertise to the selection procedure. As a minimum, any proposed appointment should have to be ratified by the Dail. A system similar to this operates in relation to judicial appointments in the US, where Senate approval is required before any appointment becomes official.

Yes, this has been a difficult week for the Progressive Democrats and the party has taken a bruising. The focus of the media on dissent within the ranks of the Progressive Democrats says more about the media's need to sell a story rather than any reality of the Progressive Democrats demise.

Any party which will not tolerate difference of opinion is a party which has lost vitality and is dying. The Progressive Democrats is a vibrant party rooted in the liberal tradition which welcomes debate and is big enough to accommodate difference of opinion. Events this week will have tested the spirit of the party, but I have no doubt it will have strengthened its resolve.

To be anointed with infallibility as the Progressive Democrats collectively and Mary Harney in particular have been, not just by the media but by the public in general, is a tremendous pressure to have to deal with. The work Mary has done in relation to the numerous inquiries which have emanated from her Department is to her credit.

Because she is responsible for uncovering unsavoury practice in many aspects of commercial life and because she and other colleagues have been relentless in their pursuit of "offenders", the Progressive Democrats have been deemed to inhabit the moral high ground.

The Progressive Democrats are partners in this Government, not its moral guardians. Morality is an individual responsibility. The Progressive Democrats cannot be held responsible for the conduct of a separate party nor individuals contained therein.

I believe we are on the threshold of a new era. The revelations coming from the various tribunals have sickened people; they are clamouring for change. The role and responsibility the public has in the metamorphosis currently craved for in Irish society is often overlooked. It must select candidates who reflect the high standards it is now seeking.

To opt out and not vote is most damaging of all. It fails to acknowledge a fundamental certainty. After the next election, 166 deputies will be returned to Dail Eireann. Who they are and how they behave is in the hands of the voter.

Choose carefully and choose wisely because they are the people who will shape your society for the years to come and if you haven't voted, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Fiona O'Malley is a PD councillor on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council for Stillorgan