What Bruton said on ethics

WHILE in opposition, John Bruton articulated with clarity the need for high ethical standards in government. This is what he has said:

That is the difference between this side of the House and that side of the House. You are serving yourselves and we are seeking to serve the people.

- October 19th, 1994, attacking Albert Reynolds over the "passports for sale" controversy.

. .. this Government's golden circle, its patronage and its highflying, pay ourselves, see the world lifestyle.

- October 20th, attacking the Fianna Fail Labour coalition during the Cork by election.

Political patronage and abuse of position of power must be brought to an end.

- Proposals for a Programme for a New Government, published by Fine Gael, November 25th, 1994.

We have had truth by instalments. The time for total honesty is now.

- December 6th, 1994, during the Whelehan affair.

The Government must go about its work... as transparently as if it were working behind a pane of glass.

- December 15th, 1994, on his election as Taoiseach.

Ministers are the servants of the people and they have been accountable, fully accountable in the Dail and elsewhere, for all they do.

- October 22nd, 1995, during the Horgan's Quay CIE site controversy.

Ministers are responsible for things that they do as ministers or while they are ministers . . . Private business or personal matters affecting what they do previous to their ministerial career are in a different category.

- Friday, November 29th, in initial reaction to disclosure that Michael Lowry got over £200,000 from Ben Dunne in 1993.

[There is] an equal obligation on every citizen whether he/she be a minister, a deputy or just an ordinary citizen to comply fully with the law... There is one law for everybody. Everybody must comply with the law...

- Monday, December 2nd.

The Minister has been a loyal personal friend and good colleague ... who showed both commitment and vigour in carrying out his duties.

- accepting Mr Lowry's resignation on Saturday, November 30th.

Media reports have suggested that some of the allegations now made have their origin in a Price Waterhouse report commissioned by Dunnes Stores. I do not know and have no way of knowing if this is correct. I have hot seen any such Price Waterhouse report...

- afternoon speech to Dail, Tuesday, December 3rd, in which other party leaders called for publication of the report.

. . . and he joined the other parties in an appeal to have the relevant contents of the report disclosed voluntarily.

- report of his remarks at closing of debate five hours later.

If Dunnes Stores gave money to Fine Gael, let them say so.

- senior Fine Gael source explaining refusal to detail donations to the party, afternoon of Wednesday, December 4th.