I usually restrict my BLOGS to legal issues but my stomach was turned today when I read an Article on the front page of the Irish Times titled “Mick Wallace to use “leader`s allowance” to fund research”.
The Article recorded that INDEPENDENT TD Mick Wallace plans to use the €41,000 a year “leader’s allowance” he has begun claiming to fund research into “different issues that concern the people of Ireland”. Mr Wallace has for the first time defended his decision to join other Independent deputies in claiming the allowance, which is untaxed and unvouched. Apparently he stated last night that : “If I don’t claim it, when all the others do, I am at a disadvantage”. Readers will recall that this is the Wexford TD who has no intention of resigning from the Dáil over his building company’s evasion of €1.4 million in taxes.
In the meantime Paul Begley continues to serve 6 years in Prison over his Garlic VAT evasion (despite the fact that he was already making recompense to the Tax Authorities) and, since our TD`s admitted tax evasion, Target Express was pushed towards Liquidation by the Revenue Commissioners despite the fact that this led to up to 400 job losses; not to mention the consequential loss of business to other companies throughout the island who were trading with Target Express.
It seems that some of our TD`s consider themselves above the law and don`t believe that they should be placed at any disadvantage, much less a spell in prison or consignment to political obscurity.
Ian Paisley`s comment “sackcloth and ashes” comes to mind. I`ll say no more.