Transparency on Bertie's finances critical

Even if it obscures the debate on policy, the question of Bertie Ahern's finances is critical for our democracy. The reason is fairly simple : the cost of corruption is enormous. We know that nods and winks and bags of cash infected the core of our political culture and we know how chunks of our cities are disfigured as a result. We know how terrible decisions were taken that favoured old friends over the public good. It's a scar on our democracy that can only be healed by a vigorous commitment to transparency and accountability.
I am not alleging that Mr Ahern is corrupt. I am not in possession of the facts. But the story about the house deal where bundles of cash were slushing around his constituency office gives off a very bad smell. His inability to clear the confusion at the start has added to the sense that something stinks. In order to clear the suspicion of politic rot, Mr Ahern needs to do more than tell us where each penny came from and where it went. He needs to convince us that he believes that there cannot be a question over the integrity of anyone who wishes to hold the most important office in our government. He needs to convince us that he recognises the damage that corruption has wrought on our democracy, and that he intends to work towards creating a culture whereby all holders of elected office will run a mile when they hear the word 'cash'.

If Mr Ahern cannot make these assurances, then he is unfit for the office of Taoiseach.

Ciarán Mac Aonghusa, Churchtown, Dublin 14