John O'Donoghue expenses scandal

rdf:langString John O'Donoghue expenses scandal

rdf:langString InternetArchiveBot

rdf:langString medic

rdf:langString June 2017

rdf:langString May 2022

rdf:langString yes

rdf:langString The John O'Donoghue expenses scandal saw former Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue pursued by various allegations over his expenses claims in Ireland's Sunday newspapers over several months in 2009. He spent €250,000 in his time as Ceann Comhairle and €550,000 in his time as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. His wife Kate-Ann also enjoyed many of the expenses. Tabloid newspapers referred to the politician with titles such as "Johnny Cash". The Irish Green Party, junior coalition partners in government, requested a reform of the system following the revelations. The accountant in charge of expenses had also resigned in protest at the system. O'Donoghue was the first Ceann Comhairle to forcefully resign; however, Patrick Hogan resigned the post for health reasons in 1967. O'Donoghue announced his resignation from the position of Ceann Comhairle on the evening of 6 October 2009, effective as of 13 October 2009. The Irish Independent opined: "Were Louis the XIV around today, the Sun King would likely be envious of the lavish style that John O'Donoghue brought to public office". The Australian noted that the controversy followed just three months after a similar one brought down Michael Martin of the United Kingdom. The Observer blamed his fall on "a keen interest in racing", particularly his trips to Aintree, Cheltenham and the Melbourne Cup. David Sharrock of The Times suggested the government was "close to collapse" and contrasted the expenses with a report that one school in Ireland had requested children to bring their own toilet paper to classes.