Reaction from the people of Swords in north Dublin to the news that Ray Burke their local TD and a government minister had resigned.
Amid allegations that he had received money from a property developer, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ray Burke resigned from the cabinet and from the Dáil on 7 October 1997.
People interviewed in the town of Swords, part of his Dublin North constituency, are surprised by his sudden resignation.
I think he shouldn’t have resigned, because the old maxim, you're innocent until proven guilty.
Another man says,
I wasn't a bit surprised like, the pressure was on him, I'd say he had to go eventually.
Another speaker sees problems for Fianna Fáil in retaining the vacated seat in the Dáil. He thinks it may now go to the Labour politician Seán Ryan.
A woman interviewed thinks the former Minister is a very nice man and feels he was hounded out of his position. While another woman is also sympathetic to the ex-politician's plight. She considers him to be a victim of circumstance and is surprised at his resignation.
I'm not amazed he resigned his position, but I'm amazed he resigned his seat as well.
A 'Morning Ireland' report broadcast on 8 October 1997. The reporter is Harry McGee.
