According to a report Ireland is regarded as one of the most corrupt states in the European Union.
A special report on justice and social issues suggests Ireland is regarded abroad as one of the most corrupt European states. The report 'Rights and Justice Work in Ireland: A New Baseline' by Brian Harvey was commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust which campaigns for legal reforms.
Social researcher Brian Harvey’s findings show political corruption, bribery and nepotism are major problems and,
Ireland has lost substantial amount of foreign investment as the result of problems in the financial services industries.
On the streets of Dublin there is little surprise at Ireland’s record on corruption,
Its endemic, you know, it’s been going on for years.
A woman thinks politicians are self seeking,
Well I think they’re all in it to line their own pockets.
Another considers,
The big sin is to be found out in it, but it’s going on all the time.
The report also suggests the economic boom has made Ireland one of the richest countries, however it is one of the most unequal, and its record on human rights is poor.
The report is bound to make grim reading for politicians in the weeks coming up to the general election.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 April 2002. The reporter is Eileen Whelan.
