John O'Donoghue's Speech From The Dock

only following procedure

from seanie in the red fox inn;

So John O'Donoghue is not bitter - so he said in his resignation speech. Of course mention of the media peppered his speech, although he did say of his relations with the fourth estate - 'the best of times, the worst of times'.

His barely concealed venom was directed at Eamon Gilmore. The 'unfair procedure' of pre-empting a fair hearing of his defence of his actions. Totally ignoring the fact that Gilmore offered him an alternative, that of a full public disclosure, instead of the 'fair hearing' behind closed doors, as O'Donoghue wanted.

Of course he never arranged any accomodation or travel - that was undertaken by civil servants or those who invited him to their country or function. He was scrupulously following procedure. Standard procedure. Standard protocol.  Procedures since 1929 (I think that was the year he mentioned).

The gentlemen at Nuremberg were only following procedure. Who questions procedure?

Of course he claimed credit for everything - Semple Stadium, Cliffs of Moher, Volvo Ocean Race, Ryder Cup and on and on and on. Good man yourself.

All the expenses incurred during the Tiger years apparently seem excessive in these spartan times, he inferred. So that's all right then.

John O'Donoghue says he did no wrong.

John O'Donoghue says he followed procedure.

John O'Donoghue is not a nazi.

John O'Donoghue is guilty of not taking full responsibility for his function. Not asking questions.

Only following orders.

And he will be re-elected. This is Kerry, after all. Those media and Dublin bastards won't best us.