For more than two months now the headlines have been occupied by the intrigues within Bord na Mona. Over that time the managing director, Dr Ed die O'Connor, has suffered a campaign of half truths and manipulated media leaks. He has described it as "death by a thousand cuts". It is a dramatic but not inappropriate metaphor for what must count as one of the most tawdry games of politics ever conducted, around the affairs of a semi state company.
Today the board of the company meets again. There will be further examination of Dr O'Connor's expense accounts. There will be some discussion of his pension entitlements. And if past form is anything to go on, within a day or two there will be selective revelations designed further to portray the managing director in the worst possible light. It is a disgraceful way for the business of a great state enterprise to be conducted. It tarnishes those directly involved. It humiliates the employees of Bord na Mona, including: Dr O'Connor. And it is an affront to the taxpayer whose earnings have built the company from its' foundations.
The issues and the principles in this saga must be clear enough. If Dr O'Connor's expenses were conducted within the parameters agreed with the former chairman of Bord na Mona, Mr Brendan Halligan, then Dr O'Connor cannot be penalised. It is up to Mr Halligan to explain himself. If, on the other hand, Dr O'Connor's arrangements were not properly authorised by his chairman, then Dr O'Connor must be seen as the first mover of his own misfortune. Indeed, a clear word from Mr Halligan at any point over the course of this affair could have served to put an end to the public spectacle. His silence remains one of the most puzzling aspects of it all.
Other factors are largely extraneous. Some among the business community have been heard to express a zealous disapproval of any challenge to Dr O'Connor's expenses regime. There is admiration for his capacities and sympathy for him over the restraints which the Glee son formula places upon those who lead the semi state enterprises. But this is beside the point. Every enterprise, whether private or public, has to operate to a set of agreed rules as to remuneration and conditions of service. If those who work within an enterprise are dissatisfied with their arrangements they are at liberty to seek to renegotiate them or, failing that, to look elsewhere. Operating outside the rules or outside the designated processes of authorisation is not an option.
Dr O'Connor has steadfastly maintained that he has operated within the rules. And unless someone can show the contrary to be true he is entitled to be taken at his word. But it must appear at this stage that there will be a parting of the ways between him and Bord na Mona. It would now be in the best interests of the company if an early resolution can be reached, allowing Dr O'Connor to leave on terms which are reasonable and clearing the way for a new regime within the organisation.
That it should come to this is regrettable. That it should be so drawn out and so contrived as a public spectacle is shameful. The Minister, Mr Michael Lowry, should take a hand to bring matters to a speedy conclusion, not least of all in his own interest. it is surely remarkable that so many issues within Mr Lowry's purview seem to terminate in recrimination and grief.