Sir, - In the absence of specific, provable allegations, a new Tribunal would only serve to drive the perpetrators of Ireland's recent graft and corruption further to ground. As clearly demonstrated by the evidence of the Messrs Lowry and Haughey to the McCracken Tribunal, those involved will not surface voluntarily.
The prospect of jailing Mr Haughey for tax evasion, perjury and obstructing the McCracken Tribunal is and must be real. But, like many others I am not attracted to the idea of jailing a 71year-old former Taoiseach. I cannot agree, though, that his public disgrace is sufficient penalty and deterrent for his activities.
There is an alternative which might run as follows: An agreement be reached between Mr Haughey and the Revenue Commissioners in full settlement of all his tax liabilities to date, irrespective of subsequent revelations. All pending proceedings for tax evasion, perjury and obstruction of the Tribunal be abandoned and a guarantee be provided of non-prosecution with regard to Mr Haughey's future disclosures. In return Mr Haughey would fully recollect, give full account of and where possible provide documentation relating to all benefits in kind and moneys of which Mr Haughey was the beneficial recipient; all political and business favours granted or arranged; all other parties to the above. Any subsequent evidence of Mr Haughey's having failed to fully disclose the above would automatically render all guarantees of non-prosecution null and void.
The cost of the deal is potentially high for the state and Mr Haughey could benefit further, but the chance to expose as much of the graft and corruption as possible should be grasped while it is there. Such an arrangement might provide sufficient material to warrant setting up a new Tribunal and would finally provide Mr Haughey with the opportunity to give valuable service to the country he claims to have served so well. - Yours, etc., RICHARD CALLANAN,
Mount Pleasant Ave Uppr,
Dublin 6.