I am struck by the similarity of the two current controversies being aired in Ireland; those concerning Bertie Ahern and Cahal Ó Searcaigh.
Both, it appears have performed actions which were morally dubious.
Both made no secret of their transgressions at the time- Bertie putting his acquired money straight into his bank account, Ó Searcaigh marching the boys to his room past the film maker.
We must assume that both felt themselves above suspicion and both now claim this transparency as their ultimate defence.
Even the nature of the transgressions have a certain ambiguous moral similarity-Bertie saying that the donation was intended for his personal use, Ó Searcaigh saying that the boys were over the age of consent.
Both are being judged not on their actions but rather on their position in the country, one as the Taoiseach, the other having poems on the Leaving Cert course.

What interesting times we live in.