Forsey corruption case prompts calls for cleaner local government

Standards in Public Office Commission should be given supervisory role of standards in local government

Dublin, 27 June 2012

The sentencing today of the former town councillor Fred Forsey Jnr for corruption highlights the urgent need for comprehensive efforts to stamp out corruption in local government according to Transparency International Ireland (TI Ireland). Mr Forsey was convicted for receiving corrupt payments totalling €80,000 from a property developer who was seeking to get lands rezoned in Co Waterford. He is believed to be the first public representative in the history of the State to be convicted for corruption.