Pique and self-aggrandisement should not influence ethical behaviour. Alan Shatter ignored those considerations when, in a carefully stage-managed exercise during election week, he accepted a ministerial severance payment and donated the money to charity. As a former minister for justice who voted to end such payments, Mr Shatter's behaviour was inconsistent and presumptuous. Par for the course, his critics might say. The severance payment involved public money that, through ministerial oversight, Mr Shatter was technically entitled to claim.
His response to the potential windfall had a number of effects: it drew attention to poor administration by Labour Party Minister Brendan Howlin; it embarrassed Taoiseach Enda Kenny and it showed disdain for Fine Gael colleagues. Departure from Government had not modified his well-developed sense of superiority. If Mr Shatter wished to support his favourite charity, the Jack and Jill Foundation, he could have done so out of his own resources as, no doubt, he frequently did in the past. The charity, which provides help for terminally ill children is fully deserving of public and private support. This donation, however, may leave a bad taste. It has certainly benefited from unexpected publicity, but at a cost of becoming embroiled in unseemly political score-settling.
By waiting three days before making his intentions known, Mr Shatter milked the issue for everything it was worth, as Fine Gael and Labour Party candidates wilted on doorsteps. A request from Mr Kenny to refuse payment was ignored.He emphasised at a special press conference that journalists were learning of the decision before the Taoiseach. It was rebellious behaviour. His resignation obviously rankled while his rejection of the public's judgement on the handling of Garda matters appeared unshaken. Mr Shatter intends to remain in national politics. Whatever about the former minister's popularity and motive on this occasion, his ability and intelligence should enliven Dáil debates.