Speaking on Ray Burke (who was subsequently jailed for six months for tax evasion) after Burke's resignation; I always found him to be a proud honourable man, loyal and true, persevering and principled, caring and committed but tough and a person who often lost friends very easily. On behalf of the Government and particularly on behalf of the Fianna Fail Party, I thank him for his distinguished years in the service of his constituents and his country.[3]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker praises a colleague's character despite his downfall, noting personal flaws alongside professional virtues.
- In plain terms
- He honors a man who was good and loyal but also difficult to be friends with.
- What can you take from it?
- People can have strong virtues and serious flaws at the same time.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you judge flawed leaders?
- Can loyalty excuse mistakes?
Another view
Calling someone honorable after they broke the law can seem contradictory.
More from Bertie Ahern
'I never condone wrongdoing in any area' (22 February 2006 in the Dail) (Ahern corrected his slip, above, during the same dialogue.[2])
Permalink to quote #13 'The public are entitled to have an absolute guarantee of the financial probity and integrity of their elected representatives, their officials and above all o…
Permalink to quote #15 'I never condemn wrongdoing in any area.' (22 February 2006 in the Dail)
Permalink to quote #12
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