Constant Delays in Accountability for NAMA Scandals Further Damage Public Confidence – Aontu

Aontú has sharply criticised the delayed trial of two Belfast businessmen until 2023 over alleged fraud in relation to a £1 billion loan deal, as further damaging public confidence and delaying accountability for NAMA scandals.

An Teachta Tóibín: “The NAMA scandals are some of the most egregious examples of alleged corruption and fraud in Irish history. However, accountability for this alleged corruption and fraud has become associated with endless delays and spiralling costs. The announcement that Ian Coulter and Frank Cushnahan will not go on trial until 2023 only serves to affirm that association. It will have been nearly a decade since the alleged fraud in 2013 and 2014 before either of the accused are brought to trial. What message does that send? That it takes a decade for accountability to begin catching up with alleged criminality. Sadly, people are now more concerned with the price tag of ‘accountability’ now, more than holding people in power to account.”

Derry City Cllr Emmet Doyle: “The decade long delay for Coulter and Cushnahan to come to trial, does little to dispel the notion that Ireland has changed since the Crash. The names and organisations change, but the corruption and fraud harming the Irish people does not. This is not a small instance of corporate skulduggery – this is alleged fraud relating to a £1 billion loan deal. Justice delayed is justice denied. What justice is there for the Irish people that there is a 10 year wait for a trial for fraud, or a state-commissioned inquiry to run millions over budget?”

ENDS