The Church of Ireland Gazette says Mr Padraig Flynn should resign as European Commissioner. The call has come in the "Point of View" editorial column, which states: " . . . he [Mr Flynn] would do Irish politics a great service by resigning immediately from the European Commission".
He should resign because of his refusal to answer questions concerning the allegation that, while he was Minister for the Environment, he received £50,000 from property developer Mr Tom Gilmartin, the article says.
"It may be that in answering the allegations Mr Flynn is proven to have been scrupulously honest," it said. "But we cannot know until he answers the allegations."
Referring more generally to the revelations about the lifestyle of the former Taoiseach Mr C.J. Haughey, the Gazette recalls the speech to the Dail of the former leader of the Progressive Democrats, Mr Des O'Malley.
"Those who did not know or find out what was going on then must face questions about their ability and fitness for political life these days. Those who knew what was happening and turned a blind eye have more serious questions to answer today.
"During the Haughey years, Mr Padraig Flynn rose through the party ranks, prospered and enjoyed the office of cabinet minister. He has since become a European commissioner, and a very successful one at that too."
The article is also critical of the Taoiseach, who, it points out, also prospered in the Haughey era. "Despite his own honesty, Mr Ahern each day looks more and more like a man being painted into an ever-tightening corner," it states, concluding: "The continuing support given by the Progressive Democrats to the present government may yet raise questions about their commitment to openness, honesty and accountability in government."
This is the second time recently the Church of Ireland Gazette has criticised Mr Ahern. The last time was over his relationship with his partner, Ms Celia Larkin.