Fianna Fáil's two Coalition partners are at loggerheads over whether the decision by former PD minister of state Tom Parlon to take over as director of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) represents a conflict of interest.
Green Party spokesman Ciarán Cuffe last night described the CIF as one of the most powerful lobby groups in the country and called on the Government to introduce a code of conduct for people leaving political life.
But the PDs defended Mr Parlon, with a party spokesman saying it was outrageous to suggest there was any conflict of interest involved. Two party Senators also sprang to the defence of the former minister of state at the Office of Public Works.
However, Mr Cuffe cited the episode as showing the need for a code of conduct to be put in place for persons leaving political life and said his party would highlight the issue in the forthcoming legislative programme.
"Until such time as the workings of Government are completely open and transparent there will be a view that those leaving public life have greater access to information than others. Providing a buffer period of 12 months, during which such politicians could not take up private-sector employment relating to their previous area of responsibility, could help ensure that there is no perception of conflict of interest."
He pointed out that the Programme for Government referred to a "buffer period" before civil servants or local government officials could take up employment and also stated that the new Government would consider legislation to regulate lobbyists.
"This must be included in the new Government's legislative programme, and I believe such legislation should apply to politicians who have been officeholders. Given that a former minister for state is now working for the Construction Industry Federation, one of the most powerful lobby groups in the country, there is a strong need to bring forward this legislation.
"According to the CIF's own website, it 'engages with Government, professional groups, business groups and the social partners on our members' behalf. We monitor issues and trends, initiate proposals and act in our members' interests at local, national and EU levels.' I look forward to all parties in Government working together to progress legislation in this area," said Mr Cuffe.
A PD spokesman emphasised that Mr Parlon was not going to work for any of the developers who might have been involved in the tendering process for new public office accommodation but for an organisation that represented over 3,000 members who were in competition with each other.
He pointed out that in any case Mr Parlon as a minister was excluded from the tendering process and it would be outrageous to suggest that he had a conflict of interest.
Mr Parlon was also defended by PD Senators Tom Morrissey and Colm O'Gorman. Mr Morrissey said the details of the Government's decentralisation programme were well known throughout the country, while Mr O'Gorman said it was unfair to personalise the issue. Both men are contenders for the party leadership.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Health and acting leader of the Progressive Democrats, Mary Harney, yesterday declined to talk to the media about the future of the Progressive Democrats.
Ms Harney launched the annual report of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency but was not available for questions afterwards either about the report or the future leadership of her party.