Independent Wicklow TD Stephen Donnelly resigned from the banking inquiry committee because the Government had regained its majority there by, in his words, "subverting the democratic process". It was a principled decision. The Government ignored established procedures and, by extension, undermined the authority and independence of a committee to which Mr Donnelly had been nominated. TDs applauded his action before filling the vacancy.

Fianna Fáil wishes to extend and delay the investigation; the Coalition wants a tight focus on the banking guarantee in advance of a general election. Some effort was made to portray Mr Donnelly in a negative light. That is what the establishment does when individuals adopt positions of principle. A disdain for those who resign allows incompetent politicians to remain in office while public confidence in standards of behaviour declines. Ingrained resistance to accountability also applies within administrative structures and encourages the perpetuation of a club mentality.

Principle and politics are uncomfortable bedfellows. Politics requires compromise. Principle demands high personal standards. By the time Oireachtas members have made the long transition from council chamber to the Dáil, compromise and party requirements have become second nature. A rigid whip system does the rest. Mr Donnelly came from outside this club. The collapse of the building and banking sectors and Ireland's application for a bailout brought him into politics. His expertise could have helped clarify the causes of the crash and the contributions of various agencies including our banks – where a forensic approach is needed. He decided otherwise; perhaps in that context it was a short-sighted move.

Something good has come from the resignation. A Government whip will not apply to Fine Gael and Labour Party members on the banking committee. Other Oireachtas committees may demand the same treatment, so the influence of parliament could grow at the expense of the Executive – not such a bad outcome.