Corruption in Northern Ireland

We have had a bit of fun with our first couple of posts focusing on the not so serious.

Its time now however to look at an important issue, corruption. If you talk to anybody who works in the public sector, they will tell you that corruption is endemic, yet very little of this information ever makes it into the public domain.

“Northern Ireland is a very small place” When people say this, they usually mean Northern Ireland is a very corrupt place. If you take everyone in a senior position in the public and private sector in Northern Ireland, it wouldn’t amount to more than a few thousand people. After seminars, cross working, social events and relatives are taken into account, we can be assured that these people all know each other, or at least they know someone who does. This little petri dish is then made nutrient rich thanks to the Barnett Formula. Conditions are just right for the growth of bacteria.

Recent problems include The Police Ombudsman, HELM Housing Association, and the Iris Robinson situation. For me the Police Ombudsman is by far the most important of these because it was reported to involve sections of the PSNI, the organisation that in a normal society would be expected to take the lead in tackling corruption, fraud and bribery.

I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg and we all know what hit the iceberg. Someone said to me the other day that Northern Ireland was too corrupt to even have the sort of  tribunals that took place in The Republic of Ireland. By this he meant that witnesses would be knobbled, minutes changed, legal professionals co-opted. This would not be universal, there are many decent individuals left. But it would be enough to undermine any proceedings. Another difference in Northern Ireland is the existence of other important issues such as victims, controversial marches, flags and emblems and occasional riots. These take the time and attention of politicians, civil leaders and police that would normally be directed towards competent and transparent administration.

It is easy to feel powerless in the face of all this, but there are things you can do. If you notice any irregularity in your place or work or community:

1. Lobby your local politicians

2. Contact the Northern Ireland Audit Office www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/

3. Contact the Public Accounts Committee in Assembly Buildings Stormont. http://archive.niassembly.gov.uk/public/2007mandate/pachome.htm

4. Contact the Serious Fraud Office. www.sfo.gov.uk/

5. Contact the NI Ombudsman. “The purpose of my Office is to ensure that every citizen in Northern Ireland is served by a fair and efficient public administration that is committed to accountability; openness; and quality of service” www.ni-ombudsman.org.uk/

5. If you are aware of any systemic fraud issues, or actions taken against whistle-blowers, it may be worth contacting Transparency International. http://www.transparency.org.uk/

6. You can submit Freedom of Information Requests through www.whatdotheyknow.com. The public scrutiny may help you to get a response.


Finally lets have a look at the consequences of corruption. The questionable awarding of contracts or appointments are taking from the public purse, leaving less for people in need. Ultimately this may endanger the block grant from Westminster.