Politicians must demonstrate that they are responsible citizens that play by the rules, Dublin Rathdown TD Neale Richmond has said.
Mr Richmond has just taken over the role of Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment following the resignation of Damien English.
Mr English admitted that he had been “wrong” not to declare that he owned a property when he submitted a planning application in 2008.
Although he will no longer be a Minister of State, he will continue to serve as a TD.
Mr Richmond told On The Record that Mr English "absolutely did the right thing" by resigning from his role in the Department.
"It's very unfortunate ... but he acted quickly and it was fairly clear what he had to do", he said.
"This is another challenge to all of us in politics, to show that we hold ourselves to the highest standards and will continue to do so."
Mr Richmond says he's not worried about any indiscretions coming to light relating to his own interests.
"I don't really have any interests, to be honest", he said.
"I've never applied for planning permission, I've never owned a property other than my home."
Junior Minister resignations
Mr English's resignation comes after a similar controversy forced former Fianna Fáil Minister of State Robert Troy to do the same.
Mr Richmond concedes that both resignations "haven't come about in the right way and have certainly been very disappointing", but says it is not part of a broader trend.
"Resignations from government do happen a lot around the world", he said.
"It shows that there is accountability, which I think is important, but certainly I take it fully, quite clearly, that it does present a challenge.
"It does throw the responsibility on politicians to demonstrate that everything is clear and above board."
'A big political price'
Minister Heather Humphreys told On The Record that he "paid a big political price" and reminded listeners of the "toll on people on a human level".
"He put his hands up when it was brought to his attention and he resigned."
Mr English, she says, is "a very good friend" of hers with whom she has a long-standing working relationship.
"He has been an excellent minister and parliamentarian and I was very sad to see him resign", she said.
"I do believe that he will continue to contribute as a TD for Westmeath."
Listen back to the full conversation here.
