This Dublin Property Developer Ended His Banking Inquiry Statement With The Words ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’

Johnny Ronan is no stranger to controversy, having been one of the most colourful characters of the boom, one of the tragic figures of the bust and, now, one of the resurgent figures of the recovery.

The man behind Treasury Holdings – responsible for some of the most prominent developments in Dublin over the last few decades – is also known for his relationship, and subsequent ugly breakup, with Glenda Gilson.

And while you might sometimes be inclined to say he gets a hard time – along there are times where he really, really doesn't help himself.

Such as this instance, whereby he concluded his statement to the banking inquiry with the phrase 'Arbeit Macht Frei'.

The end from Johnny Ronan is still there. I'd say about 5% censored. pic.twitter.com/S26qyCqBPE

— Tom Lyons (@TomLyonsBiz) September 24, 2015

Yes.

That really is the same phrase that achieved infamy by being placed at the entrance to the Dachau concentration camp.

What the actual fuck.

Taking a look through the reaction on Twitter was a bit like staring into a room full of people with their mouths hanging open.

Just published Johnny Ronan statement to #bankinginquiry. Ends with the words “Arbeit macht frei”. Enough said.

— Fergal Keane (@fergalrte) September 24, 2015

So Johnny Ronan's written evidence to the #bankinginquiry ends with the words "Arbeit macht frei." What the actual f...

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) September 24, 2015

@gavreilly Holy fucking shitfuck

— Jane Ruffino (@janeruffino) September 24, 2015

Of course, there is a potential explanation...

@gavreilly @AnMailleach maybe he took it from that pinterest page that attributes Hitler quotes to Taylor Swift? http://t.co/XcqpngGY7B

— Ken McDonagh (@KennethMcDonagh) September 24, 2015