Media spotlight adds to difficulties of Government
The Government has undoubtedly had its toughest week since its election in 2011. And what must be infuriating for those managing its time in power and providing advice behind the scenes is that much of the wounds have been self-inflicted.
It is always good to have combative ministers and there is no doubt that Justice Minister Alan Shatter TD is very much his own person. He has been a long time waiting to become a senior minister and he has certainly stamped his own unique mark on the justice portfolio, in particular.
As a backbencher, he drafted his own legislation. As a minister he has been at the forefront of making radical changes, particularly in taking on what are seen as powerful vested interests in the legal profession. He has won few friends there but, as a man in a hurry to impose badly needed reforms, he has not courted popularity.
Alan Shatter stood squarely behind former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan following the furore over his “disgusting” comments. Mr Callinan had opportunities to step back from the brink and clarify his “disgusting” comments. Equally, Mr Shatter had the opportunity to correct the Dáil record that neither whistleblower had co-operated with the O’Mahony inquiry. Both opted not to do so and allowed the controversy rumble on. The danger, of course, in pursuing such a high-wire course of action is that eventually someone or something will impact on the wire and topple you.
In this instance it was the comments of Transport Minister Leo Varadkar suggesting it would be helpful if the then-commissioner withdrew his remarks.
That came as the controversy was running out of oxygen. It forced Labour to rally to the Varadkar line which meant that the commissioner’s days were numbered. Even had he withdrawn his comments he would have been badly weakened as head of the Garda force.
In securing the “retirement” of Mr Callinan, the Government may have used more artillery than was required. Mr Callinan’s departure came on foot of the establishment of the Commission of Investigation to examine the Garda taping issue. But the former Garda commissioner appears to have acted properly in this regard and discontinued the practice. Besides, it is not very clear what other legal repercussions will follow from the practice by the gardaí of taping phone calls.
True, the “Bailey tapes” are very serious and have implications for the force, but the Government’s apocalyptic warning seems even now a little strident. It has also ensured that work being undertaken behind the scenes in decommissioning the taping issue is now to be completed under the arc lights of the media. And that spotlight provides clear and present danger for the Government.
* Richard Moore is a public relations consultant and a former government adviser
