We could be living in the era of the whistleblower — survey

Ireland might have an ambiguous relationship with its own whistleblowers, but a new survey indicates that internationally, we could be living in the era of the whistleblower.

A survey conducted by New Internationalist magazine found that 16% of those questioned said they would definitely blow the whistle if they uncovered information that they felt warranted public attention; with a further 80% saying they would give whistleblowing serious consideration.

In recent years Wikileaks has released a huge amount of data, not least US diplomatic cables, while last year Edward Snowden blew the lid on the scale of American state surveillance.

He is currently in Russia where he has been granted temporary asylum.

The actions of Garda whistleblowers Garda Maurice McCabe and retired garda John Wilson has played a role in three high-profile resignations this year, including that of Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.

In profiling major whistleblowing stories for its latest edition, the New Internationalist found that whistleblowers often lose their jobs, can be ostracised by their fellow workers and their communities, and can experience stress and relationship breakdown, as well as the threat of retaliation.

It also contains a test to gauge whether you are more or less likely to blow the whistle, by asking readers how accurate are the following statements on a scale of 1 to 5 (5=very; 1=not at all):

* 1 You can’t say one thing while believing another.

* 2 You are thorough and meticulous in your approach to things.

* 3 You are patient, cool-headed and slow to lose your temper.

* 4 Your friends think you are a bit obsessive.

* 5 You are not afraid to make enemies if necessary.

* 6 You have a patient partner, family or friends who will stand by you through thick and thin.

* 7 When you start something, you stick with it and don’t get put off easily.

* 8 You are brave, outspoken and tell the truth as you see it.

* 9 You are in good physical and mental health.

* 10 You are discreet and can keep quiet about explosive information in your possession until the right time.

* 11 You are prepared to give up material possessions and personal security to do the right thing.

* 12 You are able to listen to and take advice from others.

* 13 You are a good communicator.

* 14 You are internet savvy and good at networking with activists and media.

People who score 54-70 are thought to be potential whistleblowers, while those who post scores of 30-53 are advised to take expert advice first before proceeding. Those scoring 14-29 are unlikely to be a whistleblower.

Groups pay tribute to Shatter’s reforms but say much work still to do

Interest groups yesterday said a programme of reform in Ireland’s justice system must continue despite the resignation of Alan Shatter as Justice Minister.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) yesterday congratulated Frances Fitzgerald on succeeding Deputy Shatter as justice minister but said much work still had to be done.

In acknowledging what it said were Mr Shatter’s efforts in reforming the penal system, the IPRT said other areas in need of being addressed included an end to overcrowding and slopping-out in Ireland’s prisons, an end to imprisonment for non-payment of fines and the establishment of an independent complaints mechanism, such as a Prisoner Ombudsman.

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties expressed its “regret” at the resignation of Alan Shatter as Minister for Justice, claiming “his talents and his undoubted mettle will be sorely missed”.

However, he said the ICCL had called for a full and comprehensive inquiry to be initiated under the terms of the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004 and that since this was now likely to be a recommendation in the Guerin Report, said such an inquiry should be established “without any further delay”.

The Garda Representative Association said it could not comment on political appointments.