We’re entitled to know all about old spies and newly made-up politicians

FOR more than 50 years the Irish public had no right to see official documents. The civil servants were effectively our masters — not public servants.

During the media preview of the State papers that were released last year, I was surprised to find that one file began with a letter that I wrote to Taoiseach Liam Cosgrave for access to some material relating to research for my first book. His staff were unable to find the material, but he did reply with other relative information.

Shortly afterwards, the Cosgrave government opened up the State papers for the first time and now we have the annual release under a 30-year rule.