We won’t get a receipt for this, but that’s the price of public life

WHO really exerts influence in this country? Is there a golden circle of insiders that dominate decision-making in government? Is opinion manipulated by a select cohort of furtive authoritative figures?

Attempts to expose and regulate such a coterie of powerful people are in gestation in the corridors of power. Last week, 50 submissions were published in response to Government plans to enact a statutory register of lobbyists. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland invited opinions on a Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality, which will oblige presenters and producers of radio and television programmes to declare any interests in a new public register. These measures imply that hidden forces wield power behind closed doors.

Interaction between government and business is a complex, often subtle, coexistence. Public policy-making and executive decisions are fundamental to many enterprises. Elimination of smog wasn’t great for coal merchants. Deregulation of the taxi industry reduces taxi drivers’ income by way of additional capacity. Location for a new IDA factory or state office confers benefits to one local community over another. Specific taxation measures can diminish consumption or sectoral revenue. Investment returns can be dictated by daily decisions on public procurement. Smoking bans impact on tobacco profits. Laws regulate many sectors of economic activity. Appointments can make or break individual’s careers. There is no avoidance of the extent to which business needs decision-makers on its side.