Politics is a game and truth is the loser

THE Dáil was treated to a rare outburst of emotion last Wednesday. Unlike the odd performance that rises into high dudgeon, this came from the heart.

It was issued by Independent TD, Mick Wallace — he of the heavy-metal hair, football shirts and dodgy taxation history. None of which should take from a heart-felt observation of his experiences since entering politics at the last election.

Wallace was addressing beleaguered Minister for Justice Alan Shatter — he of the nice suits, cultured accent, and boot-boy tendency to use his privileged position to attack the character of others. Those whom Shatter has targeted from on high include Wallace, on foot of confidential information gleaned from the gardaí; and whistleblower cop Maurice McCabe, whose reputation was trashed by Shatter under privilege.