Clifford’s assessment of McWilliams is as rock ‘n’ roll as the man himself

“Knowing it all isn’t a crime, particularly if you have the personality to carry it off.”

“Rock ’n’ roll arrived at the Oireachtas” clarioned Clifford in his tongue-in-cheek take on “He Who Foretold The Crash”.

Michael Clifford (Irish Examiner, February 27) penned a rollicking ‘swashbuckle’ of a review in the ‘Elvis’ mode in appraising David McWilliams’ ‘Vegas-style’ delivery to the Dail banking inquiry committee.

Blending sneaking regard with veiled disdain, Clifford distilled a potent brew — a triumph of wit and mischief, dipped in genuine regard. One has to be dismayed that McWilliams sold his storyline ‘down the swannee’ with over-egged theatricality and self-aggrandisement.

“The fella knows his onions and he’s not behind the door in coming forward with the lowdown,” wrote Clifford. The rockabilly swagger of McWilliams’ ‘performance’ certainly entertained the masses.

However, it seemed to bewilder committee members.

It would seem that McWilliams doesn’t do humble, prospering in the ‘can-do/go get’ attitudes that propelled him into newsprint, radio, tv and social media.

But one shouldn’t be too hard on him, since he was correct and had been telling all and sundry. Maybe humility and discursive aplomb aren’t easy bed-fellows?

It’s too early (and much too important) for pantomime.

Jim Cosgrove

Chapel Street

Lismore

Co.Waterford