Politics is about pensions and board appointments

“Tell them nothing. Consider them possible adversaries. Protect the institution at all costs.”

Michael Clifford (Irish Examiner, Comment, June. 6.) has got it in one...or, rather, in three.

The pervasive culture in politics is transparency avoidance. Thus, truth is for wimps, openness a dangerous concept. Managing the propaganda is what it’s all about, protecting ‘rear-ends’. Of course, the ultimate delaying tactic is the tribunal/commission of enquiry, Dail committee or consultant report: ie, an armoury of kicking-to-touch, buying time and obfuscating.