Kicking that can down the road: Let’s decide to make decisions

VERY few of us are lucky enough to get through life without having to make hard, possibly life-changing, uncomfortable decisions. 

Sometimes these decisions, even if they are the correct one, impinge on others’ lives in a negative if unintended way. Eventually, even the most determined procrastinator runs out of rope and a decision must be made. That infamous can, one battered and dented by all of our political parties may only be kicked down the ever-lengthening road so often.

One of the consequences of indecision, of relying on focus groups or whatever ouija board is in fashion today, is that the effectiveness and potential of real leadership is diminished and eventually almost forgotten. Evasion replaces purpose. Principles that should be inviolable become optional. Convenient fictions usurp reality and no one’s nose is put out of joint because the hard call has been dodged. Unfortunately, that culture has become so very well rooted in most Western democracies that they are no longer as effective as they should be in protecting citizens from everything from globalisation to climate change, from ill health to unemployment or destitution. Government after government in country after country has taken refuge in commissioning reports, engaging consultants or even establishing citizens’ forums. Our latest one will report to a Dáil committee so that it might, in something like the time it takes to get to Mars, reach conclusions on abortion legislation that might, when eventually shared with the executive, force our Government into making, God forbid, an awkward decision.