Mick Clifford: Proceed with caution on election-year phraseology

In an election year it matters that you sound like you feel the anger of voters. Facts — particularly in relation to asylum seekers — are irrelevant. Picture: Collins

Sometimes it’s good to hear a politician speaking in plain language.

A delightful clip circulated on social media recently showing one such example. Gary Gannon, the Social Democrats TD for Dublin Central, was confronted at an event by Gavin Pepper, who has been described in the Dáil as a far-right activist. The engagement was filmed. This is standard fare for some so-called activists. They film engagements with politicians which they hope will be embarrassing for the politician or claim to reveal something, a “gotcha” moment.