Arrogant, yes; but he’s also admirable

DESPITE the fact that he belongs to the arrogance-will-get-you-everywhere school of human relations, I admire Michael McDowell.

When in opposition he tore strips off Government spokespersons when they were found to be, in his judgement, defending the indefensible.

Unfortunately, when in Government he succumbs to the same human failings for which he excoriated others. Imagine one of the present opposition, as minister for justice, trying to defend a selective leak of a garda file to a sympathetic journalist. Mr McDowell would turn the air in the Dáil chamber blue with very articulate and very justified outrage.