Madam – In passing discussions with some of our European friends about the controversy over the Taoiseach’s interview, they were incredulous that such personal and disrespectful questions could be asked of the leader of a sovereign country. The actions of some members of the Irish media during this affair are unsettling and, in at least one case, the line of questioning was contemptuous (Home News, September 18th).
Much criticism has been dedicated to the failure of Brian Cowen in upholding the dignity of his office. How can we genuinely expect any occupant of the highest office in the land to uphold the dignity of that office when certain sections of society have shown such blatant disregard for it throughout this episode? Quite simply, it amounts to double standards.
I write this in noting that there is a fundamental difference between respect for an office and deference to it.
– Yours, etc,
Madam, – With regard to heavy reporting of the Taoiseach’s interview last week: our Taoiseach was a central player for a number of years in the political party that oversaw the creation of an establishment that has, to a large degree, been responsible for our country’s current economic and social condition.
The poor decision-making, cronyism and pandering to special interests that led to our current plight were evident many years before the bubble burst in 2008. Yet (with a few notable exceptions) our professional media failed to form a narrative from events that was anything other than occasionally mildly critical, until after the crash.
In other words, they were quite happy to toe the establishment line.
Perhaps it is embarrassment at having been played so expertly for so many years that has led sections of our media to be so passionate about something as trivial as Brian Cowen staying up late and being a little bit under the weather during an interview.
– Yours, etc,
Madam, – While it is amusing to hear about Brian Cowen singing The Lakes of Pontchartrainwhile the country goes pear-shaped, I would be interested to learn who paid for the rumoured pints of Carlsberg? Did the taxpayer pick up the tab?
– Yours, etc,