On a recent Frontline programme Green Party member Dan Boyle made the following comment regarding cynicism and responsible government.
The idea that you could be in government and not take responsibility for being in government adds to the cynicism that exists about politics.
In Ireland such statements are only made by politicians when in opposition. When they gain power their ideas of responsible government change to suit their own agendas.
When Bertie Ahern was lying through his teeth at the tribunal he received full support from Mr. Boyle’s party.
During that scandal the Green Party abdicated all responsibility effectively saying that the issue had nothing to do with them.
Green Party leader John Gormley:
We’re not the moral watchdog of any political party…we look after our probity and our standards.
This abdication of responsibility for good government added greatly to the cynicism of politics.