I heard Brian Cowen on the radio today, trying to excuse himself for swearing in the Dáil. Who knows who he was referring to? Fine Gael? Libertas? Some group of civil servants? Anyway, I was surprised to hear that he swore in the first place. I would think that someone who has been in the Dáil for so long, and who is now Taoiseach, would have more respect for the Dáil. Especially since his government last week unveiled a broadcasting bill that would come down heavily on swearing on the radio. I think it was conduct unbecoming of the Taoiseach and he should be ashamed.
But he’s not. In the interview this morning, he said that he withdraws the comment, and is happy to do so, but then he started complaining about the number of times Fine Gael interrupted him, as if that was a bigger issue. He didn’t sound contrite, he didn’t sound like he was apologising, he sounded like he felt he was being unfairly attacked. He sounded petulent and whingy.
It’s only a small issue – I have no problem with swearing, on the radio or anything, but this isn’t about swearing, it’s about respect and attitude. And on that, I’m disappointed in the Taoiseach. What he does in office is of course much more important, but since respect and attitude are a guide to personality, it’s not a good start.
Filed under: Politics, Random Thoughts | Tagged: Brian Cowen, swearing
