Telling the truth

[MINISTER]

Can anyone tell me what is wrong with telling the truth in life and being honest enough to say "I did wrong" or "I made a bad descision and this is the effect of that decision".

This appears to be particularly so in public life and to those who appear to live in the public/media spotlight.

I know it is naive but I am going to say it anyway...if people would stop lying, tell the truth and be responsible for their actions then the tribunals would be over ages ago and a lot of other matters that have cost enormous sums of money in lawyers fees etc. would have been saved.

Anyway that's that off my chest.

[Henry Joy]

Telling the truth means facing up to responsibility. It also means losing face, although honour is retained. And many people seem to find it difficult to admit that others (with different opinions) may hold some of the truth too.

[MINISTER]

Interesting post....leads one to ask is there any honour in public life in ireland? It is so rare for someone to admit dishonour and by acknowledging their action go on to make amends.

Who was the last person to do so?

[iago]

the truth is we all want our politicians to be better people than we are, free from the vices and immune to the weaknesses we all have. we want our leaders to be stronger than we are. when they have to admit that they are human after all the electorate doesn't want them anymore. they know that. hence, lying.

[MINISTER]

the truth is we all want our politicians to be better people than we are, free from the vices and immune to the weaknesses we all have. we want our leaders to be stronger than we are. when they have to admit that they are human after all the electorate doesn't want them anymore. they know that. hence, lying.

Maybe we should want our politicians and leaders - as indiduals irrespective of party for this discussion - to have honour, decency and to lead by example and thus do what is right for the people of the country. Of course their will always be those who will not be happy. But most, I contend will support these traits.

[iago]

the 'lead by example' bit is the reason the have to lie about the fact that they are not a good example all of the time.

[Limerick Lad]

Is there such a thing as the absolute truth, to most people the truth is subjective and relative, each convincing themselves that the truth of any situation is how they choose interpret it for themselves. Politicians are particularly adept at this, convincing themselves and often others of the veracity of their obfuscation and twisting of the truth.

[Coles]

FFers don't understand the concept of truth. All there is is spin, deception, confusion and lies. Anything goes, as long as you cover your ass.

[iago]

Is there such a thing as the absolute truth, to most people the truth is subjective and relative, each convincing themselves that the truth of any situation is how they choose interpret it for themselves. Politicians are particularly adept at this, convincing themselves and often others of the veracity of their obfuscation and twisting of the truth.

you're in FF aren't you LL?

[Limerick Lad]

Is there such a thing as the absolute truth, to most people the truth is subjective and relative, each convincing themselves that the truth of any situation is how they choose interpret it for themselves. Politicians are particularly adept at this, convincing themselves and often others of the veracity of their obfuscation and twisting of the truth.

you're in FF aren't you LL?

Only if I had a lobotomy.