One of the problems with politics is that politicians often think only in the short term. Their income is dependant on re-election, and their vision is stunted as a result.
Worse, politicians know that taking tough decisions has consequences – not least at the ballot box; so we end up with decision-making driven by the lowest common denominator.
The electoral cycle once worked in four or five-year jumps, and if an administration was brave at the beginning, some things of substance could be done. But today, with social media rampant, there is no window of opportunity.
Fearful of the mob, many politicians prefer to play the populist card, resorting to click bait, chasing the latest headline, and stumbling around in the gutter with ‘influencers’, trolls and conspiracists.
Magee university task force is classic case of kicking can down road – Tom Collins
Kenova, the truth of the Troubles and remembering the Disappeared - The Irish News view
It’s not all their fault. Voters are very good at demanding change, but recoiling when it affects them. We are all Nimbys in our own way - Not In My Back Yard.
John Hume and David Trimble are rare examples of politicians who put their country before........