Re: Re: DDDA / Docklands Miscellany

@tommyt wrote:

Anyone with the audacity to use the term vizz-a-vee in a post is obviously on the inside track with the mandarins on Merrion st;)

When it comes to Dublin Bay, Dublin Port and any matters which require the setting up of a taskforce and the drawing up of a report, perhaps the words of Sir Humphrey are the most apt:

“How to discredit an unwelcome report:

Stage One: Refuse to publish in the public interest saying
1. There are security considerations.
2. The findings could be misinterpreted.
3. You are waiting for the results of a wider and more detailed report which is still in preparation. (If there isn’t one, commission it; this gives you even more time).

Stage Two: Discredit the evidence you are not publishing, saying
1. It leaves important questions unanswered.
2. Much of the evidence is inconclusive.
3. The figures are open to other interpretations.
4. Certain findings are contradictory.
5. Some of the main conclusions have been questioned. (If they haven’t, question them yourself; then they have).

Stage Three: Undermine the recommendations. Suggested phrases:
1. ‘Not really a basis for long term decisions’.
2. ‘Not sufficient information on which to base a valid assessment’.
3. ‘No reason for any fundamental rethink of existing policy’.
4. ‘Broadly speaking, it endorses current practice’.

Stage Four: Discredit the person who produced the report. Explain (off the record) that
1. He is harbouring a grudge against the Department.
2. He is a publicity seeker.
3. He is trying to get a Knighthood/Chair/Vice Chancellorship.
4. He used to be a consultant to a multinational.
5. He wants to be a consultant to a multinational.”

http://www.jonathanlynn.com/tv/yes_minister_series/yes_minister_episode_quotes.htm

Let’s see what happens with the 2 reports on the bay and port currently being drawn up. Do any of the above not apply? 😉