Abolishing unit would sendwrong m essage

THE most consistent criticism against Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been that he is more concerned with spin than substance. Thus critics seized upon the establishment of the strategic communications unit as evidence of a preoccupation with presentation and promotion of the Government, rather than prioritising getting the job done.

Mr Varadkar fought back arguing in defence of the unit that it would streamline departmental channels so that the people of the country would be kept in the loop as to what the State was up to. It would address the issue of “insiders” and “outsiders” and build inclusiveness and transparency.

After all, the art of communication is said to be the language of leadership, and considering that the Government spent €178m across a number of agencies on communications, the idea of having a co-ordinating hub to organise and supervise public messaging makes sense.

So it was surprising to hear the Taoiseach, in the face of criticism over the unit, suggesting that he was already considering disbanding it as it had become a “distraction”. This was all the more so as he has tasked Government Secretary General Martin Fraser with carrying out a review of the unit.

A volte face on the need for the unit by Mr Varadkar would raise questions about his judgment. It would invoke charges of shooting the messenger. If there was a solid basis for establishing the unit, surely it ought to have been able to withstand its first barrage of criticism? Fianna Fáil has accused the Government of using the unit as a branding mechanism and of massaging, instead of messaging.

It says it was used to push Project Ireland 2040 to peddle Fine Gael, for electoral gains.

If the lines have become blurred as to its objectivity or partiality, then it needs to be examined.

Abolishing it will not address the fundamental issues it was originally founded to tackle: that is to provide information to the public, not promotion for the government of the day.