INSIDERS AND OUTSIDERS: TALE OF TWO STANDARDS
WE HAVE always known Ireland is a country of insiders and outsiders. A factor in the continuing fallout of Zapgate is that voters thought insider games had been suspended during the battle against Covid-19. Instead, we find out our elites are just as obsessed with internal power games as ever. Zapgate has been a story of insiders, outsiders and different standards for different folks from the start. During the past 18 months, those who live outside the golden circle of Leo Varadkar’s Government were engaged in an existential battle for survival. At the same time, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney was conjuring up a UN Special Envoy post on Freedom of Opinion and Expression which, serendipitously, was a perfect fit for his former ministerial colleague, consummate insider and close ally of Leo Varadkar and Paschal Donohoe, Katherine Zappone.
JOHN DRENNAN’S timeline below contrasts the obsession of the political-insider class with Ms Zappone’s appointment with the serious issues facing the outsiders – the citizens.
JULY 21 – A MERRION SOIRÉE
Political Insiders
Four days after a meeting with Paschal Donohoe for coffee, Ms Zappone holds a ‘going away’ evening soirée in the five-star Merrion Hotel. Mr Varadkar is the only politician to attend.
Outside world
As our insiders party is being held, it is revealed that a third of new Covid-19 cases are children. Families dining out are warned to keep their distance.
JULY 27 – A LESS THAN SWEET CABINET SURPRISE
Political Insiders
Zappone appointment revealed to ‘surprised’ Fine Gael ministers half an hour prior to a Cabinet meeting and then to an even more surprised Micheál Martin who is obviously not one of the insiders. The appointment is overshadowed by the leaking of the appointment and the leaking of who leaked the appointment.
Outside world
Government grudgingly announces 100 guests to be permitted at weddings. Indoor dining returns under the strictest of conditions. Government warns strict conditions must be upheld.
JULY 29 – SILENCE OF THE POLITICAL BOSSES
Political insiders
No one notices as Eamon Ryan expresses concern about the appointment. The Taoiseach seeks further clarification. In response Coveney, Varadkar and Zappone go into, or remain, in silent mode.
Outside world
It’s a good news day as Tony Holohan reveals we have broken the 70% barrier for vaccine uptake. Ministers note that ‘we are winning the war’.
JULY 30 – THE SEVERAL COMPLEX TASKS OF SIMON
Political insiders
The mood of the ministers is not improved by a disastrous RTÉ radio interview in which Simon Coveney informs an astonished nation that he performs several complex tasks a day. Mr Coveney contradicts the Tánaiste and says he offered the job to Ms Zappone and attempts to put the crisis to bed by staking his personal credibility on the probity of the move.
Outside world
In an indication of the emotional toll of Covid-19, it is revealed divorce levels are up by 30%. On the good news front, PUP numbers have fallen below 2020 levels.
AUGUST 2 – A VERY PRIVATE AFFAIR GOES PUBLIC
Political insiders
The controversy takes another turn via queries as to whether Ms Zappone’s party breached Covid-19 guidelines. Suddenly, like Golfgate, a very private affair becomes very public.
Outside world
In another indication of the social impact of Covid-19, chemists reveal there has been a sharp rise in violent crime. A revolt starts over the ongoing ban on Communion and Confirmation attendances.
AUGUST 4 – ZAPPONE GOES… BUT STILL WANTS TO BE LEFT ALONE
Political insiders
It’s a case of double trouble. Zappone a week too late declares she will not take up the role. Still refuses to take questions and sets the doorman on Mail reporter. And in one of the most woeful of many doleful days, the Government hopes the Attorney General’s declaration that the regulations allowed organised gatherings up to 200 people will puncture the eternal row.
Outside world
Back in the real world, a Church-State war begins as ministers continue to urge the people to refrain from holding Confirmations and Communications. An academic expert group, meanwhile, claim the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has become too powerful and it is that body, rather than our distracted Cabinet, that is running the country.
AUGUST 5 – THE SILENCE OF THE CABINET LAMBS
Political insiders
No senior Government ministers are available for public comment. Instead, in a signal of panic, senators and junior ministers are sent out to compensate for the silence of the Cabinet lambs. Minister of State Colm Brophy, summarises by noting the only clear thing is a lack of clarity. No one disagrees.
Outside world
Coronavirus continues to be the crisis that won’t go away as experts raise concerns about a ‘blow up’ of cases when schools return next month. The Church-State battle over Communion is turned up a notch when the Archbishop of Dublin enters the fray.
AUGUST 6 – THE END OF THE AFFAIR?
Political Insiders
Mr Varadkar finally emerges from his self-created political isolation chamber to admit he probably let his guard down, but he was probably not in breach of the guidelines. The Failte Ireland guidelines for outdoor venues are updated to state that venues can now cater for a maximum of 200 people.
Outside world
In a scene that is perhaps more reflective of reality than NPHET would like, a photograph went public of the Healy-Raes in a full pub apparently ignoring health advice and no crisis ensued. Government warns Ireland is on ‘a very uncertain trajectory’ as cases soar to 1,782
AUGUST 8 – A CASE STUDY IN INDECISIVE INDECISIVENESS
Political insiders
Twelve days after the crisis began, Micheál Martin provides us with a case study of indecisiveness in noting we need to take personal (not political) responsibility for our actions. The ghost of Dessie O’Malley may have blinked at that one.
Outside world
No one notices the Taoiseach’s tranquiliser dart as the country celebrates a real hero. The crisis meanwhile continues into week three.
ANALYSIS
The elite have visibly failed to follow their own principles. The end consequence has been a loss of political credit amongst an electorate who feel increasingly distanced from a political class who appear to be far too self-obsessed for everyone else’s good.