THERE is, of course no-one who would claim that MLAs engage in futile discussions, but there was an air of talking for talking sake when Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey gave his weekly swine flu update to the Assembly.
After that there were 10 MLAs who got up to speak, or ask questions.
In a representative democracy, ministers should be exposed to questioning and scrutiny, but this was as fine a display in waffle as can be seen. At present there are no confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland. McGimpsey’s team are following the advice of the World Health Organisation, and are following the communications strategy established by central government in London.
So what was the point in so many MLAs speaking? That is a question of political theory that is beyond the scope of any columnist…and many a philosopher would struggle to answer it too!
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