Wednesday, June 7
Opinion

Clarkson, Robinson, Wilson, O’Donnghaile, Cameron….is it a appropriate? Do watch

Eamonn MallieBy Updated:3 Comments1 Min Read
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Just how far should we allow those in the public eye go, in terms of personal attacks….?

 


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I am a regular contributor to discussion programmes on TV and radio both at home and abroad. An experienced political editor and author specialising in Politics, Security and 20th Century Art.

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3 Comments

  1. Brian on

    Eamonn, I think you ask the wrong question.  It’s not a matter of whether or not it’s appropriate, it’s a question of whether it should be allows.  That, I suspect, is what you really mean.

    And the answer is yes, of course it should be allowed.  I will vigorously defend anyone’s right to be wrong, not least because if we curtail their right to say what the think, then one day, you and I will find ourselves in the position of having something to say that is not popular, but is (in our view) entirely right, and we will find our rights curtailed too.

    It’s a consequence of living in a free society.  People are free to be obnoxious, and well as free to be nice.

  2. Norman on

    Brian – may I suggest that Eamonn is actually asking a very sensible question.   Yes – most of us are in favour of free speech.  Yet surely it is not always appropriate to exercise a right that you may have.   This reduces discourse and debate in a civilised society merely to language and actions that are legal.  I understand Eamonn to be asking about the quality of public discourse, not merely what is permissible.  I would suggest that good understanding is very unlikely to be built on poor quality input.

  3. Stephen Blacker on

    Freedom of speech is necessary in a democracy but when it comes down to personal insults it says more about the person saying it and it shows that they have run out of constructive arguments so they express the most hurtful thing that comes to mind. Maybe part of the problem is that people like Clarkson, Robinson, Wilson and others have said similar nasty things over the years and the people / society continue to put vote them in or support them (buying their latest DVD) so they feel no pain and they learn no lessons.

    Sammy Wilson helped to soften the blow of the “Shared Future” speech by his Leader to the DUP throng by insulting the infants of SF activists which resulted in cheers, laughter and flag waving. Peter Robinson hates Stephen Nolan because Nolan gave a platform for his wife to self implode. David Cameron was carrying on a strong held belief that men are better than women with his patronising comment to the lady. Jeremy Clarkson has very little going for him except for his “Shock Jock” one-liners, maybe if his pension was being fiddled with he would have been on the picket lines too. Niall O’Donnghaile should not have insulted the young sea cadet in the way he did, he should have carried on and after the event made sure he was not put into that situation again.

    A brilliant politician from our society who is no longer with us the Late David Ervine would always talk about this as an inspiration in his political life, maybe our MLA’s & Councillors should learn it and live it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFaENAjk54s

    Here is a song that can say more than most people can in explaining what is wrong with our World. It is not to everyone’s taste but please listen to the words.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpYeekQkAdc&ob=av2n