It seems that in the debate around the Fiscal Treaty, you can say anything you want without any reference to truth, fact, or reality. By Michael Taft.

This economic debate is getting beyond the beyond.  RTÉ reported yesterday:

“Speaking at the Bloomberg economic summit in Dublin Mr Noonan said the Irish economy is in a much better position than it was this time last year.”

It now seems that in this debate you can say anything you want without any reference whatsoever to fact, truth, reality, veracity, accuracy. Just make it up; if it feels good run with it; say anything to fill some column inches and get on the Six-One News. The Irish economy is in a much better position than it was this time last year? Why not? Don’t let the following deter you. It’s only been taken from the Government projections last April and the Government projections this April.

Wow. Last April the Government was projecting higher growth rates, higher GDP, higher job creation, lower unemployment, higher real wage growth and lower public debt.

But according to the Minister, we are in a better position this year.

I mean, there’s gloss, and then there’s gloss; and then there’s downright making-it-up. Of course, we’ve come to expect this from this Government (after all, they refuse to acknowledge that we are back in recession).

However, where is our vaunted corps of economic journalists and commentators who stand ready to challenge ministers when they come out with this type of manipulation? Where are the defenders of the public right to know the facts, those who should be holding the Government to account?  Somewhere, I suppose – but not here and not now. {jathumbnailoff}

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