Politicos should learn to claim credit only where credit is due

A Different View with Dave O’Connell

The footballer Mario Balotelli didn’t endear himself to many by becoming more famous for his off-field histrionics to the detriment of his undoubted sporting talent – but he did have a view on scoring goals that others, in an entirely different world, would do well to pay attention to.

Because Mario had a habit of not celebrating after he scored a goal; no jumping up and down, no rehearsed duet with his fellow striker, no pumping of fists or kissing of badges.

And his philosophy was a simple one – he reckoned that it was no more appropriate for a striker to celebrate scoring a goal than it would be for a postman to go mad with delight after delivering a letter.

In other words, Mario saw it as his job.

Which is where he differs from politicians, some of whom think that they’re entitled to claim enormous credit for, well, doing their job.

Take last week’s announcement of the successful applicants for Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund – several million euro that could make or break a sporting dream.

There were four Galway recipients – a phenomenal €20 million for the Sportsground; over €8 million for Galway Regional Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Cappagh; €2.1 million for Rinville; and then almost €1 million for an Astroturf pitch in New Inn under the Regional Sports Capital Fund.

All this money came from the Exchequer via the Department of Sport – but that didn’t deter a whole spate of our local public representatives from dashing onto social media to attach themselves like glue to the winning bids.

One after another, they unashamedly claimed the credit for securing this money for the various sporting projects that are now set for great days.

And, indeed, they may well have played their part in greasing the wheels of that process – but then, isn’t that what they’re actually paid to do? To lobby on behalf of constituents; to make the case for investment in their constituencies?

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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