‘There are occasions,’ he said, ‘when the imperative of serving the national interest transcends other concerns, including party political and personal concerns.’
Well, that’s nice to know: there are occasions when the needs of the country may be permitted to interfere (though not, of course, for very long) with a politician’s career plans. But think how galling it must be for him, poor fellow, when this happens! There will soon be a name for the psychiatric condition such occasions cause in politicians: Politician’s Self-Sacrificial Stress Disorder.
The opening remark was made by the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, Brian Cowen, the comment which follows comes from Theodore Dalrymple in When Irish Eyes are Crying.
If you follow the link you’ll find his guide to diagnosis.
Homepaddock 