HARD EVIDENCE
There is irrefutable hard fact evidence that there are many serious issues facing Ireland relating to Policing and Politics. Yet invariably the political narrative is framed around such keywords like. “Landmark”, “Independent”, “Reform”, “Sea Change”. This is a narrative promoted by the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner.
So what has this to do with Dopamine? Dopamine is triggered by events which promote pleasure, security and safety. Essentially when one is confronted by potential harm a cleverly worded headline may act as an antidote and eliminate concerns which might otherwise occur. This is not a medical explanation of Dopamine but the phenomenon is well understood in media circles. Promote the positive spin at all costs.
Irrefutable evidence clearly shows that Ireland is confronted with numerous significant challenges in the realms of Policing and Politics.
PREVAILING POLITICAL DISCOURSE
Nevertheless, the prevailing political discourse consistently revolves around terms such as "Landmark," "Independent," "Reform," and "Sea Change." These buzz words are actively endorsed by both the Minister for Justice and the Garda Commissioner and are expected to be emphasised even more as the General Election draws nearer. Another significant but less vocal influencer is the senior civil servant within the Justice Department.
SERENDIPITY
Completely by chance, I came across one of Rory Stewart's books, Politics on the Edge, which then led me to his podcasts that are both fascinating and invigorating. Stewart, a former Tory Minister and academic, has a diverse background. Born in Hong Kong, he received his education at the Dragon School, Eton College, and the University of Oxford as an undergraduate student at Balliol College, Oxford. Stewart served in Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service as a diplomat in Indonesia and as the British Representative to Montenegro. He left the diplomatic service to embark on a two-year journey across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. His thesis explores the concepts of Knowledge and Ignorance, challenging his earlier belief that being fully informed was sufficient for persuading others. In his podcasts, Stewart engages in discussions with colleagues on the essence of argument and debate, highlighting the lack of empathy towards opposing viewpoints. Politically, he emphasises that those in power often avoid engaging with differing perspectives due to their insulation from accountability, except during elections. Stewart recalls an instance as a junior MP when he was invited to Chequers to meet with Prime Minister David Cameron and other colleagues to discuss British and American intervention in Afghanistan. Despite his expertise on the region and its people, the Prime Minister was not interested in seeking information or knowledge, instead preferring to assert his own views.
Has that got a familiar ring to it.
The Dopamine effect actively presents a positive view and invites the consumer to be reassured while insulating the proponent from negativity. Like all chemical effects it will wear off unless reinforced by more of the same.
Background
The use of the Dopamine Analogy is mine, inspired by a recent talk to the Press Council by Lord David Puttnam.
My thanks to Rory Stewart and Wikipedia for their insights
My inpiration for this Post was the Press Release by the Minister for Justice on the 15 October 2024 -- Minister McEntee commences Landmark reform of An Garda Síochána and Oversight Bodies https://www.jaobrien.ie/post/minister-mcentee-claims-landmark-reform-john-o-brien-disagrees
See my rebuttal in this Web Site