THE government has been using cabinet members to respond to charges by the opposition and attacking them in turn about the budgets cuts, especially the LCDS. Unfortunately, although these responses are necessary and timely, a more focused approach is necessary.
Most times, they are speaking to the choir, and fail to reach the opposition supporters who should be the principal targets. The problem is two-fold: first, they need to take the best of these responses and put them into one well documented response based on verifiable facts that addresses all the opposition’s main demands/charges. Secondly, these responses need to be published in the papers sympathetic to the opposition to reach their supporters. It is time to put all facts out on GINA and NCN for all to see.

The government had enough time to anticipate what the opposition was saying in their campaign slogans and should have been better prepared to respond fully, forcefully and quickly. They must be seen to address, or show a willingness to publicly suggest possible compromises on some demands, while showing others as not practical. The Consolidated Fund issue cannot be simply explained away by saying that NICIL is a private company and not part of the budget. It would be nice to see a budget accompanied with a national balance sheet. This would  provide an overall picture of not only what is expected to be allocated for the coming year, but also showing at the same time all of the nation’s total assets and liabilities currently existing at the end of a last budget year.

The political situation has changed and the government must understand that perception sometimes trumps reality. They must also change their old responses to issues and questions or too many will think the government is being evasive or worse. The government’s answers to charges must be seen to be factual, prompt and convincing.