SNUBBED by our dignity conscious politicians, last night's Late Late Show on crime and the general state of the country never really came to life. Unlike last year's special on the Catholic Church, which climaxed in an extraordinary confrontation between a cardinal and a priest there was just too much broad agreement regarding crime, its causes and what to do about it.
One man did suggest "intelligent birching" (presumably to be administered by the sadist wing of Mensa) and there was some support for beating criminals with rattan canes. A panelist, Sister Marie Joseph Reilly, laid the blame, almost exclusively, on unemployment. But the old, polarised right v left arguments seemed played out. As a result, the show lacked dramatic conflict.
Instead, it was dutifully earnest, well meaning and, at times, even thoughtful. But it will quickly be forgotten. Another panellist, journalist David Quinn, suggested that the best solution is to be "tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime". As 10 word summations go, this was about right and it did describe the general sentiments of panel and audience.
Beneath the snappy summaries' though, there was a palpable sense that not much will be done to tackle crime. Angry viewers phoned in and others spoke from the audience about the "disgrace" of the politicians' refusal to take part in the show. But really, there was more fear than fury in the studio. There was confusion too.
While contributors understood the motives for robbery, they were perplexed and worried by the sadism which is more regularly accompanying it. The decline of community, religion and corporal punishment and the promotion of individualism, materialism and greed were cited as reasons for more widespread viciousness. But it was all vague and abstract felt rather than understood.
Towards the end, a few speakers began their contributions with "The real problem in this country ... and it was obvious that we were listening to high stool sages from Myles na Gopaleen territory. But, instead of being criminally boring they sounded like echoes from a kinder, gentler Ireland. Nobody seemed sure what sort of rough beast has been born in the bright, new Euro Ireland. Hence all the fear... and the absent politicians.