Ahern has had his speaking style described as 'Bertispeak 'It is not correct, and if I said so, I was not correct -- I cannot recall if I said it, but I did not say, or if I did, I did not mean to say it -- ' [6]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker uses convoluted language to deny making a statement or meaning it, even if he might have said it.
- In plain terms
- He avoids giving a straight answer by confusing the listener with complicated denial.
- What can you take from it?
- Complex wording can be used to evade clear accountability.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you detect evasion?
- Is clarity always possible?
Another view
It is hard to know if this is deliberate confusion or just poor communication.
More from Bertie Ahern
'It was a political donation for my personal use.' 21 February 2008 at the Mahon Tribunal, referring to a ?5000 donation.[3]
Permalink to quote #20 'Some people dye their hair yellow or put rings in their noses' - explaining why he didn't have a bank account in 1993, to the Mahon Tribunal 20/12/2007. [5]
Permalink to quote #19 At the Mahon Tribunal on 20 September 2007, Ahern said; I continued the arrangement, so whatever was on my mind, and the reason I probably can't give you a bet…
Permalink to quote #18
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