The President who hasn’t dared face the Icelandic press to explain himself, nevertheless found time for Jeremy Paxman at the BBC last night.
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XP
2 years ago
Interesting position, however, I think, this is only between banks, and Country regulations.
I fully agree to president, that this decision is referendum case, as it will influence not only today life, but also life of future kid.
Wally
2 years ago
From a debating point of view I was very surprised by how well he did.
icelandbob
2 years ago
I saw the interview last night… and god it was a disaster from Paxmans point of view.
It was pretty obvious from the start that Paxman did absolutely NO research whatsoever. within 10 seconds at the start of the report he already made his first mistake by stating that the law ÓRG vetoed was about Icelands obligation to pay UK/HOlland (which we all know is not the case).
then when it came to questioning all he just did was sneer and go “are you happy with what you´ve done?” and “oh so what you are saying is “don´t trust an Icelander”?”. He did the difficult job of making ÓRG come across as a reasonable man and dare i say it “father to the nation”. As Paxman didn´t have anything he simply let ÓRG prattle on about all he was trying to to was protect Iceland and honour the wishes of the people who are soveriegn and above parliament. I was literally going to the TV saying “COME ON PAXMAN! YOU´VE GOT TO HAVE SOMETHING!” but alas it was all over in 5 minutes.
Afterwards it was pretty easy to see why ÓRG went to the BBC and not the Icelandic press as he more or less figured (rightly) that they wouldn´t have done their homework and he could say what he wanted and not have any of his statements properly scutinised (note: the same thing happened when Geir Haarde was a guest editor for the BBC world service a few months back)
Dadi
2 years ago
I agree with all of you… this was better for ORG than it was for Paxman.
It shows the misunderstanding this complex matter can easily breed.
Paxman should have done better research, he could have grilled the guy but instead came off as agitated and irritable himself.
But the Icelandic press should demand that ORG should be available immediately to explain himself. It is one thing to talk eloquently about democracy and then isolating himself from the people he says he is serving.