If only packing up your troubles in an old kit bag and dumping it into storage was as easy as removing the portrait of a disgraced former Lord Mayor of Belfast. If that was the case, Sinn Fein might walk away with a light dusting down and barely a scratch, rather than leave the party open to a barrage of body blows.
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is rarely a concept bought into by a politician. They’re economical with the truth, maybe, but certainly don’t volunteer it.
It takes a lot of questions to get the facts. That has normally been regarding policies, departmental decisions or controversies over finances within government.
But when it comes to issues over safeguarding, particularly where children and young people are involved, being economical with the truth can prove a costly business when that truth comes out.
In this matter, the truth has come out but it’s been a slow drip feed from Sinn Fein and only supplied when the pressure got too intense to keep the lid on any longer.
The case of Michael McMonagle and the subsequent downfall of Niall Ó Donnghaile have given Sinn Fein headlines it could have avoided had the party not decided to wash its hands behind closed doors. Everything, they say, comes out in the wash eventually. It has almost all spilled out over three turbulent weeks for the party.
The latest words of the party’s Michelle O’Neill — that there are no more scandals rattling in the cupboards — will need to be watertight, for there’s every chance plenty of digging will be going on.
Any political party, Sinn Fein or not, must expect to face difficult questions when it’s suspected it may not be being entirely honest.
And if it doesn’t answer them to satisfaction first time round, the questions will only keep coming and coming, creating more unwanted headlines which can be damaging.
Sinn Fein must now be expecting more scrutiny than ever on its internal dealings.
There has to be a difference between protecting the image of the party and protecting the safety of the public.
Surely being openly seen to be protecting the public can only improve the image of the party?
Instead, in both high profile cases, half truths and misdirection have gleaned only more unwanted attention and questions.
If Mary Lou McDonald thought Tuesday’s Dail address would draw a line under matters, she was mistaken. The lines will be drawn by those who ask the questions, and only once they are satisfied no stone has been left unturned.