The political arena in any democratic jurisdiction can be a breeding ground for vicious public criticism when events bring into question the credibility and confidence of those in leadership roles.

For example, the White House in Washington was recently the subject of fiery questions from the press over what many felt was a serious blunder by the Obama administration in not having a high-profile representative at the recent march in Paris. More than a million people attended, including leaders from some 40 countries.

The world is still reeling from the brutal killings of staff at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, innocent victims at a grocery store and police officers.

The incident highlighted new terrorism dangers on a global scale, but during an international response against extremism, United States was absent from the hugely symbolic march in Paris — and political feathers were ruffled big time.

After an onslaught of questions from seasoned reporters as to why this happened, the White House finally declared it was a mistake not to have a high-profile representative at the demonstration, even if the President himself was not able to attend. By admitting their blunder, it softened criticism.

While French officials made no big deal over the matter, it showed once again that being truthful from the start is not easy in politics, where every move is meticulously examined by the free press.

The important factor here is that mistakes are made at times by those in leadership positions, but failing to come clean early is another matter. Politicians are acutely aware that if voters have concerns over a serious stumble, unless the air is cleared to their satisfaction, credibility and confidence could also take a tumble. This is where the political rubber meets the pavement of public opinion, and anything that has the appearance of skirting around facts, could create doubt and confusion.

For Bermuda, this is a time when a more unified and positive approach is needed to move forward. In our small political arena, almost any stumble can erupt into personal attacks and further problems of divisiveness.

The people of this Island have become increasingly concerned that more thought should be given to decisions likely to produce negative community reactions. Most want our leaders to operate with unquestionable stability and commitment to transparency and accountability. The people have a right to question any decision they feel falls below expected standards.

Premier Michael Dunkley, facing reaction over his recent appointment of former Premier Craig Cannonier as Minister of Works and Engineering, admitted he expected eyebrows to be raised over the move, but had no misgivings about the decision.

Being Premier is no easy task and tough decisions have to be made. However, the infamous Jetgate scandal surrounding the resignation of Cannonier as leader was never cleared and continues to haunt the OBA Government. The lack of closure over the unseemly episode is keeping more questions alive than answers. That is not politically healthy — it is important that we respect the Premier’s decision and also the appointee. At the same time democracy provides the right to disagree, but this should be done without being disrespectful or demeaning, which is counterproductive.

Unfortunately in politics when things happen quickly, the first line of defence is usually denial that any wrong has been committed.

Fortunately, the public do not hold office and what matters to them is whether the truth is forthcoming to a point where there is no need to ask further questions.

Surely we all remember the wave of criticism levelled at the former PLP Premier Ewart Brown over his decision to bring four detainees from Guantánamo Bay in Cuba to Bermuda, which was deemed a humanitarian act. The incident had international ramifications that detracted from a number of positive things he did while in office. The people do not have access to details surrounding various decisions made by political leaders, and so they are open to form their own views, right or wrong, on sensitive issues. One might say that is part of the world of politics.

Another aspect is the fact that voices of the people on various issues could be the best barometer to keep in touch with the public mood. The people may not be always right, but they are certainly not always wrong.

Bermudians simply want our leaders to carry the banner of transparency and accountability as high as possible.

Our own world cup should be that we are winners when it comes to serving the people on this Island, with no stone left unturned in raising standards to improve life for all. That can only be achieved by our leaders setting the highest standards for all who serve.

The countless problems that need urgent solutions require nothing short of our best effort. Being transparent with accountability should be paramount with any Government.