Martine Biron’s passage in politics is embarrassing, disturbing. The journalist’s entire objectivity is called into question, as well as her integrity.
Posted at 10:00 a.m.
How could she have avoided the avalanche of reactions raised by her candidacy for the ruling party? She should have resigned from her post as a journalist, taken a break of a reasonable length and moved away from the political and parliamentary environment which was, in a way, her playground. This distance would have been healthy and would have preserved her credibility.
However, she rather continued to rub shoulders with the political world, welcoming the confidences of each other, without embarrassment, without restraint.
As a journalist, there may not be a code of ethics specifying what time period is adequate between his profession as a political journalist and his candidacy for a political party, but personal ethics should have served as his guide.
Does this mean that Martine Biron has no personal ethics, no critical judgement? That she doesn’t care about the integrity she should have with the public? To his colleagues? Because there, it is the whole profession of journalism which is in the hot seat.
The question arises: did opportunism play a part in his choices, in his action?
The Professional Federation of Journalists of Quebec must consider the question of the transition from the profession to politics. It must set clear rules that will guide the actions of all journalists who might be tempted to make the leap into politics.
Admittedly, the case of Martine Biron is not unique, it is a trend that we have observed for several years. There seems to be a chemistry between the profession of journalism and politics, public knowledge makes it an attractive choice.
Let’s hope that Martine Biron’s credibility as a candidate and, who knows, future government minister will not be tarnished by this abrupt transition from an appreciated and credible journalist to a political career based on opportunism, both from the political party that welcomes only from the journalist herself.
It is to be continued.