One rule for us….One rule for them?

I’ve had an interesting comment come in from a FoI officer in relation to the secret Maddy e-mails decision notice (link). It reads:

I am an FoI lead for a public sector organisation. I have not identified myself in the contact details I have supplied as this is a response in my personal capacity.

This outrages me, when I think of what information we have to relase. How can we be expected to uphold the principles of FoI if the Government does not? This is not the first time this has happened (Iraq, minutes pertaining to…)

I rest my case: it has always been clear FoI was only supported by the Government to the extent it served their purposes, but I am surprised at the ICO response to this. Must really be damning to the Portuguese authorities as the editor sugggests.

Do you think this is true? Vote in the poll. Add your comment. Is their a two-tier system of FoI developing? Let us know your thoughts.