This is why, when asked if I would encourage my own children to become politicians, my answer is no. They exist, and they do real damage to public trust. It poisons public trust and leaves people cynical and disengaged. The challenge is ensuring that judgement is based on facts, fairness, and genuine effort, not misinformation, cynicism, or misplaced blame. Sheamus Greene is a Sinn Féin Councillor for the Erne East area.