Statement of John Edwards Regarding the Nomination, Rejection, and Nomination of Aidan Halpin for the 2024 Softball Leinster Committee

The last time we were here, a motion of “no confidence” was submitted, and voted on, which resulted in the rejection of Aidan Halpin’s nomination for committee chair.

The reasons for this motion were ridiculous: because Aidan publicly made factual statements of the inaccuracies of the accounting of the committee’s finances; because Aidan publicly – yes, where someone might see them! – exposed the misstatements and incompetence and malfeasance of the previous committee. In doing so, he forced corrections, exonerating some while exposing others, but always in the service of integrity and transparency.

And for that, he was eviscerated, because, as one of you put it, “how do we know we won’t be next?” Afraid you “may be next” if you’re intentionally negligent, obfuscating the truth, and acting in bad faith – that you “may be next” in being held accountable?

This is an incredible take.

I want people in positions of authority that will hold themselves, and others, accountable. I want people who will abide by policies and rules agreed upon in advance, not made up as they go along. I want people that will act in good faith, without prejudice.

The idea that confidentiality, privacy, and anonymity are somehow in conflict with honesty, transparency, and accountability, needs to be debunked. This mafia-style adherence to a code of secrecy is childish and parochial, and it should be dismissed.

Aidan has shown nothing but the highest levels of integrity, and persistence, in doing what he feels is right, even admitting mistakes, because he’s honest. He’s demonstrated this time and again, showing a level of unwavering enthusiasm that is surprising given the mob attack he endured at the previous AGM.

There’s no such thing as “throwing someone under the bus” or “burning someone online” when those people have thrown themselves under the bus; and by publicly calling out cover-ups and negligence and incompetence, this has proven to be the only way to enact real and meaningful change. It is not the whistleblower’s fault.

Aidan has now, again, been nominated to be the chair of the committee, and again he was the ONLY nomination put forward. He is willing to take on the role, in spite of the horribly unfair treatment he received at the previous AGM, in order to improve the league’s standing in every meaningful way, with honesty, integrity, and transparency.

This is an opportunity to show support for a change in leadership for this softball league, and a different way of doing things – in good faith, honestly, and openly.  This is a step in the right direction.