It is generally accepted that self-righteousness is a most unpleasant personality trait and character flaw. The person who lays claim to be always right is not viewed at all kindly by his fellow men – firstly because nobody is always right and, secondly, because social friction and often outright rowing invariably ensues as personal dogmatism is stubbornly pursued.
Why then does self-righteousness seem to be perfectly acceptable in political parties? It is a mystery. The presumption of political parties that their own good must be the good of all is an iron-clad given in the national dialogue and is, therefore, one regrets to say, destructive of any hope of a sane, tolerant, and progressive society. In the end such a society depends on all sides – even in the toughest negotiations – admitting