Where public resources are concerned or where the public interest is involved, there must be the highest degree of transparency in relation to the actions of both elected and non-elected public officials. Elected officials owe a special duty of care to ensure that this principle is strictly observed because of their stewardship responsibilities. Citizens need the unrestricted flow of information for them to make their own judgements as to how well those who have been elected to manage the affairs of the State on their behalf, are discharging their responsibilities. Non-elected public officials, on the other hand, should not in any way be restricted in keeping citizens informed about how their tax dollars are expended and the extent to which there is economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the operations of government, both centrally and at the local level. This is a fundamental principle of any system of democratic governance.
