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Long Quote by Bernadette Devlin

“It wasn't long before people discovered the final horrors of letting an urchin into Parliament.” quote by Bernadette Devlin
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“It wasn't long before people discovered the final horrors of letting an urchin into Parliament.”

Bernadette Devlin

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public address, 1972, Ireland

Allowing a small, seemingly harmless element into a powerful institution can unleash unexpected, severe consequences.

In simple terms: Small things can cause big problems in powerful places.

Key Takeaway

Beware of weak influences in strong systems.

Themes

politics risk institutional integrity

Mood

cautious critical

Type

warning political

When to use this quote

  • legislative sessions
  • policy drafting
  • committee meetings
  • organizational governance

Key Concepts

power dynamics unintended consequences

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can institutions guard against subtle threats?
  • What safeguards reduce hidden risks?
A Different Perspective

Even a minor intrusion may be mitigated by strong checks and balances.

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