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Over the last few weeks the question that is continually being asked is what caused the Smoleńsk Air crash.

Was it pilot error, poor weather conditions, machine failure, air-controller failure? Others suggest Russian complicity and sinister plots. The question of whether the late president pressurised the pilot to land has also been mooted.

While we await the outcome of the investigation there is certainly one clear aspect that contributed to the crash.

In Polish it is 'brak zaufania" translated roughly as a lack of trust, a lack of respect and a lack of beiief.

Let me explain.

The Russians have suggested that Smoleńsk airport was not closed as they feared the resultant outcry in Poland if the Polish President was delayed in attending the Katyń Commemoration.

The Minister of Defence did not question the decision of 7 of the army top brass to attend and accompany the presidential delegation for fear of the furore that would result.

The decison to update the government airfleet was continually delayed for fear of the resulant outcry form the public and opposition parties.

This lack of transparent procedures, professional working relationships and mutual suspicion seem to me to be the main reasons why this tragedy occurred. Both government, president and opposition share the blame here.

TM