After the scandal with Commissioner Dalli and the tobacco industry, the Commission got very nervous about meeting with representatives from the more sensitive industries like chemicals, tobacco, biotechnology, alcohol, food ingredients, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Three weeks after Dalli resigned, I attended a meeting between industry and Commission officials. With about 15 people in the meeting room, out of the corner of my eye I noticed that the camera above the television screen – which was not being used – was quietly rotating to film whomever was speaking.

I quickly scribbled a note to my boss: ‘…We are being filmed and taped – see camera above screen’. My boss, a suave operator, realizing the team needed to be on their best behaviour, turned to the camera and with a big smile said ‘…let’s all put on our best smiles for the camera…’’.