The so-called Merriongate controversy shows the 'double standards' present in Irish politics, according to Ivan Yates.
The former broadcaster says the outcome of such controversies often boils down to "who makes the offence and what power they have".
He was speaking as he launches a new series of masterclasses, aimed at teaching people to build their own PR and media skills - including in crisis situations.
On The Pat Kenny Show, Ivan said he believes someone like Phil Hogan - who resigned as EU commissioner following the GolfGate controversy last year - could have kept his role if he handled the situation differently.
He said: "Instead of doing one or two drip-drip interviews… he should have done a big press conference. He should have said ‘I got a test, and I genuinely believed I could go where I liked’.
“Dominic Cummings went into the garden of Downing Street and took on everyone. If you leave unanswered questions, the six-day media cycle actually requires a head at the end of it.
“Irrespective of dealing with the media, you’ve got to get your boss on side. You come clean with them, and you say ‘do I have your support or not?’ You can’t leave that to chance.”
Ivan said some of those who attended the infamous golf society dinner last August said they'd checked with the hotel whether the event was in compliance with COVID rules, but still had to resign or step down from their roles.
However, he said that was "exactly the defence" Leo Varadkar put forward over his attendance at Katherine Zappone's event at the Merrion Hotel last.
Ivan observed: “What you see is a real difference of double standards here.
"In the very same set of circumstances, it really is a case of who makes the offence and what power they have.
“With Golfgate, there were other people - like Seamus Woulfe and Brian Hayes - who did survive. Not everyone... went under a bus."
Restrictions
Meanwhile, Ivan said his view is that it's now time to move on from the strict COVID-19 restrictions.
He said: “My own view is pretty anti-lockdown and anti-restrictions… and the sooner we move on the better. I’m really pro-vaccine, and really pro-mask and antigen testing.
"I went to the UK for 12 days in July - just as a holiday. I was completely shocked - not by Boris or the NHS, but by the culture of the people who said ‘we’re going to get on with our lives’.
“My fundamental attitude is: if you want to go to Croke Park, you go and take responsibility. It’s up to your own choice, and you manage your own risk."
He also criticised the Government for "not thinking beyond the next media cycle" when it comes to their COVID messaging.
He said: “I would be saying to myself… what’s going to happen when the employment subsidies stop?
"I would be starting a national conversation. Who is going to pay for COVID? What are the enduring impacts on the public finances?
“Then, it becomes very possible to reform NPHET."
