This statement, repeated often by Geithner, is analogous to your boss insisting that he believes punctuality is integral to running a successful business, even as he engages in behavior that causes him routinely to be tardy.

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The punctuality record is mixed.

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The company says having a short turnaround time is hitting punctuality.

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The importance of punctuality in Swiss society is rarely disputed.

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Ryanair says it is comparing its own punctuality figures with "the most recent Association of European Airlines published statistics".

BBC: Ryanair: Is it really Europe's most punctual airline?

In my case, my punctuality and physical functioning during normal business hours is impaired, which severely limits the kinds of jobs you can perform.

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They show the overall perception of public transport is down because of lower scores on punctuality and passenger comfort.

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Similarly, if invited for dinner at 9pm, showing up half an hour late is fine, unless the host specifically requests punctuality (in which case arrive around ten past).

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But the Ryanair jingle also says it is "beating every other European airline" on punctuality.

BBC: Ryanair: Is it really Europe's most punctual airline?

It says Terminal 5 is consistently rated as one of the best airports in Europe, while plane punctuality and baggage performance have also improved and the average security queue stands at about two or three minutes.

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This is when airlines (or other transport companies) stretch their published journey times in order to improve their punctuality record.

BBC: Ryanair: Is it really Europe's most punctual airline?