And so, the value of improving our image has taken precedence over the principles of democracy by which we should define ourselves.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Champions of democracy

Shareholders' interests, they complain, have taken precedence over levels of investment, noting that the company's share price has quadrupled since privatisation.

ECONOMIST: Railways

The Presbyterian Church Committee added that it was not surprising that problems had arisen in the process because "one set of needs" had "taken precedence over another".

BBC: Church leaders want assembly restored

Committee chairman, Willibrord Davids, said the Netherlands' loyalty to its alliance with the US and UK had taken precedence over the need to ensure the legality of the invasion.

BBC: Dutch inquiry says Iraq war had no mandate

Establishing order, and some semblance of an accountable government, he said, should have taken precedence over trying to build a democracy.

NEWYORKER: Mayberry Man