How would they like it if the adminstration says fine, we'll release the information on our consultations -- all of our consultations!"
I have a sneaking suspicion that they'd scream bloody murder if the adminstration threatened to release notes on consultations initiated by the fair-haired boys of the liberal camp. And "all or nothing" stance might be worth considering. When the "concerned watchdogs" start crying foul, the administration can then cast them as the hypocrites that they are, and then "move on".