Madam, – The criticism being levelled at the Green Party for the suggested rotation of ministerial posts is unwarranted. The reasons being proffered by the party that political philosophy is above the status of any one individual makes sense, as does the fear that individuals in these posts are in danger of “going native” or becoming “creatures of the department”.
The critics of the Green Party stance dismiss the former by saying that the best individual for the job should get it, and retain any position. The credibility of that statement has been sorely tested in recent times. If the main Government party adhered to that criterion then it is difficult to understand the appointment in the first place of people such as Mary Coughlan, Martin Cullen, and Noel Dempsey, let alone their retention in Cabinet, particularly in view of recent performances.
If the economist David McWilliams is to be believed then his description of the nocturnal visit by the Minister for Finance in September 2008 seems to suggest that even the most powerful minister can be in thrall to his department – which might also explain why the Government inquiry into the bank collapse covers only the period prior to the granting of the bank guarantee. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – If, as part of the Government, the Greens want to work to repair the economy, they should roll up their sleeves instead of just elevating a Cuffe. – Yours, etc,