Sir, – It has been a Government staple during this administration to repeat the words “reform” and “change” as if their mere repetition imbues them with some concrete meaning that precludes further discussion and justification.
Few Cabinet members embraced this tactic as much as Ruairí Quinn did during his stewardship of the Department of Education, when he persistently sought to stymie meaningful and specific debate by resorting to his specious mantra about others “fearing change”.
In light of that recurring theme in his utterances, the irony of the Minister’s decision to announce his own departure rather than accept the outcome of the imminent changes in Cabinet will not be lost on many.
It brings to mind the old Woody Allen quip, “I’m not afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens”. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN RYAN,
Springlawn Close,
Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15 .