Seamus in the saddle for a stressful semi-state steeplechase

SEAMUS BRENNAN’s pintsized physical stature led to him being granted the moniker ‘The Jockey’ in Leinster House.

Certainly this week he's got numerous hurdles to overcome as he takes on vested interests in both Aer Rianta and CIÉ if he's to wind up in the winners' enclosure.

Yet, if he survives the challenges at hand, his political stature will be increased dramatically, and he'll be able to walk tall, proud of his achievements.

Sticking to his guns yesterday on the break-up of Aer Rianta, he's still insisting that separating Dublin, Cork and Shannon will be to the benefit of all three airports and the country as a whole.

Only time will tell if that assertion is correct, but first he's got to give his theory a chance to be tested by actually creating the three distinct entities.

Any doubts that the Minister for Transport had about the extent of the task facing him will have dissipated last year, when he was hit with the spurious allegations of chalking up a cigarettes and alcohol bill with Aer Rianta years ago.

Minister Brennan held his line and retained his dignity by proving the claims were wrong, but it showed just how far people were willing to go to protect their fiefdoms.

Now the Minister is heading right into the breach by going head-on with both the Aer Rianta workers and management in his quest to break up the company.

In the previous Government, Seamus Brennan spent five years as Chief Whip, ensuring the Fianna Fáil and Progressive Democrats coalition could always rely upon four ragtag independents to stay in office.

His track record was perfect and not one vote was lost, despite frequent threats to the contrary.

Now he's going to need all those diplomatic and negotiating skills to see his ambitious plans through.

It's a brave approach to adopt, to just come straight out and announce the end of the line for a semi-state monolith, knowing that there is staunch opposition to the move and that it will face determined obstruction all the way.

At least the Minister has the support of the Taoiseach and his Cabinet colleagues, rather than embarking on a solo run.

But his resolve will be put to the test by the end of the week.

Also this week, the CIÉ unions will flex their muscles by taking pre-emptive action against plans to break up that company as well.

In many ways, the Aer Rianta break-up is a dress rehearsal for what's to come in CIÉ.

The Minister needs the changeover from Aer Rianta's monopoly to independent status for Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports to be delivered within his one-year timeline.

The unions' hostile response to his announcement suggests it is highly doubtful that they will be pacified, no matter what's on offer.

Minister Brennan is well aware of the implacable animosity of the Aer Rianta board of directors to his plans.

Its chairman Noel Hanlon has demonstrated a predictable degree of antipathy to the proposals.

This presents a significant obstacle to the prospects of a smooth transition.

With a sense of trepidation in his voice, the Minister responded to queries about Mr Hanlon's reaction to being informed of the fast approaching break-up with the ironic jest that: "He was delighted."

Already Seamus Brennan has run the gauntlet, with the introduction of the penalty points system, despite the scepticism of elements in the Garda Síochána and the apprehension of the public.

The naysayers who suggested that Seamus Brennan didn't have a chance when he said penalty points would be up and running within months, shortly after starting off as Minister for Transport, should take note that he's not a man to be underestimated.

Maintaining public backing will be vital in achieving his goal of reshaping the publicly operated transport sector in the country.

It's going to be a tough race and although Minister Brennan may know exactly where the finishing line is located, he's a long way from the final furlong.