Irish politicians the most incompetent: US journalists

Irish politicians are the most incompetent in the world, according to journalists from America’s National Public Radio (NPR).

Two reporters from the national broadcaster are travelling around Ireland at the moment, and they aren’t impressed with the conduct of our public representatives.

Taking to Twitter to express his ire, International Bureau producer Rich Preston labelled Irish politicians unprofessional and incompetent.

“I’ve interviewed prime/ first ministers, ministers, mayors and councillors from Europe to the US to Africa. Worst experiences to date: Ireland,” he wrote.

“I can’t stand incompetence. I’ve experienced that in abundance today. Ireland: your professional politicians ain’t so professional.”

I've interviewed prime/first ministers, ministers, mayors & councilors from Europe to the US to Africa. Worst experiences to date: Ireland

— Rich Preston (@RichPreston) November 18, 2014

London correspondent Ari Shapiro backed up his colleague, revealing that three ministers cancelled interviews with them at the last minute yesterday.

“Though to be fair, one didn’t officially cancel; he just failed to show up and his press officer didn’t answer the phone. So there’s that,” he said.

I can't stand incompetence. I've experienced that in abundance today. Ireland: your professional politicians ain't so professional

— Rich Preston (@RichPreston) November 18, 2014

The pair stopped short of naming the ministers however, hoping the interviews can be rescheduled.

“I’ll give the benefit of the doubt in hope that amends can be made in coming days. First impressions not good though,” wrote Rich.

@SimonCunnane @padraic83 I'll give the benefit of the doubt in hope that amends can be made in coming days.First impressions not good though

— Rich Preston (@RichPreston) November 19, 2014

The duo arrived in Ireland on Sunday, spending two days in Belfast before travelling down to the Republic.

Shapiro tweeted about the “great Irish hospitality” in the North and visited various landmarks such as the 10m high peace walls built to separate Catholics and Protestants.

They are expected to stay in Ireland until the end of the week.