Joe O’Toole is first victim of new politics

Joe O’Toole’s decision to step down from the newly formed expert commission on water charges leaves the group rudderless, without direction, and in need of a new chief.

Mr O’Toole’s position as head of the independent commission became increasingly untenable in recent days, after candid and critical comments he made in an interview with Monday’s Irish Examiner.

Mr O’Toole was well capable of getting the job done. What let him down was his overtly frank views on other politicians and the payment of charges.