McCreevy's move allows Government to soften approach

THE news that Charlie McCreevy has decided - or perhaps had allowed himself to be persuaded - to go to Brussels opens up a new range of possibilities not only for a Cabinet transformation but also for changes in Government policy.

Above all else it is the first real sign that the Government has listened to the message delivered by the electorate in the local and European elections on June 11.

Charlie McCreevy was a good Minister for Finance. However, he would not have been the best person to front the shift in Government policy and in the Government's tone which is now required.