Bertie wasting last chance for real reform

ONE might have expected that when Bertie Ahern announced his intention to retire from frontline politics by the age of 60, the political landscape in Ireland might have transformed in a way similar to that in Britain during Tony Blair’s long goodbye as prime minister.

The Blair example, however, has not been replicated here. Since the Dáil returned, we have witnessed a catalogue of political and policy errors: Aer Lingus-Shannon, L-drivers, salary increases to politicians and also seemingly anything related to the HSE.

These errors are a result of more than a little arrogance and incompetence but, above all else, they are a direct result of the profound complacency that appears to characterise the new cabinet. The Taoiseach is in the final stretch of his career and is essentially free to push the political agenda in the direction of his own choosing. Why then does it appear he and his anointed one are so indifferent to the public desire to see a new administration enact reforming policy?

The unique freedom that the Taoiseach now has to set a progressive political agenda is being wasted and it appears this is because, as a politician, he believes he has nothing left to lose.

If this stagnation continues and Mr Ahern, in fact, has nothing left to offer the country, it is time he stood aside. But if this is not the case and his appetite for the job remains, he is obliged to use this once-in-a-generation opportunity to introduce public policy that, while unpopular, will be understood in the long term to have been in best interests of the country.

Shaun Gavigan

Lurganboy

Ardara

Co Donegal