Education funding - Reform not a licence to cut courses

THE passion and sincerity that animated Brian Cowen’s speeches immediately after his election as Taoiseach were refreshing and immediately reflected in aconsiderable jump in Fianna Fáil’s opinion-poll rating.

One of the themes that led to this resurgence was his reiteration of his commitment to public sector reform.

If you’re a spokesman for one of the employer organisations you may argue that reform means cutting back an underfunded and sometimes inefficient service.