It’s time to clean political house

SINCE the onset of the recent recession many people have called for a government of national unity to help us steer the country towards calmer waters.

Such a government I feel would simply make a failed political system fail better, and without any opposition to call halt.

Maybe its time to look at replacing our present system of government with something else, something more fitting for today’s world, after all the present system is not that old when compared to all of civilisation, so its not set in stone, but it is old enough to need change.

I would propose setting up a government comprising of functional departments each one headed by an expert in that field that has been democratically elected for that position alone. This person would run for office simple on a proven track record of archiving results in their given field and on what they propose to achieve for there term in office, success of which would determine there chances of re-election.

This would put an end to the present crazy system of putting in a minister that has little or no, knowledge, or experience of their particular portfolio, this may have worked fine in the 19th century when the world moved at a snails pace but not for the present fast moving world.

I would estimate that the country could run on, at most say, 40 functional departments (transport, health, education, defence etc) and five managerial heads that ensured that all departments worked with some kind of unity of purpose. We could then do away with the existing TD’s, ministers and junior ministers and just as importantly all those expensive government advisers.

If we were to give each department head even triple the TD’s salary (no expenses) the savings would be significant while at the same time providing attractive enough package to interest capable individuals.

The Seanad could be retained to decide what functional departments were needed to keep instep with changes to society. The president would become the executive leader of the country and the people would finally get to elect what leader they wanted (something that doesn’t happen today).

The civil servants would act as the glue that binds it all together and provide the resources needed for the running of all departments.

We need creative ideas to tackle the present situation so maybe its time for a radical spring cleaning starting at the top.

Dave McInerney

Rivendell Coolatuder

Ballinhassig

Co Cork