Transport crisis - Do we need a minister?

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is back in the country and making no apologies for taking his holidays in the midst of the bad weather.

The cold snap was forecast well in advance, so there can be no question of being caught by surprise.

Everybody is entitled to a holiday and it was understandable that he and his wife would wish to take a break after such a momentous family event as the marriage of their eldest daughter, but political responsibilities cannot be simply put on hold during times of crisis.

This country is in the midst of a weather crisis, which has been having an awful impact on our struggling economy. In symbolic terms the minister’s absence was another dreadful example of non-leadership.

He clearly recognised this himself by breaking off his holiday and returning early. By staying away for so long, however, he invited people to conclude that the country can function without a Transport Minister.

Should the Government do away with the position and give the civil servants the full responsibility for the job they have had to do in the minister’s absence, or should a new minister be appointed?