Minister even more useless than he thinks

THE pathetic defence by Transport Minister Noel Dempsey that it made no difference whether or not he was in the country for the weather crisis is probably more true than he might like to admit, but it also speaks volumes about the qualities of accountability, responsibility and leadership in government.

As for our Taoiseach, does anyone know where he is?

True leaders almost have to be restrained from being the first to throw themselves into the breach, but not our ministers. On the contrary, they do everything they can to distance themselves from their responsibilities. The latest crisis is yet more proof, if any is needed, that we need wholesale constitutional change.

John Stafford

Knocklyon

Dublin 16