He’s flying high in health, but Reilly could still crash and burn

BENEATH the radar of tumultuous politics, Dr James Reilly ascended the greasy pole. Elected at his initial attempt in Dublin North, his rise through the ranks has been utterly remarkable.

My favourite anecdote? On his first day in the Dáil chamber, sitting on the back benches he asked a senior Fine Gaeler “who do you talk to around here to get on to the frontbench?” He obviously spoke to the right connections, being immediately appointed health spokesperson. Within a mere three years he emerged as the biggest winner in the FG leadership heave by pole vaulting all colleagues into the plum post of deputy leader. His prior achievements are stunning. He developed a thriving medical practice in Lusk, has property interests in north Dublin and Tipperary, also owning a magnificent period house and estate in Moneygall, Co Offaly.

Not only has Dr Reilly successfully accumulated considerable wealth, but also distinguished himself within medical politics. This culminated in presidency of the Irish Medical Organisation. Many former presidents of national bodies, such as IFA, GAA and trade unions have entered politics but few have achieved cabinet office. The new health minister has few peers in terms of career advancement and achieving personal ambitions. The fact that he sought this most contentious and difficult job speaks well of his public-service intentions. The skills and attributes that have jet propelled him thus far may not be enough to ensure ministerial success. The politics of health are a minefield. Rory O’Hanlon was branded “Dr Death”. Michael Noonan almost didn’t survive the Bridget McCole debacle. Brian Cowen aptly described it as “Angola”. Mary Harney became one of the most unpopular ministers. In latter years she became arrogant, aloof and remote from a conveyor belt of crises. These included accident and emergency overload with trolley traffic, hidden child deaths in state care, HSE bureaucracy and bonus mania, horrendous cancer misdiagnoses, on/off vaccination programmes and constant battles with various vested interests.