We need a school of national administration

IRELAND, 2011, is a broken society.

The fundamental weakness at the heart of our failed public administration is our historical determination to prevent the principle of merit taking hold. Too often, vital public positions are awarded on the basis of some appalling machination. The recent period of so-called “partnership” appears more like establishment collusion, the more our society unravels. Thus far, it seems that many wish to revert to our national stereotype and declare martyrdom.

But, rather than be negative, it is incumbent on everyone who cares about this country to do something to develop a more mature society.

After the Second World War, General Charles de Gaulle established the École Nationale Administration, a training institute specifically charged with the responsibility for training French administrators for a life of public service. Entry requirement to the institute included a knowledge of law, ethics etc.

This government is indeed more restricted than Michael Collins was when he entered the Department of Finance. What is required now is a realisation that only by seeding the public service with qualified and meritorious appointments, can we expect to escape our base nature. I call on the Taoiseach to be as bold and establish the Irish School of National Administration.

Declan Doyle

Kilkenny