Communication failure may spell trouble for Government

Is the latest ‘failure in communication’ within the cabinet a watershed for this coalition?

Should it be?

Should Eamon Gilmore — politely — be indicating to Enda Kenny that there has to be a radical overhaul in this and related areas if Labour is to continue within the coalition?

Should he take the opportunity also to demand a clear-cut and visible sea-change in the manner in which the Government is administering – and above all – communicating the general ‘pain’? The failure of, (apparently), the Taoiseach himself to flag to the Tánaiste, (and to relevant junior ministers), the public announcement of major changes in the health service may have been due to an incompetent ‘systems failure’, mere discourtesy or a deep-seated casual contempt, for the meticulous and never-pausing practice of partnership. Is this a moment comparable to the two occasions on which Dick Spring walked Labour out of previous coalitions?

I am not going to suggest to ministers Shortall and Lynch that they should fling down letters of resignation. However, when one looks at the news stories about certain ministers, and the failure of, (in some cases), the same ministers to handle their particular briefs, and, (from the outside), the unease, (combined with ‘a soft touch’), with which the Taoiseach appears to handle his own role, one wonders what banana skins lie ahead. Political A&E is even worse than the healthcare equivalent.

Whilst acknowledging the complexity and magnitude of the issues last year, nevertheless Labour blinked when it negotiated the terms of its participation in this Government, and has slid in public credibility and respect ever since.

In a war of national survival there can be no sympathy for, or tolerance of, losers. The voters will accord none to Labour at the next elections. But it will be the cause of an Irish social democracy, (and the plain people whose right it is), which will end on the rubbish heap of history.

The recess will not be a blithe holiday anyway but, colleagues and comrades, you will need to think about the future. If indeed that is a meaningful concept.

Maurice O’Connell

Tralee

Co Kerry