Fine Gael have failed to reform

Why is anyone surprised all but one of the public sector allowances have been protected and that ministers baulked at even the most timid of reforms?

Fine Gael have Enda Kenny, a teacher who inherited a seat in the Dáil because no one else in his family wanted it, hardly the most inspiring start to a political career. But he’s nothing if not consistent given that over his 40-year career he hasn’t instigated one single piece of legislation, and his contribution record to Dáil and committee debates is one of the lowest of any TD in the history of the State. Is it any wonder he is incapable of making hard decisions.

Beside him is Michael Noonan, also a teacher who has a long career and nothing to show for it. Oh, except the persecution of a dying woman, so it can’t be any surprise that he will just fall into line with what his department officials tell him.