The Dáil resumes - Consent to govern put in jeopardy

The 31st Dáil resumes today and in a very short time — two months — it will mark the third anniversary of the establishment of Enda Kenny’s coalition.

Though a lot has been achieved in those three years a considerable acceleration on election promises, especially around public sector reform and fine-sounding ideas like free GP care for everyone, is essential if the Government is to complete the agenda it set for itself and promised the electorate. It is the nature of things that significant change takes significant time but the window of opportunity narrows by the day.

The Government must achieve this with one eye on local and European elections in May — just five months away. Though these elections will not set the Dáil agenda they will, occasionally at least, change the rhythm of Oireachtas business. As we face three elections in no more than a little over two years the opposition, in all its forms, will try to focus attention on service cuts and how Government has reduced disposable incomes.