Cabinet reshuffle: We need to select the right people

The biggest political topic of this week is inevitably going to be the Cabinet reshuffle.

The prime consideration in all appointments should be talent and ability — not geography, gender, or political patronage. The Taoiseach should appoint the most able people available to each ministerial position.

Prior to the last general election, Fine Gael castigated Fianna Fáil for selecting Cabinet members on the basis of political loyalty rather than talent, and they promised to end the old-style politics.