A lack of leadership and ability has cost us dearly

The 2007-2008 cock-up cost the taxpayers billions. Way back when the late Brian Lenihan took over the Ministry of Finance, he was amazed to discover the lack of ability and qualifications of the team of civil servants that he inherited.

Yet those civil servants and politicians who oversaw our financial policies pre- 2007-2008 fiasco are enjoying a luxurious retirement on huge pensions — paid for by us.

It is absolutely vital that the quality of those who govern us is of the highest quality — both politians and civil servants should require experience to oversee with the portfolio that they have been given while the country’s top post should belong to a born leader.