100 days in, Government yet to get going

AS THE Government this weekend reaches the milestone of its first 100 days in office, the time is right to reflect upon the actions, or in many cases non-actions, by our illustrious political leaders, writes Daniel McConnell

As it is a minority government, the dynamics within Cabinet are somewhat different to what normally exists between Coalition partners. After a turbulent term, dogged by internal bickering and squabbling, the Government is on its summer break, so it is fitting to critically assess the actions and performance of the Cabinet — it is embarrassing how little legislation it has passed.

By the time the Dáil and Seanad went into summer recess on July 21, just eight bills had been passed. While it has been argued that once the Oireachtas got into its stride this meant a bill once every four days, that it took so long for that to happen is an indictment on this administration.