Mick Clifford: Government authority ebbs away after a disastrous week

Martin and Varadkar need to restore confidence through solid leadership

Former agriculture minister Barry Cowen, right, and his successor Dara Calleary, who has now also been forced to resign. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

In general, we don’t ask too much from those who have leadership roles in society.

Turn out well scrubbed, string a few sentences together, and display a modicum of competence. Don’t get caught up in a scandal that will make you look ridiculous, particularly if it’s to do with sex. Don’t do anything that might land you in front of the criminal courts.