Paul Hosford: Government's failure to improve people's lives risks a disconnected electorate vulnerable to populism

Danger from failing to address issues, through legislation or the actual implementation of glossy plans, goes far deeper than not making childcare cheaper or housing more available

The last 18 months or so of Irish political life have seen little in the way of tangible improvements in day-to-day life for most. Picture: Patrick Bolger/Bloomberg

What is the measuring stick for a government's utility?

A year into this Coalition's time, it's reasonable to ask just what, exactly, a government is for. Is it legislation? Plans? Leadership? Regulations?