Mick Clifford: With his eye on the big job, Jim O'Callaghan is avoiding the issues he should be focusing on

Problems like the solicitors' legal aid dispute and the long-standing issue of Garda whistleblowers are going to fester, simply because the man in charge is intent on stepping around mines, his eyes cast high on the next peak of his career

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan and Taoiseach Micheál Martin: When Ireland's EU presidency ends, the race to succeed Martin begins. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

Jim O’Callaghan is a man in a hurry. There are just 90 more sleeps before the curtain comes down on Ireland’s EU presidency. At that point, the race to succeed Micheál Martin begins. It may not happen quickly but the current Taoiseach’s departure could be sudden. 

Any controversy, bad opinion poll or row will be amplified because everybody knows the Cork man will be on the bend for home. Big Jim needs to be ready.