It’s high time the Government’s rising star stepped up and seized the day

Brian Lenihan seems to be the only senior Government politician who attempts to give effective leadership. FF’s minor upward blip in the polls is due to his assertive confidence ... He can chart a course for future positive direction for the nation, based on realism and straight speaking

THE final days of the referendum campaign have revealed a considerable cohort of the electorate who are now so negative about Irish politics they are using a ‘no’ vote to protest. If the referendum is passed it will be in spite of the political establishment. This rejection of main stream politicians has become so pervasive to be corrosive and damaging to our economic prospects. The underlying tone is bitterness, anger and revulsion.

The extravagance, waste and selfishness of individuals such as John O’Donoghue has been exposed. The political response has totally underestimated the public contempt for the lack of accountability. The Ceann Comhairle cost taxpayers €550,000 in expenses while Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism. Further expenses from state bodies under his aegis (eg Fáilte Ireland, Sports Council, Horse Racing Ireland, Arts Council etc.) have not been revealed. In his present role he has appointed a superfluous political adviser, costing €90,000 pa. None of his predecessors did so.