Decentralisation is a political football

WITH regard to your most unfair editorial on Enda Kenny (Irish Examiner, January 23) I wish to ask what was so wrong with his desire to carry out an audit on decentralisation?

At the moment, decentralisation is a joke a political football with civil servants caught in the middle.

Surely the blame rests with the Government for failing properly to assess and plan for decentralisation prior to McCreevy and Parlon going on a political solo-run and salivating at the thought of voters in many towns being swayed by this ill-considered election gimmick.

Enda Kenny spoke of decentralisation being "planned and managed". To me, this means that civil servants should have been willing participants in the process. Dates and times on the movement of offices and people should have been established unlike the process in which we are now engaged and which is fast becoming mired in chaos. Good governance would suggest policy of such great importance should have been planned and managed properly.

Cllr Jerry Buttimer

25 Benvoirlich Estate

Bishopstown

Cork