We need value-for-money ministers

WHAT is it that qualifies one to be a minister or a minister of State? Is it outstanding private or public sector experience, a keen mind or academic expertise? Or is it political connections alone that grant a seat at a table that controls tens of billions of euro?

An answer to these questions is important in the context of an increase in the amount of career politicians who have no other career to refer to before taking over departments employing thousands. Experience of strategic decision making is vital, which is why it is perhaps time that Ireland moves closer to a transparent system of public accountability more profound than simply getting a democratic mandate.

The public is entitled to know what it gets in return for benchmarking awards from not just TDs but ministers and ministers of State. Clearly defined annual objectives for the role they play in their party, in office and in the programme for government would be a start. These should be published on the Oireachtas website and performance against these criteria measured.

The erratic performances in office of too many elected TDs and ministers (I select a random handful of errors meriting the most serious of consequences) during the Eircom flotation, the mooted disabilities bill, the Sellafield iodine fiasco, the attempted criminalisation of adoptees and now e-voting demands we can hold people clearly responsible to the position and office they hold.

If it is clear that a minister is out of their depth then it behoves all interested parties the electorate, media and the given opposition to ensure offices of the State and the Houses of Parliament are not diluted in quality and content by their presence.

Ross McCarthy

54 Danes Fort

Clontarf

Dublin 3