The real cost of decentralisation

THE decentralisation plan unveiled by Charlie McCreevy in his 2003 Budget speech illustrated some very fundamental flaws in the political system.

Firstly, it highlighted the huge potential for abuse of power by a Government or an individual minister.

The proposed distribution of up to 12,000 civil and public servants to the four corners of the country must surely rank as one of the most glaring examples of opportunistic political patronage since the foundation of the State.