Brian Lenihan was interviewed on Morning Ireland this morning. When asked if he agreed with Richard Bruton that the Department of Finance was not fit for purpose he said that he didn’t agree and that in his opinion its influence had been seriously curtailed over the last few years. He said that there were two main reasons for this. The first was election promises (political programmes for government) which were not properly costed prior to parties committing to them. The second reason he identified was Social Partnership which had pretty much the same effect.
I completely agree with him but I was very surprised to hear a FF minister admit as much. When it was pointed out that it was his party that allowed this to happen he agreed, saying that he had already admitted that mistakes had been made. I hope the media pick up on this and an informed debate about who should be making the decisions and how out country should be run can ensue. It is to his credit that he is being so candid.
I completely agree with him but I was very surprised to hear a FF minister admit as much. When it was pointed out that it was his party that allowed this to happen he agreed, saying that he had already admitted that mistakes had been made. I hope the media pick up on this and an informed debate about who should be making the decisions and how out country should be run can ensue. It is to his credit that he is being so candid.