In the letters page of the Irish Independent of February 28, I wrote that it was time for Brian Cowen to step forward and provide some much needed direction at the top of our political system. The events of last week mean that Mr Cowen now has the opportunity to refocus politics back on the issues that really matter to the citizens of this country: economic stability, health service reform, education, and so on.
However, I would put it to the new Taoiseach-designate, that he has another more subtle yet no less important challenge: raising people’s expectations of politics.
Bertie Ahern has damaged politics in a number of ways, and the new leader should grasp the opportunity to put things right. Where Ahern obfuscated and fudged, Mr Cowen should follow his instincts and be direct. Where the previous adminstration erected layers of bureaucracy to mollify discontents and avoid tough decisions, the new cabinet should be truly and directly accountable. And where Mr Ahern was happier on the Premiership or Hello magazine, Mr Cowen should return some dignity to the office of Taoiseach.
While his sometimes brash demeanour may not be to everyone’s taste, a bit of honest ‘take me or leave me’, with a dash of actual political conviction and focus, may be just what we need to re-engage people with politics.
