INHERITING THE position of Taoiseach is like being given charge of an oil tanker. It takes time to alter momentum. And changing direction can be a major undertaking. Brian Cowen has begun by changing the balance of power within Government, establishing what is effectively a Fianna Fáil kitchen cabinet and setting out an ambitious social agenda for all Ministers.
Two new faces at Cabinet, with six Ministers retaining their old portfolios, would suggest minimal change. Such a conclusion would be inaccurate. Where a reallocation of responsibilities to fit with Mr Cowen’s own political agenda was feasible, it happened. Mary Harney in health, John Gormley in environment and Eamon Ryan in communications and energy were effectively untouchable but, outside of that, anything went. Micheál Martin, a would-be leader, was moved from the pivotal Department of Enterprise and Trade into foreign affairs. Dermot Ahern was given charge of justice and a promised referendum on children’s rights. And Mary Hanafin was transferred to social and family affairs.
Where Bertie Ahern walked alone in government, Mr Cowen has promoted key friends and supporters. Having performed with some style in justice, Brian Lenihan was rewarded with the plum job of finance. In his first economic ministry and with Government finances crumbling, however, Mr Cowen is likely to offer a guiding hand. Mary Coughlan has been favoured with the position of Tánaiste and a move to enterprise, trade and employment. And Batt O’Keeffe has been rewarded with education. These three Cabinet posts are pivotal to Mr Cowen’s plans for changing how we do things and reflect the priorities set out last November in his Indecon speech.
Reducing day-to-day spending, while investing in public capital projects, forms a challenging backdrop to increasing productivity. Negotiations with the social partners on pay and public sector reform will require a deft touch. Coalition sensitivities will have to be accommodated. Green Party Ministers will be asked to deliver on climate change and an action plan for a knowledge society while Mary Harney’s efforts to reform the health service will be supported. It will not be easy.
In spite of talk of reform and productivity, there is no sign Mr Cowen will change the bloated nature of a Government he inherited from Mr Ahern. Decaying political wood has been retained at Cabinet level. Further down, 20 Ministers of State will continue to make unavailing efforts to justify their large salaries. And political patronage will continue through appointments to Oireachtas and Dáil committees. With local elections due next year, Mr Cowen does not have much time to create the impression of a revitalised and caring Government with an increasingly worried electorate. His determination to bring about change through education, the adoption of new technology and community development is admirable. His immediate challenge, however, comes next month with the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. If he fails to surmount that hurdle, his authority will be seriously eroded and his long-term plans jeopardised.