When the Dáil rose for the summer holidays on Thursday, it was evident the future prospects of the Coalition Government will be heavily influenced by decisions the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, will take during the coming months. After seven years in power, many Government Ministers have become stale and self-satisfied, if not arrogant. As a result, voter alienation played a large part in the outcome of the local and European elections. Fianna Fáil, in particular, suffered heavy losses and it will be a huge task to correct that situation.
The Taoiseach resisted overtures that he should become president of the European Commission, in favour of leading the Government and Fianna Fáil into the next general election. Having made that choice, he must now show it was the correct one for the national interest. A series of difficult decisions lies ahead in terms of political appointments, economic policy and strategic planning. But Government finances are in much better shape than expected and economic growth is accelerating.
Later this month Mr Ahern faces his first real test when he appoints Ireland's new EU Commissioner. The nomination will directly shape the autum Cabinet reshuffle. And the Tánaiste and leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Harney, has already signalled her departure from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. If the Taoiseach is to sack or demote those Fianna Fáil Ministers who promised much but delivered little the European appointment must be the first piece in a jigsaw of Cabinet transformation.
Already, the ideological friction that developed between the Coalition partners in the aftermath of the local elections has dissipated as Fianna Fáil backbenchers acknowledge their own Ministers were responsible for many of the decisions that antagonised voters. Now they are seeking extra funding for health, education and local employment schemes while urging the use of kid gloves in relation to the State sector.
On the opposition benches, confidence is growing as Fine Gael, the Labour Party and the Green Party consider their long-term strategy for the general election. Fine Gael, in particular, has put all doubt about its central role in a future government behind it. Its strong showing in the June elections underpinned Mr Enda Kenny's leadership, while offering reassurance of success to its potential partners. Broad policy objectives and a coherent agenda have yet to be agreed, but much will change when the Dáil returns in October.
The challenge to the Taoiseach to reshape and reinvigorate his Cabinet and to provide impetus to a range of stalled projects is immense. The public must be reassured that meticulous planning, rather than political opportunism, informs Government decisions.