Good morning,
The departure of Paschal Donohoe for pastures new marks a true “before and after” moment in the young life of this Coalition, not yet one year old. The administration was already different from its predecessor in both obvious and more subtle ways, but Donohoe’s decision gives the Government – and particularly its Fine Gael element – a different complexion and political texture.
Tánaiste Simon Harris, now Minister for Finance, assumes an even more prominent role – and is also the last surviving Cabinet link to the Fine Gael intake of 2011, with all the party’s ministers now under 50.
Depending on your view of the likely political longevity of Micheál Martin, the Coalition may now round the halfway point of its lifespan with the two parties shorn of their most experienced hands. If that comes to pass, the chemistry between the leaders and their teams of ministers and advisers will dictate much of the success or otherwise of its remaining time.
READ MORE
Read Pat Leahy’s analysis of the upshot for the Coalition.
Donohoe is generally acknowledged as a diligent and thoughtful politician, who was acutely aware of the importance of his work. His departure has brought the usual verbal garlands from allies – but also criticism, and not just from the Opposition benches.
Trinity College assistant professor in economics Barra Roantree said Donohoe’s tenure was “characterised by a recklessness reminiscent of Charlie McCreevy during the Celtic Tiger”.
Gerard Howlin judged that “the credibility of a political centre which he colonised to great effect is hollowed out because of him,” adding: “There is a chasm between what Donohoe said and what he did”. Donohoe put honesty and serious-mindedness at the centre of his political brand, so those are words that might sting, even at the remove of his new position in the offices of the World Bank in Washington, DC.
It is not unusual for significant figures to have contested legacies – and Donohoe will not be short of defenders. What is beyond doubt is that he has been a consequential presence for a decade and a half – perhaps even as influential in the long run as the taoisigh he served under. As such, his departure is inevitably a significant moment – and in the grand scheme of things, political life is measured in such moments.
There will also be a moment in the committee rooms later today when former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates goes to bat for himself in front of the media committee – less meaningful, but holding out the promise of controversy and entertainment. The politician-turned-bookie-turned-commentator found himself at the centre of controversy over his work for Fianna Fáil during the presidential campaign, and if his opening statement is anything to go by, he’s set to come out swinging.
Best reads
Miriam Lord on Donohoe’s departure.
Michael McDowell on how Britain’s asylum reforms spell trouble for Ireland.
Paul Murphy on the future of the Connolly coalition.
Wrap up out there.
Playbook
Topical issues kickstarts the day at 9am in the Dáil, followed by the Opposition motion on the Occupied Territories Bill at 10am. Leaders’ Questions is at midday, followed by Other Member’s Questions and Questions on Policy or Legislation.
In the afternoon, there will be statements on paediatric spinal surgery waiting lists in Government time, followed by the report and final stages of the Health Information Bill and the committee and remaining stages of legislation increasing the number of judges in the appeal court.
Here’s the full schedule.
The Seanad sits from 2.30pm, with Government business given over to legislation increasing borrowing for the ESB and defamation reform in the afternoon.
The full schedule can be found here.
The transport committee will hold a session on national roads, light rail and the metro at 9.30am. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and her juniors are in the health committee with supplementary estimates at the same time. Dara Calleary is at the same business in the Social Protection committee. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the short term letting and tourism bill is at the enterprise committee at 12.30pm, while the climate committee has a session about offshore wind power. Apprenticeships are the order of the day for the higher education committee, while Coimisiún na Meán is in front of the communications committee. Simon Harris makes his committee bow as Minister for Finance with supplementary estimates in the finance committee at 3.30pm.
As mentioned above, the big draw in the evening will be broadcaster, pundit and former Fine Gael minister Ivan Yates, who is in with the media committee at 6.30pm following his recent brush with controversy.
The full schedule is here.
