@Daniel,
Consider me corrected! Apologies, had not realised Pat was of such noble stock

@Jason
Acknowledge delivery by Harney in certain areas. Ireland jumped up the league table of European health services only last year. Consultants contract was a success. The cancer strategy has paid dividends. A&E queues are not what they were despite ocassional opposition claims. Tallaght controversy poor local management (and perhaps over egged) rather than Ministerial failure (although as something of a healthcare technology expert I could propose a range of systems solutions which could be employed to address these issues, yet which do not appear to be anywhere on radar). Her presentation is poor though. Lacklustre, lethargic and lacking in enthusiasm. Appears guilty of complacency, arrogance or both. Very much a last days of the raj feel about the whole manner in which she carries out her duties. Not wishing to be overly populist but what the hell was she doing swanning around New Zealand for a fortnight? She has had some successes, but there is still work to be done, electorally as well as departmentally and she does not display an appetite for it. A fresh face needs to be put to this government and this was a ministry ripe for renewal.

Jason is right about Harney and that’s what many FF TDs are scared they will be nailed on come the general election. The health service is the way it is not because of Mary Harney but because of government policy that each and everyone one them has supported when called upon to do so.

Well if I’m canvassing alone, I’ll bring my iPod and some motivational playlists!

It’s a huge missed opportunity to really show some strong powerful leadership within FF.

I totally agree with your point about promoting yet another Green Junior Minister – the Green’s should be aware that if an election was held tomorrow they would be wiped out. FF have plenty of really good back bench TD’s who deserve their chance.

My main issues are with the current roles of the three Mary’s – Harney, Coughlan and Hanafin.

Mary Harney has been a fantastic public representative over the years. But I feel at this stage it is time for a change. Can the government really justify having an Independent TD in one of the most important portfolios? It’s a very tough role and she deserves credit for the work done so far – but I think she’s lost the fight and spirit needed for this role.

The roles of the two remaining Mary’s really does confuse me.

Mary Coughlan has been a very ineffective Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment during a time when we needed real leadership in this area. Moving her from this department has been a good move – but to education & skills?? I would also question her role as Tanaiste. Is she really the next best person to lead the country when Brian is not around – I don’t think so. The Tanaiste should be the next person who could possibly lead the party and country. My personal choice would be Micheal Martin, second to that would be Brian Lenihan (health permitting).

I think the worse thing about this reshuffle is the demotion of Mary Hanafin – and lets not dress it up, it is a demotion. She is one of the most impressive TD’s around and unlike some of her colleagues she does not hide from the media when questions need to be answered. I was rushing around on the day of the reshuffle and heard briefly that Mary had been demoted – I instantly thought Coughlan, not Hanafin. I respect her for keeping the party line, her interview on Morning Ireland really showed this.

I will stay loyal to FF but I think this could be the slow start of the end for Brian Cowen. He has been a great TD and Minister in the past but I think his lack of cunning will be his downfall. When you look back at Charlie, Albert and Bertie, they all kept the strong TD’s close to them in order to keep an eye on them – by demoting Mary Hanafin and now by promoting a Green TD, Brian Cowen may have started a ripple effect which will end his time as leader.

Time will tell

throw ina couple of hard boiled eggs, any rotten eggs?, a lot of good eggs, a few too many green eggs replete with organic manure, some of the shells left in still… then overbake while reading the paper… eat with salt and gaviscon and wash down with tullamore dew.

what did the joker say then about an enema?