The Cabinet - overpromoted and out of their depth?

[BodyofEvidence]

Most of the cabinet are either heirs to political dynasties, or have been in the dail for yinks. They cannot be expected to have the foggiest clue of how the real world operates. In addition, they are so far removed from what their lives would have been had they not crawled into the slimebucket that is FF they must be deemed overpromoted. In all likelihood Cowen would be a moderatly successful country solicitor, Mary Coughlan a supervising social worker, Mary Hanafin a Mother superior, and so on. but, they took the soup as it were. How can they, limited in intellect and ability, and out of touch with the world behind the tinted windows of thei mercs, understand?

[PhoenixIreland]

Most of the cabinet are either heirs to political dynasties, or have been in the dail for yinks. They cannot be expected to have the foggiest clue of how the real world operates. In addition, they are so far removed from what their lives would have been had they not crawled into the slimebucket that is FF they must be deemed overpromoted. In all likelihood Cowen would be a moderatly successful country solicitor, Mary Coughlan a supervising social worker, Mary Hanafin a Mother superior, and so on. but, they took the soup as it were. How can they, limited in intellect and ability, and out of touch with the world behind the tinted windows of thei mercs, understand?

It's worse than a qualifications issue, Mary C had a degree in the area she was a minister in and she was still awful at it, so awful they sent her to Agriculture, then bizzarly, promoted her to no2!

[Oppenheimer]

Most of the cabinet are either heirs to political dynasties, or have been in the dail for yinks. They cannot be expected to have the foggiest clue of how the real world operates. In addition, they are so far removed from what their lives would have been had they not crawled into the slimebucket that is FF they must be deemed overpromoted. In all likelihood Cowen would be a moderatly successful country solicitor, Mary Coughlan a supervising social worker, Mary Hanafin a Mother superior, and so on. but, they took the soup as it were. How can they, limited in intellect and ability, and out of touch with the world behind the tinted windows of thei mercs, understand?

They hire consultants...then all they have to do is "front" the organisation they created. They are no more than PR men at this point.

[gear one]

Cabinet positions don't correlate to the particular background of the particular Minister always. Supreme politicians make themselves aware of their new portfolio regardless on their background in a particular area and are quick to learn. I wouldn't be worried about a doctor in justice or a solicitor in medicine.

[blinding]

Cabinet positions don't correlate to the particular background of the particular Minister always. Supreme politicians make themselves aware of their new portfolio regardless on their background in a particular area and are quick to learn. I wouldn't be worried about a doctor in justice or a solicitor in medicine.

Maybe your not worried but this lot has me hiding in my bunker.

Tell me its just a nightmare and that I am going to wake up in the morning.

[carlovian]

OK maybe the current senior ministers arent up to much but look at the quality of the junior ministers waiting to show their strengths.

Its time to promote Maire Hoctor, Conor Lenihan and Sean Haughey to senior positions and let the new age of prosperity begin.

[Question R24U]

The opening poster clearly has no idea what a cabinet minister does. 1They vote in cabinet. 2 the defend their dept and they protect the budget of their dept 3 they steer legislation through the dail 4 they are spokespersons for their party 5 they bring in running mates for their party. The only difference is finance who goes after other dept's budgets which makes it seem like he has more power. That is all. Only cowen and the greens matter.

[BodyofEvidence]

The opening poster clearly has no idea what a cabinet minister does. 1They vote in cabinet. 2 the defend their dept and they protect the budget of their dept 3 they steer legislation through the dail 4 they are spokespersons for their party 5 they bring in running mates for their party. The only difference is finance who goes after other dept's budgets which makes it seem like he has more power. That is all. Only cowen and the greens matter.

Hmm..So why do the greens matter as they arent in finance?
I take it then that you dont mind having people in power who are admittedly imcompetent? "im not an economist" Lenihan for instance (in finance btw). do you not think that of your points above 2 and 3 require SOME vague idea of whats going on under their remit? and is 4 / 5 not what all politicians do? I think its you who, blinded by your (unrequited) love for FF/GP dont understand how blitering imcompetence and thinly disguised disinterest in the brief (but not in the perks thereof) by cabinet ministers is at least a partial cause of the mire we are in. I call it "the cullen effect"....

[Fr. Hank Tree]

They sort of epitomise all that went wrong with this country's economy over the last 6years or so really. Overvalued, complacent, smug, lazy, superficial, always going for the quick buck, pulling the fast stroke, believing their own propoganda....etc...

Tis when the tide is out that you see who's swimming naked. Now the tide is out and...well you know.

[BodyofEvidence]

Cabinet positions don't correlate to the particular background of the particular Minister always. Supreme politicians make themselves aware of their new portfolio regardless on their background in a particular area and are quick to learn. I wouldn't be worried about a doctor in justice or a solicitor in medicine.

If we had supreme politiicans that may work. But, I cant think with less than horror of someone trying to brief Lenihan on the difference between neo-keynesian and new-keynesian policy prescriptions or the role of sticky prices. And hes probably the smartest kid in the room. Now cullen....