FG cabinet for national recovery.

[Marlowe]

I have compiled the following cabinet line-up which I believe would be well equipped to lead us out of this recession.

Enda Kenny - Taoiseach

The following four ministers would comprise a sub-committee for economic renewal:

Richard Bruton-Finance

George Lee-Banks,Credit,NTMA and NPRF
The problems with our banking system are now so complex, and our future ability to raise funds on international markets are so problematical, I believe this area deserves a department of its own. George Lee has the added advantage of being well known and trusted by the public at large and his ability to explain simply and clearly the decisions reached would be invaluable in getting the public to accept the policies which must be implemented.

Alan Dukes-Minister for Economic Planning (As one of the Taoiseach's Seanad nominees).
His responsibilty would be to devise short, medium and long term economic plans. A small number of people with a top class knowledge of the economy would need to be recruited to this department. Also, short term or part-time contracts would be offered to leading economists to offer advice and to scrutinise policy development.

John Bruton-Foreign Affairs (As a Seanad nominee).
Why foreign affairs? And why on the economic sub-committee? J.B. has unprecedented experience as Finance Minister, Taoiseach and E.U ambassador to the U.S. He would be the ideal man to convince foreign investors that Ireland finally has a real economic plan to revitalise our economy. His diplomatic contacts in Europe and the U.S. would be invaluable.

Lucinda Creighton-Junior Minister in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Young, intelligient and articulate. A strong junior minister needed here because of Bruton's economic commitments.

Leo Varadkar-Enterprise Trade and Employment.

James Reilly-Health

Brian Hayes-Education

Simon Coveney-Communications,Energy and Natural Resources.

Joe McHugh-Transport,Defence

Kieran O'Donnell-Social,Family Affairs

Alan Shatter-Justice,Equality and Law Reform

Fergus O'Dowd-Environment,Heritage and Local Government

Olwyn Enright-Tourism, Arts and Sport

Denis Naughton-Agriculture,Fisheries and Food

A junior minister could handle Community,Rural and Gaeltacht affairs-perhaps Michael Ring.

Notes:
1. The Cabinet might appear top-heavy on the economic side, but we are in a crisis. Radical thinking is needed.

2. The four ministers in the economic sub-committee would act as a team to co-ordinate all aspects of economic renewal.

3. I have tried to achieve a balance between hard-nosed economic experience and fresh young economic ministers.

4. While I would normally advocate picking ministers from within the parliamentary party only, because they have worked hard to get elected and handle a front bench brief, these are not ordinary times.

5. Only about five to six junior ministers are needed, but these would have real portfolios to look after.

6. But what about FG's coalition partner(s) you might ask? Well the more seats Fine Gael get, the more ministers they will have.

7. Enda Kenny has spent seven hard years rebuilding FG. This cabinet would provide him with a very strong team. And teamwork would be the key.

Everybody has different views on how the cabinet should be composed.

So how do you think this cabinet would compare with our current ministers?

[droghedasouth]

I know that this is fantasy cabinet making but the mere fact that FG have enough credible names to make a government on their own underlines the paucity of abiluity in the Clowen regime.

[meriwether2]

I agree with innovative use of the Seanad. I'd like to see some private sector success stories appointed to the Seanad, and then put in charge of committees or appointed to cabinet.

First up, John Bruton would be our man in europe.

Then Id cut Agriculture, defence, social and family affairs, environment and Sport as full ministries.

Taoiseach.
Tainiste + ministry
Finance
Education
Health
Foreign affairs
Justice
Enterprise, Trade ands employment.

Fini. There is no reason why the a politician cant do as good a job on sport, agriculture and environment on half the salary. If you dont want it, tough. We need a slimmed down cabinet to deal quickly and decisively with numerous issues that need to be tackled.

The FG economics core would be: Dicky, Lee, and Noonan.

Various committees would be made unpaid posts, and would have a more policy-making focus, with as number of new ones created to tackle specific economic issues as and when they arise.

Id also like some innovative use of the Seanad to appoint a diverse range for the Taoiseachs 11 appointees - 1 emigrant to represent the diaspora, 1 immigrant, 6-7 economic/private sector individuals, possibly a traveller, and someone from the non-profit sector.

[Question R24U]

If this is a dream cabinet - why keep enda?

I like the idea of ministers from the senate, since they do not have constituencies to distract them and can be people of calibre.

I assume when you come to adding labour or green ministers you will allow them only defence or arts?

[Drico]

Dear God... FG are in a brilliant place at the moment

[meriwether2]

Add: Any FG/Lab coalition would then make available the enormous skills of Ruairi Quinn for economics.

Bruton, Lee, Noonan, Quinn and Burton looks a hell of a lot better than whet we have, doesn't it?

[Drico]

If this is a dream cabinet - why keep enda?

Presumably because he is by far and away the best person for the job

[meriwether2]

If this is a dream cabinet - why keep enda?

I like the idea of ministers from the senate, since they do not have constituencies to distract them and can be people of calibre.

I assume when you come to adding labour or green ministers you will allow them only defence or arts?

Id be happy to have Ruairi Quinn and Eamon Ryan at the cabinet table. 2 very capable individuals.

However in a slimmed down top table, every party gets fewer than they would do under the current daft set up.

Again, I repeat, a sports minister can do as good a job for less pay if he/she really wants to.

[Mr.De-Regulation]

I cant think of one ministry that could be given to Labour. Maybe law and order?

[Drico]

Add: Any FG/Lab coalition would then make available the enormous skills of Ruairi Quinn for economics.

Bruton, Lee, Noonan, Quinn and Burton looks a hell of a lot better than whet we have, doesn't it?

eh not really... Burton is useless and Varadkar????