Typical JHR, the only reason he keeps it behind closed doors is so that he can show up at the opening of an envelope here in Kerry South and claim it was he who got the funding for it.

How come Bertie still _HAS_ a spokesperson! Jeez.

why as a nation are we putting up with this from our politicians.
is it not time for a peoples revolution.
break out the guillotine.
we could set it up outside the g.p.o.
and have daily beheadings.
would they start to listen to the people then?
answers on a postcard

It is a little depressing but there is truth in Healy-Rae’s comment also ; backbenchers on the government side have access to Ministers for their various requests, so unless they’re involved in legislation they are limited in what contributions they can make. Whilst opposition backbenchers have no power either, at least they can mouth off about something and not do themselves or their party much harm in the process. The central problem is the dis-empowerment of the legislature at the mercy of the executive so that only Ministers or those close to them really have any say in matters of national import. The best the backbenchers can do is look for a local favour here and there or to be more charitable perhaps have a quiet word with a Minister on a particular matter of interest. I think the rounder contributions are made at the committee stage. One of the questions any attempt at political reform will have to consider is what role we want for the central assembly chamber.

I think Bertie is correct on this occasion. It’s a long standing precedent in many jurisdictions that the former Premier removes him/herself from public debate in the aftermath of their tenure. The last thing any new leader wants is their predecessor telling them how to do it from the sidelines. I believe Margaret Thatcher may have troubles with this on both sides – her predecessor and then herself on to the next incumbent. It’s only a pity Bertie didn’t observe the same reticence in his media dealings.