A culture of cronyism

As a Cabinet reshuffle approaches and Ministers fear for their futures, they would be well advised to leave any filling of vacancies on State boards to their successors. Nothing sticks in the public's craw quite so much as the elevation of political placemen. And while Ministers are unlikely to receive praise for exercising restraint, they and their parties can be guaranteed a public roasting if they engage in the appointment of cronies. A public scramble between Fine Gael and Labour Party Ministers for well-paid EU positions would have a similar effect.

Entering government with a record majority in 2011, the Coalition parties promised extensive reform and transparent administration. Political patronage was high on the agenda because, as a final hurrah after 13 years in office, outgoing Fianna Fáil Ministers had made 900 appointments to State boards and agencies. Such behaviour was roundly condemned.

But when Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin published new regulations governing State appointments, they disappointed. Like many attempts at reform in Irish life, they amounted to a half-way house rather than comprehensive change. Ministers were encouraged to advertise vacancies on State boards and to invite expressions of interest from suitable candidates. But they retained the discretion to appoint persons from outside this process if they had "relevant qualifications". Too often, those "relevant qualifications" appeared to coincide with political affiliation. In the appointment of board chairmen, however, there was real progress. Oireachtas committees were empowered to examine the credentials of candidates in public before the government took a final decision. The new arrangements suggested, however, that board membership was not particularly important if the chairmen knew their business.

The findings of various tribunals provided warnings that such an approach is dangerous. Political patronage and improper private sector influence can rot the fabric of society and damage public wellbeing. In rebuilding the economy and fashioning a more efficient and productive State sector, merit rather than political influence should inform all such appointments.

Use of the so-called “inside track” was a dominant feature in the early years of this State when who you knew was frequently more important than what you knew. Excuses were found in Civil War antagonism and the late Seán Lemass once remarked: “all other things being equal, the Fianna Fáil man will get the job”. There should be no place for selective preferment in a modern, democratic society. The Government must revisit its half-hearted reform measure and Ministers under pressure should consider the welfare of their parties before any more appointments are made.