ARTS, HERITAGE, GAELTACHT AND THE ISLANDS: Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands,Síle de ValeraTrack recordRepublicanism is central to the identity of Síle de Valera, grand-daughter of Eamon. It's American republicanism as well, however: she seems to have a strong leaning towards free market economics, a strong desire to back winners.
She has been an effective advocate of the Irish film industry in Hollywood, has defended tax incentives for film and has strengthened the hand of the Irish Film Board. However, she will have undermined RTÉ before she leaves office. She has been involved in a stand-off with the European Commission, refusing to designate Special Areas of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive until the landowners involved have had a chance to appeal. She has also been responsible for excellent initiatives such as the establishment of a €12.7 million fund to buy heritage artefacts, a €127 million plan for heritage sites and the €63 million in ACCESS grants for cultural infrastructure, as well as a massive increase in funding to the Arts Council. She has been badly undermined by others, which may result from a perception that she lacks authority as Minister. Brian P. Kennedy withdrew his application for the job of director of IMMA due to canvassing done in de Valera's name. The Taoiseach seemed to upstage her when he was the first to respond negatively to the Abbey's plan to move southside.
Main achievement
During her tenure, funding to the Arts Council has increased from €26 million in 1997 to €47.7 million this year. Not only has this been a massive boon to the arts, it has given the stamp of approval to the "arm's length" principle, by which arts policy is made by a non-political body.
Biggest failure
She has crippled RTÉ by giving the State broadcaster just 28 per cent of the company controlling the new transmission network, no share of the company which will sell digital services and awarding it a paltry licence fee increase (€18.41), forcing it to operate at a loss.
Prospects
Co Clare interests have been very well served during her tenure, and she is set to top the poll. But de Valera has failed to impress across her portfolio as Minister and she seems unlikely to hold on to her brief. However, it may be dangerous for Bertie Ahern to alienate her strong support by side-lining her, and there is no other ministry for which she seems obviously suited. Some Leinster House observers suggest that he might substitute her in the Cabinet with her cousin, Minister of State for Rural Development, Eamon Ó Cuiv.
Victoria White, Arts Editor
OPPOSITION PERFORMANCE
Fine Gael
Dinny McGinley
The long-serving Donegal deputy is a capable Dáil performer, whether speaking in Irish or English. An affable personality hides a steely political approach to Question Time, legislation and private members' motions.
He is master of the Irish language soundbite, aimed, in part, at Raidió na Gaeltachta listeners in his native Donegal. His detailed knowledge of Irish language and gaeltacht issues, in particular, is evident. He has strongly supported RTÉ in exchanges with the Minister. If Fine Gael achieves power, he is likely to secure a portfolio similar to that he has in Opposition.
Labour
Brian O'Shea
An experienced deputy with a low-key, dogged style. A former junior minister and spokesman in a number of areas, he has worked hard at his brief. O'Shea has been particularly critical of the Minister's treatment of RTÉ, and he has promised that Labour will undertake a review of the RTÉ licence fee if it is returned to government.
In hard-hitting Dáil speeches, he has accused the Minister of failing to protect public service broadcasting. RTÉ is likely to be first to remind the party of its promise if it is in power after the election.
M. O'R.
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