THE STRONGEST impression that comes through today’s interview with Taoiseach Enda Kenny is his enthusiasm for the job. He will need every bit of that commitment in the coming months as the Government attempts to cut waste; get value for the money it spends and provide incentives for employment creation. None of this will be easy or painless. But, as Mr Kenny acknowledged, the public wants to move forward “so they can see sunlight on the far shore”.
The Government may be witnessing the first glimmers of an economic dawn. Retail spending increased during the past year, even as it fell within the European Union. Exports are performing strongly. Jobs are being created. For the first time in three years, the economy is expected to grow and exchequer targets are being exceeded. With one-in-seven people out of work and stringent EU-IMF bailout terms being enforced, however, there is a very long way to go.
As the Taoiseach prepares to sell Ireland as a location for investment to companies in the United States, with a guaranteed 12.5 per cent corporation tax rate, other initiatives designed to harness the goodwill of the Irish diaspora are being undertaken. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore will host a meeting of ambassadors and trade officials in June, in advance of a second global economic forum at Dublin Castle in October. In the meantime, details of the Government’s jobs initiative will be provided by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan next Tuesday.
In his first newspaper interview with Stephen Collins, Mr Kenny spoke of a “whirlwind” of activity that accompanied the Government’s first eight weeks in office. While refusal by EU heads of state to alter the terms of the financial bailout may have disappointed, he is still hopeful that interest rate concessions will be forthcoming. The next big hurdle will arise from a review of Government spending and the need to make savings on existing programmes and through public service reforms. In that regard, implementation of the Croke Park agreement and changes to existing structures will be expected to pay for job creation in the private sector. The Government’s jobs initiative has to be fiscally neutral.
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan indicated what lies in store when he confirmed that a flat rate water charge will be introduced next year. Legislation to reduce the number of Dáil members; ensure that byelections are held within six months and establish lower spending limits for presidential elections will be introduced also. A Constitution Commission will hold public consultations on modernising that document; advise on Dáil representation and assess the implications of abolishing the Seanad.
Mr Kenny spoke of his determination to reduce the number of Dáil committees, while increasing their powers of investigation and oversight, to strengthen parliament. A man in a hurry, the Taoiseach wants his Ministers to identify solutions and make decisions, not listen to civil servants talk around problems.