Sir, – Harry McGee (News Analysis, July 17th) points out that Dáil reform has, to date, fallen well short of the ambition expressed in the 2011 programme for government. However, it is only fair to point out that the Government has spent much of the first two years of its term dealing with the disastrous national financial situation while simultaneously attempting to navigate safely through a series of international economic events beyond its span of control.
There is a slightly vulgar expression in business that describes the usual impact of crisis management on the maintenance of strategic direction: “When you’re up to your arse in alligators, it’s easy to forget your objective is to drain the swamp”.
I hope those promised Dáil reforms will receive the requisite attention in the latter half of this Government’s term of office. – Yours, etc,
PETER MOLLOY,
Haddington Park,
Glenageary,
Co Dublin.