Madam, – In medieval Ireland, the gallowglass (gallóglaigh) were foreign mercenaries hired by Irish lords to act as guards and aides. These foreigners were preferred over Irish men as they were not influenced by local feuds and cronyism, and so could be trusted to occupy such critical positions.
If the appointment of Matthew Elderfield has proven one thing, it is that this concept of entrusting outside people with important positions still applies to modern Ireland. In his position as Financial Regulator, Elderfield has done more to clean up Irish business in six months than every (Irish) regulator before him. He is able to do so precisely because he comes from outside of the rotten web of clientelism, tribalism and golden circles which runs though every organ of the State.
This country needs more such modern gallowglass to occupy important positions in every arena of Irish public life. We should actively seek qualified individuals from Europe, the UK and elsewhere to run our banks and public institutions. Our ancestors were wise enough not to trust their own with the keys to the kitty; we should learn from our history. – Yours, etc,