The Dáil returns tomorrow while the local and European elections in May will be the backdrop for the coming session. Government parties are expected to focus public attention on improving economic circumstances while Opposition politicians will concentrate on service cutbacks and additional charges. At local level, EirGrid’s plan to erect high-voltage pylons, and plans to erect wind turbines, may be as contentious as the downgrading of a local hospital.
A lack of trust between the public and those in authority currently lies at the heart of Irish politics. Innate administrative arrogance and excessive secrecy are contributory causes. This Government came to power on a promise of openness and transparency. But old attitudes persist. Complaints about inadequate responses by Eirgrid to local concerns run deep. In addition, reforms under the Freedom of Information Act have fallen short. The establishment of Irish Water was specifically excluded from its terms of reference with damaging consequences. The extent of that damage may become apparent today when Irish Water officials give evidence before an Oireachtas committee.
The economic crash of 2008 brought a dramatic fall in the level of public trust in government. A succession of political, financial and church scandals fractured a rigid hierarchy of control that had developed over decades. Few centres of authority escaped and public servants were no exception. Trust in public services remains low. Accountability is an intrinsic element of public trust. When those in authority are not held responsible for dishonesty, inappropriate actions or waste, public confidence is damaged. Ministerial leadership will be required to break that pattern of immunity.
With elections pending, however, Government emphasis in this Dáil session may be on minimising electoral damage. Opinion poll figures suggest both Fine Gael and the Labour Party will see a reduction in representation at local level, with Sinn Féin poised to make gains. A growth in support for Independents could challenge Fianna Fáil's ability to recover ground. But the attention of all those involved will be on the possible emergence of anti-pylon candidates. Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte may find it ridiculous that EirGrid's plan to upgrade the electricity network should become an election issue, but political weakness and public mistrust has brought us here.
In the same way, secret arrangements and top-up payments for public executives have eroded public confidence and angered the electorate. That issue – and the Government’s response to it – is likely to re-emerge in coming days. Transparency on all fronts, from salary levels to decision-making, can be used to rebuild public confidence. Such reforms would offer a more inclusive and equitable society. But Government appetite for change and opposition support for it is needed to make progress.