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THERE IS NOW widespread expectation that the much anticipated Cabinet reshuffle will not take place until tomorrow at the earliest.
There are even some indications that it will be Friday before we learn who is getting what ministerial role, and what the government intends to do with its remaining time in office.
But the message emanating from government is: no panic, no rush, no big deal, everything’s fine.
One figure close to the talks said: ”Just a bit of work still to do.” Another noted that the actual business of government has been preventing the Taoiseach and new Tánaiste from holding further talks, as they had to attend engagements in the Dáil and Seanad yesterday and today. “There’s no particular rush,” they insisted.
The reshuffle announcement was initially (but perhaps optimistically) expected on Tuesday, and was then pushed to today. It now appears Kenny and Burton aren’t ready to announce their ministerial shake-up just yet.
The two have been meeting alone for the past few days, with advisors purposely left outside the door during several hours of talks. There have been few if any leaks from the sessions and no indication of what ministers are going where. It’s a tight ship, and purposefully so, to prevent grandstanding and negotiation through the media.
One of the chief complaints about Burton from those who have briefed against her in the past is that she is indecisive and procrastinates on decision-making. Could this be the reason for the talks not yet concluding?
Those close to her would argue that she likes to have a discussion and that’s probably what’s happening in these talks.
Even Burton herself said on RTÉ at the weekend: “I do like to have a discussion. There is an awful lot of people in politics who make the decision first and have the discussion afterwards.
“I actually welcome the discussion. That probably is a little bit different from the way, in particular, sometimes handlers like to handle things. They like the decision to come down and then have the discussion. I like the discussion.”
It is known that Labour wants to take control of the Department of Jobs from Fine Gael —but then that much has been apparent for months, with Eamon Gilmore having made a push for the position before he fell on his sword last month. Beyond that there does not appear to be any other major disputes.
Fine Gael did not seem to raise any big issues with a document that Burton and her allies sent to the Taoiseach prior to negotiations getting under way this week.
As for the reshuffle itself and who goes where — we are operating in an information vacuum where very few solid details are known.
Even the ministers themselves are in the dark, many insisting they haven’t got the call —even if many are wearing their best suits, best ties and have the shoes extra shiny today.
Indeed there is a notable improvement in the dress of several hopeful TDs roaming the halls of Leinster House in recent days.
Kenny and Burton are said to be largely agreed on a policy document that will be launched when the reshuffle is announced. It is currently being pored over by their policy advisors before being finalised.
Some of its provisions could have budgetary implications which means that the high-powered Economic Management Council – which consists of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and the two finance ministers – will have to meet. This delays things further, but there is no indication of any huge dispute.
In addition the weekly meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party has been suspended until tomorrow pending the reshuffle. The latest information is that Fine Gael’s is still going ahead.
The logistics of announcing a Cabinet reshuffle means that Dáil business has to be set aside to allow Kenny to inform the house of the ministerial shake-up. Speaking a short time ago to TDs, the Taoiseach said there would be no change to the business of the house today (ie: no reshuffle announcement).
Once the house is informed, ministers — both newly-appointed and reshuffled — will travel to the Áras to get their seals of office from the President.
Michael D Higgins is on standby, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that he may not be needed until tomorrow at the very earliest.
There was a buzz around Leinster House this morning in anticipation of what was to come but as the day has worn on TDs and nervous ministers are beginning to flag knowing they face another night of rumour and speculation.
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A new building firm called McAteer & Fitzpatrick construction will get the contract.
I get it, I see what you did there!
“finish what Anglo started” sounds like something out of Goodfellas
Everyone should google, Who appointed Patrick Neary Financial Regulator and read this guy’s history? How he got the job, is obvious that he was picked to sleep on the job and be in a coma!
One of NAMA’s finest will be in for the job no doubt?
Will look pretty cool when it’s finished
As long as the offices look good, who care how madly managed the institution is?
I’m saying it will look good, does everything have to have a begruding context to it?
@polar bear!!
I’m afraid it usually does !!
And the staff will look for disturbance money for moving a mile down the road. 10 grand each should cover it.
I hear that Patrick Neary says that if he had these lovely shiny, bright and prestigious offices he could have easily regulated the Banks.
Now we have the CBI focused on prestigious offices in a landmark location while the Banks succumb to the mortal wounds they self inflicted.
It’s a pity that we Irish focus on the baubles, the shiny stuff and fail to recognise that it is not the buildings and offices that count but the integrity and independence of the personnel working there.
Of course I begrudge the CBI the folly of these premises. I would prefer the money to be spent on health services at point of supply, on building social housing and for truly worthy purposes. Think what Peter McVerry could do with this money. Our priorities are wrong and aesthetic quality is a luxury we can’t afford.
The main responsibilities of this incompetent institution now reside in Frankfurt. Can we not simply disband this useless quango?
Eric, good point. These are going to be very expensive offices for mere puppets.
I see no sign that the CBI has acquired any competence or capability.
After the Banks have failed, this body may have little to do.
In 2004, the regulation of the supply of credit in the public interest, the previous statutory responsibility of the CBI, was abolished.
A country with sh1tty hospitals and gleaming central banks, you can see where things are going.
Best comment in a long time.
The symbolism of a failed and grossly unfit for purpose Central Bank of Ireland inhabiting the intended HQ of a recklessly and grossly mismanaged Bank is pretty plain.
No one can accuse the CBI of lacking a sense of irony although it may just be a lack of sound sense.
What are the plans,if any, for the Central Bank’s current monstrosity on Dame Street?
A Viking museum?
Laughing!
Starbucks
Padraig – in answer to your question of what they should do?
They should be made rebuild what was there before the monstrosity , where the green bus is in this pic is what torn down to build it.
http://www.photography.paul-walsh.net/landscape/Cushman/images/11a.jpg
Apartments for leprechains
The new headquarters for the Leprechaun museum.
A massive Burger King.
Occupy Dame Street offices
Wetherspoons
Apparently Facebook were looking at it Padraig. Not sure if they went any further than looking at it though.
I hear it’s becoming the worlds first ten story Starbucks…
Apple were interested in it too. They’re looking for a large building in central Dublin.
Library wasn’t it?
The central bank on Dame street is actually a fine example of brutalist architecture in Dublin and is a very well engineered structure! May not be popular now, but tearing down buildings such as these will do long term damage to Dublins architectural diversity!
A nice monument to our unelected masters.
Hope new Central Bank Building has an Interpretive Centre in its basement, for visitors on the Dublin Tourist circuit to learn of the follies of our past overlords.
A replica of our past Banking Regulator’s desk and easy-chair to sit centre stage.
Maybe Sean Quinn could put in a submission?
Failing that, perhaps Tom McFeeley could help them out.
A monument to ego and hubris is a fitting place for the CBI.
Finish what Anglo started? You mean the complete and utter devastation of the countries banking system and public finances…
Some bust developer will get a nice number there,boi
Surely it won’t be a central bank and more? Slightly east of centre perhaps centre right in location and ideology??
Does the new Emperor have any clothes?
Keep it as it is, its an honest reflection of this country. But then again fancy offices for central bank would help emphasise where current priorities lie
We should have a statue of Patrick Neary erected on Dame Street, made out of wood. In every sense, a perfect likeness.
I think the Dame St site would be a perfect location for the Dublin City Library. I know there are plans to put it on Parnell Square.
Oooh glass + anger
Well both entities were always close. So it’s nice to see the central bank fitting snugly into the vacant space…… ;)
It should be left as is with the story of the bust carved into the concrete as a warning to future generations. Along with a big display showing the realtime 60 odd billion being paid off.
A total f*ck up of the economy?
Anyone know what will happen then to the existing Central Bank building?
Tom mc feeley has the contract
And Mr.Nearys “gofor” coming back in to help run the show. Great little country alright.
I hope that’s not your phone number you just put out there on a public website…
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