Gentleman, I recently perused your featured write-up on “The individuals fuelling the powerful” (News Review, 16th of March) quite closely. The article cited that a total of 69 counsellors, costing the public treasury €8.276 million, are involved. Their resumés stand out, as several advisers are seen as astute and esteemed, possessing exceptional political sensibilities, and are often seen as the ‘eyes and ears’ of their political superiors. Sadly, these attributes were significantly lacked in the preceding referenda.
One would doubt if these counsellors were fulfilling their duties adequately considering their visible competence. It would seem apparent that gaining a favourable result would be a challenging task without comprehensive alterations in wording and subject matter. Consequently, their consultation should have steered towards delaying or withdrawing the referendums. On the contrary, it seems the Ministers perceive the counsellors’ thoughts exactly for what they are – mere viewpoints.
Liam Cunningham humorously stated, “I like informing folks I am an immigrant. It confuses them. They appear somewhat twitchy”.
If queried appropriately, the public could provide the very same viewpoints at no cost. It is the primary responsibility of the constant Civil Service to counsel the Ministers. It is my firm belief that our senior public servants are exceptionally knowledgeable and proficient with their field of work in recent times. Hence, having another cluster of counsellors seems superfluous and undervalues their expert competence.
It could be the right moment to consider dismantling the exclusive group of counsellors. The Civil Service can feasibly tackle their assumed roles, that include the execution of a mutually agreed governmental programme and preventing public discrepancies amongst the Coalition factions at lesser cost to the public.
Warm Regards,
NIALL L PELLY, Snr
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.
Gentleman, I am grateful for the elaborate handbook to the individuals controlling power.
I have always been intrigued as to why an immense number of political counsellors are utilised. But, I am now left pondering the necessity of Ministers.
Best Regards,
MARY LEE,
Newbridge,
Co Kildare.
Gentleman, I apologize if this seems like mental perspicuity declining with age, but after a thorough study of the Government’s 68 handpicked advisers’ profiles, I find myself unable to comprehend their actual roles.
Best Regards,
BRENDAN CONWAY,
New Quay,
Co Clare.
Dear Sir,
Your detailed examination of the 69 special advisers presently employed by Government Ministers and State Ministers has been noted. It’s intriguing that these advisers are not chosen through open competition but are hired under the authorisation of Government Ministers. Notably, 19 among them are former journalists.
The rest of the advisers have been observed to have a history of activism and loyalty to their individual political groups. However, isn’t it mildly discomforting that many ex-political journalists, who have previously proclaimed their role as “power checkers”, are now serving the very individuals who possess this “power”?
In the context of the recent events within RTÉ and the growing threats faced by mainstream media due to social media, the principles of an independent public service journalism backed by tax funding seem to be championed more and more. We are consistently reminded that this profession is central to democracy and the need for a public service media to scrutinise power is emphasised.
Yet, taking on the role of a special adviser for those with political clout seems to contradict this high-minded aim. – Yours faithfully,
Larry Dunne,
Rosslare Harbour,
Co Wexford.