Teacher's Pet [IrishTimes]
- Published: 08 March 2011
Labour is expected to secure the education brief when the new Cabinet is named tomorrow – although nothing is certain. The Education portfolio will only be assigned after other “more important jobs ’’ in Finance, Foreign Affairs, Health, Public Service Reform and Enterprise are allocated.
Ruairí Quinn – so impressive as opposition spokesman – is seen as favourite despite his trenchant criticism of Department of Education officials two years ago during the Dáil debate on the Ryan child abuse report. Senior department figures, he said, were either obscurantist members of secret societies or else they were “incompetent, lazy and destructive”.
Who else is in the frame?
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, a former head of the Union of Students in Ireland, has a huge interest in education issues . And his wife is chair of the Dún Laoghaire VEC.
But some insiders say it might be unwise to appoint Gilmore to Education, given the task the new government will face in rationalising the VEC sector. That said, he is very well briefed on the education agenda.
Róisín Shorthall, who has much to say on education, could also be set for elevation after her storming performance in the election.
On the Fine Gael side, education spokesman Fergus O’Dowd and former spokesman Brian Hayes are being mentioned – even though both opposed Enda Kenny in the leadership heave. Richard Bruton could also feature – if he is not appointed as the new minister for the public service.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
