Er, Conor Lenihan?
It's a surprising choice, as Lenihan has no connection to anything relating to technology or innovation. (Google searches on the theme come up blank, too.)
But then again, neither did Sean Power. Or Tony Killeen before him.
But I'm being silly, aren't I? The main thing is Lenihan's constituency and his loyalty to Fianna Fail. Not high faluting concepts such as competency in his brief or a solid grounding in the sector he will direct. Sure that's what the civil service is there for, isn't it?
Naturally, the department's website has not yet been fully updated.
Christ, he really is the most insipid, hapless Lenihan of the lot. And that's saying something.
Posted by: Twenty Major | April 23, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Have to disagree with you there, Mr. Major. Only yesterday I was discussing the competency of his brother (a barrister who is allegedly, ahem, numerically challenged) with someone who moves in rarified political circles, and had my own own suspicion confirmed - Conor is actually the most intelligent member of that dynasty.
But then, being the best of a bad lot is hardly a glowing recommendation!
Posted by: Francis Mahon | April 23, 2009 at 06:36 PM
Of course the question remains .. do the ministers really matter or is their staff we need to be looking at?
Posted by: Michele Neylon | April 23, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Michele, You're right of course.
But it's the minister who gets the title of boss. And it's the minister who is elected. Why can't we elect/hold accountable the department secretary if they're the real boss?
Posted by: Adrian Weckler | April 24, 2009 at 10:14 AM