Trying to reach end of rainbow

Sir — As the Government approaches the ‘Beecher’s Brook’ that is, its first Budget, some of the Cabinet has become jittery.

Even minor hurdles have seen them shorten their stride.

‘Parish pump’ with its safer seat looms large in their minds; only the seat of the Ceann Comhairle can compare. As the country faces into a very uncertain future, single-issue ministers are the last thing we need. Liam Cosgrave famously said one time that he would dig out the “mongrel foxes”. Enda Kenny will have to take similar steps.

The Taoiseach will have to face down those who would hold the country to ransom for narrow sectional interests. This is the time for him to show steel, if, in fact, it is there. Dail deputies who criticise the Government on a continuous basis get far more airtime than those who keep their shoulders to the wheel. The length of their hair seems to be a good indication of the amount of airtime they will get. This is a time for unity in the Dail, but I am afraid this is like trying to reach the end of the rainbow; a “party” of three fell apart recently. There are times when it seems no two can agree on anything. The coming Budget may be Enda Kenny’s last chance to impose his authority on the dissidents in Cabinet and Party.

“Woe to thee O Land, when thy King is a Child.” (Ecclesiastes 10:) John Farrell Edenderry Offaly