Leadership is vital – this year more than ever

THIS time last year, the country was in full general election mode with polls predicting the return of the outgoing coalition, probably with some support from Independents. In the UK, the same polls were pointing to a vote to stay in the European Union – and in the US, Hillary Clinton appeared to have a lock on the White House.

And what 2016 proved yet again is that no one knows anything. Fine Gael scraped past the post and into government only with the participation of the Independent Alliance and the admittedly lukewarm support of a resurgent Fianna Fáil, while Labour was crucified. The pro-Brexit vote left our neighbours in turmoil as prime minister David Cameron resigned, and an unseemly struggle for the Conservative leadership saw leading Brexiteers Boris Johnson and Michael Gove cancel each other out, leaving the way clear for Theresa May, a Remain advocate, now flailing as she attempts to trigger Article 50 and give the electorate there what it wanted.

In the US, even though she won the popular vote by the largest margin in history, Mrs Clinton lost the electoral college, and Donald Trump swept to victory.

All three events have the potential to wreak havoc with our flimsy economic recovery. Brexit could see the return of the border and a severe shock to trade with the UK. If Mr Trump holds true to his promise, he will penalise US companies with manufacturing bases here, and also offer lower corporation tax to lure the reluctant home. Both scenarios would see massive job losses in Ireland.

And, at home, it is absolutely vital that we have strong leadership. Troublingly, we do not. Since it was formed in May, this Government has passed 10 Bills, about one-sixth of what would be expected in a normal year. That simply is not good enough.

It has reacted too slowly to the homelessness crisis, and now stands shamed in the face of the Apollo House Home Sweet Home initiative, which, no matter how you feel about it, has shown a path to a better way to house people in temporary shelter.

It appears to have no clear strategy on Brexit – not its most damnable fault, given that the UK itself has none either – and comments made by Enda Kenny about Donald Trump during the US presidential campaign will have hardly put him at the top of the list of friendly foreign leaders. We can expect no favours there.

There are a multitude of other challenges: the continuing threat of strikes in health, education and public transport; the cost of the Garda sweetheart deal, literally and as a precedent; public sector pay and pensions generally, and the fact that Lansdowne Road is no longer fit for purpose; internet harassment, belatedly to be outlawed by a new Bill; the battle with the European Union over Apple’s tax liability; and, of course, the ongoing effect of austerity.

In an interview in this newspaper today, President Michael D Higgins talks with common sense and compassion on how best to deal with homelessness in particular. His are wise words, as he talks of taking a holistic approach to rough sleepers, giving them not just overnight shelter but somewhere to go during the day. This must be somewhere safe – not only for their meagre possessions, but also for those who have overcome a dependence on alcohol or other drugs to feel protected from relapse.

It is a shame that the President cannot lead on this issue, but merely speak his mind as the titular Head of State.

Those who actually can do something about it, though, really must listen and act – from the Taoiseach down. We cannot afford the luxury of another rudderless year, adrift on a sea of uncertainty. What we need in 2017 can be summed up in one word. Leadership.