Two unelected ministers who can’t let go of the glory days

JAMES REILLY and Alex White appear to think they are doing us a big favour by fulfilling their constitutional duties trouping into government meetings after losing their seats in the Dáil. But rather than being heroic martyrs, it is just as likely that the unelected ministers can’t let go of their glory days.

Both men are making a personal choice by continuing in office – one as acting minister for children, the other as acting minister for communications, energy and natural resources.

The Constitution says they ‘shall continue to hold office’ – but no-one can be compelled to serve in government.

They could heed the electorate’s withdrawal of their mandate, resign and return to private life without any impediment to the governance of the country.

The Taoiseach could remove them from office and the President has no discretion in this matter because of the words ‘shall accept’ in Article 28.9.3 of the Constitution.

If they did quietly resign or were publicly sacked by the Taoiseach, it would make no difference. Article 28 of the Constitution says the cabinet shall consist of not fewer than seven and not more than 15 members.

And unless they are superstitious, the other 13 could continue without Reilly and White.

But then, I’m sure White knows all that because he was a practising barrister before assuming ministerial office.

It would be unkind and unworthy to sneer at anyone’s career reversal or professional misfortune, espe- cially when it’s so public, as it is in politics. Therefore I can sympathise with Reilly and White.

I’m sure both did their utmost serving as government ministers, and after such a public humiliation by voters, I do not want to see them unfairly castigated.

Yet I am surprised at their surprise when the public disagreed with their self-assessment as government ministers.