Talk on Economics with Deputy Bruton
- The Buck Stops Here -

On Wednesday 15 November 2006 NUI Maynooth YFG were delighted to host a public meeting on Finance with the Deputy Leader of Fine Gael Richard Bruton TD. Not even the driving wind and rain outside could put a dampner on the day's event as approx 30 people attended the meeting.

Having surveyed, his surroundings, Deputy Bruton commented that the Student Union buildings were very bright and spacious. He then made his way to meeting room3 where already there was scarcely an empty chair to be found. Following the chairperson's introduction Deputy Bruton began his opening speech by saying how delighted he was to have the opportunity to speak in Maynooth. " The Buck Stops Here" document (539 KB PDF) wouldn't have us on the edge of our seats he commented, but it did contain the bedrock of the changes that Fine Gael would implement if returned to power.

Ireland had a strong economy, it had led the way in IT. Despite these successes, Deputy Bruton lamented the terrible public services delivered by our government. He highlighted particular difficulties in the areas of Health and Education. There was massive spending in each of these areas but yet the delivery of services remained poor. The same was true of crime. When Fine Gael had been in power they had established the CAB. Detection rates increased and crime decreased until the year 2000. Since then the graph charting crime had gone up drastically. The government wasn't putting resources where they were most needed, and shamefully some of it had been spent on white elephants.

At present, there was no accountability in government. The Minister responsible for the e-voting debacle, still costing the taxpayer a million a year, had been promoted. The Nursing Home scandal would see the taxpayer fork out while Ministers dodged responsibility. Now plans for a metro had been announced but there was no concrete evaluation of the project. This had to change stated Deputy Bruton.

The joint Fine Gael/Labour document would change the way government managed the people's money. There would be accountability. At each step along the way it would be clear what the spending targets were and who was responsible for meeting them. Careers would now be linked to performance. Ministers involved in egotistical schemes would no longer be promoted after their plans turned to disaster. They would be demoted.

The Document also provided for a strategic reserve fund. The Government would set aside 2% of the total budget to be spent on areas where the government agreed it was most needed. The other 98% would be subject to great scrutiny in the Oireachtas, while Ministers responsible would be held to account. There would be no more white elephants aimed at winning support in the marginal constituencies. This additional strategic reserve fund could be used to bring about the reform urgently needed in places like Health and Education. Fine Gael would also support open recruitment in the civil service. This would allow for better delivery of pubic services.

Following some excellent contributions and questions from the floor, the meeting was concluded. Mel thanked Deputy Bruton for making the trip to Maynooth and commented on the excellent turn out for the meeting. Considering the weather and great difficulty of attending in between lectures, it was remarkable to see a packed room. Deputy Bruton had illustrated that a Fine Gael led government would clean up the Financial mess of FF/PDs he concluded! Refreshments followed, before Deputy Bruton departed for his train. 

Deputy Bruton with NUIM YFG Members Mel, Laura & Gerry