The Children’s Hospital debacle took another very public twist yesterday which has added to the Government’s woes in relation to its handling of the project.
The landmark project – which has been marked by many photo-calls and PR opportunities – was supposed to be the crown jewel in Fine Gael’s track record.
As health minister, Leo Varadkar attended the unveiling of the new design and as Taoiseach he pointed to it too often as an example of this Government getting things done.
But instead of a bit of sparkle, it has now become a black mark on the record of this Government; a sign that Ireland has not yet learned all of the lessons of the past when it comes to public spending.
A letter from construction company BAM to the Taoiseach yesterday was followed by a statement issued through a PR firm. The statement called on Mr Varadkar to clarify remarks he made in the Dáil about companies allegedly low-balling when bidding for State work.
He did not mention specific companies but said there are some he would not like to see get another State contract.
The statement was a bid to deflect attention away from the Government.
However, the statement from the construction company will see the wisdom of the move called into question now.
Crucially, the company also offered to “facilitate” the hospital board opting out of the contract if it so wished.
It also spoke of the “vital” need for the confidence of all involved.
The statement could be read as a bid to turn up the heat on those leading the landmark hospital project, both at board and Government level, to say that they have full confidence in the company and the project.
But officially the Government could only point to the ongoing PwC review into the cost escalations, which is not due to be completed until the end of March.
Opposition TDs stepped out to urge the Government to consider the offer and to assess if it would lead to savings for the taxpayer.
Sources pointed to an assessment that was done when the mammoth increase in the costs first emerged, which found that there would be costs rather than potential savings.
The letter has turned the focus back on the Government after a week of the Taoiseach and ministers furiously trying to dampen the furore.
Attention had turned somewhat to the hospital board’s involvement, the record of the contractors involved, as well as the design team and the design process.
With one short statement the spotlight has again swung around to the Government’s handling of not only the hospital, but the controversy over the costs that has played out in recent weeks.
If the Government felt the storm had been weathered for now at least, last night it was clear the political crisis is likely to continue.
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Home » Analysis & Comment » Laura Larkin: 'Public twist pushes the Government's handling of crisis back into focus'
Laura Larkin: 'Public twist pushes the Government's handling of crisis back into focus'
The Children’s Hospital debacle took another very public twist yesterday which has added to the Government’s woes in relation to its handling of the project.
The landmark project – which has been marked by many photo-calls and PR opportunities – was supposed to be the crown jewel in Fine Gael’s track record.
As health minister, Leo Varadkar attended the unveiling of the new design and as Taoiseach he pointed to it too often as an example of this Government getting things done.
But instead of a bit of sparkle, it has now become a black mark on the record of this Government; a sign that Ireland has not yet learned all of the lessons of the past when it comes to public spending.
A letter from construction company BAM to the Taoiseach yesterday was followed by a statement issued through a PR firm. The statement called on Mr Varadkar to clarify remarks he made in the Dáil about companies allegedly low-balling when bidding for State work.
He did not mention specific companies but said there are some he would not like to see get another State contract.
The statement was a bid to deflect attention away from the Government.
However, the statement from the construction company will see the wisdom of the move called into question now.
Crucially, the company also offered to “facilitate” the hospital board opting out of the contract if it so wished.
It also spoke of the “vital” need for the confidence of all involved.
The statement could be read as a bid to turn up the heat on those leading the landmark hospital project, both at board and Government level, to say that they have full confidence in the company and the project.
But officially the Government could only point to the ongoing PwC review into the cost escalations, which is not due to be completed until the end of March.
Opposition TDs stepped out to urge the Government to consider the offer and to assess if it would lead to savings for the taxpayer.
Sources pointed to an assessment that was done when the mammoth increase in the costs first emerged, which found that there would be costs rather than potential savings.
The letter has turned the focus back on the Government after a week of the Taoiseach and ministers furiously trying to dampen the furore.
Attention had turned somewhat to the hospital board’s involvement, the record of the contractors involved, as well as the design team and the design process.
With one short statement the spotlight has again swung around to the Government’s handling of not only the hospital, but the controversy over the costs that has played out in recent weeks.
If the Government felt the storm had been weathered for now at least, last night it was clear the political crisis is likely to continue.
Source: Read Full Article