- Opinion
- 24 Nov 17
Hot Press has learnt that independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has told Taoiseach Leo Varadkar he should move to "immediately appoint" Josephine Fehilly, the current boss of the Policing Authority, as Secretary General of the Department of Justice.
Mr Fitzmaurice said: "How Mr Varadkar responds to the challenge posed by the state of chaos in the Department of Justice will define his fate as Taoiseach.
Leo has to make big bold and brave decisions.
"We cannot have a vacant chair at the top table in Justice as well as the Gardai for months and years.
"Josephine Fehilly commands the confidence of the public. She is not part of the confederacy of dunces that have collapsed public confidence in Justice."
Ms Fehilly is currently in charge of the Policing Authority. However, Mr Fitzmaurice warned: "Leaving Ms Fehilly in charge of the PA is like sending the fire brigade to a burning haybarn when the explosives factory beside it is alight.
"We need solutions as well as sackings though we need sackings too.
Josephine Fehilly should be given the job and given whatever tools and resources are required to do that job.
"The Taoiseach should stop dawdling and start doing. His current inaction reminds me of the old saying about fiddling whilst rome burns. But if he is not very careful he may find it is his own seat that will be on fire."