Minister for Snow blamed by Oireachtas committee

The official response to the devastating flooding late last year and January's crippling cold snap has been branded unacceptable by a critical new report. An Oireachtas committee found disruption during the weather crises could have been greatly reduced if the state had been better informed, more prepared and adequately resourced. The report said it was often unclear who was in charge in emergency situations and claimed serious communications lessons were needed for tackling any future emergencies.

So who was in charge? None other than Minister for Snow John Gormley!



This is an interesting article from the Evening Herald of Jan 8th, 2010 http://www.herald.ie/national-news/city-news/dont-call-me-the-minister-for-snow-2005129.html...

""I'm not the boss," was the extraordinary admission by Minister John Gormley hours after he was put in charge of the freezing crisis.

In a bizarre series of live TV interviews, he failed to reassure the public that the emergency was being handled effectively:

The extremely defensive Minister stated:

- He didn't know where Transport Minister Noel Dempsey is

- Refused to call the army in to clear footpaths and secondary roads

- Became irked at being labelled the 'Minister for Snow'

- Claimed the local authorities were doing a good job clearing routes

Mr Gormley's bizarre performance came as it also emerged that Transport Minister Noel Dempsey only went on holidays this Tuesday, as the crisis descended into chaos."