12 weeks off and no one is laughing except the politicians

Today is the first day of the 12 week break that our Fianna Fáil and the Green Party politicians have voted for themselves. The Greens have actively colluded in the long break, despite being vociferous objectors to such proposals in opposition.

The longest summer break for the Dáil since 2003.

The longest summer break of any country in Europe, and most democracies in the rest of the world.

Todays Irish Times notes that at a time when the Government is promoting an agenda of productivity and reform within the public service, its own working arrangements require serious attention. A three-day Dáil working week, for seven months of the year, does not represent good value for democracy.

And this is especially true when we have a government refusing to hold three outstanding by-elections, a children's rights referendum being constantly postponed, and the Dublin Mayoral election now in doubt in 2010.

FF/Green notions of democracy are a sick joke. The only problem is that I dont hear anyone laughing ... except the politicians in the Dáil yesterday who had good reason to laugh.