Cathal Mac Coille: Confusion and incoherence must be avoided now more than ever

Political wrangling and mishaps give the impression of a government at odds with itself, which helps no one

“We are on the final stage of this terrible journey” was the Taoiseach’s grim summary of the position in a low-key address on Tuesday last

Last Tuesday’s televised speech, in which Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced slow and limited steps out of a lockdown now entering its fourth month, was devoid of rhetorical flourishes. There were no Heaney quotes, no seanfhocal, and none of the grandiloquent appeals for national unity against the viral foe that have usually characterised such speeches.

“We are on the final stage of this terrible journey” was the Taoiseach’s grim summary of the position in a low-key ...