Mary Harney has left the building

Micheál and Mary thus far...

The government statement service, has for the second time in 24 hours released the statement of a Taoiseach
on the resignation of a Minister.

It may be found here : http://www.merrionstreet.ie/index.php/2011/01/resignati...cat=3

We all know what Mary Harney looks like, so I thought not to add i na file pic or google image, nor indeed is it
of any purpose to write for her a political obituary. She is incredibly lucky to warrant an obituary, given the remiss,
scandal, ommission and clutter of crap that has beleagured her Department for many years. Interestingly,
my most vivid image of her is Brian Cowen accompanying her into his office to re-iterate his endless and benevolent
support for policies that have wrecked havoc upon people's lives.

Not to get to personal but the only time I saw a hint of humanity in the woman was at the death of her mother , and
the optimist in me thought that for one teeny moment that she would understand, loss, pain, separation and suffering.
That maybe this would be reflected in policies that would give us dignity but that was not to be. St Lukes is gone,
Our Lady's is to be moved to an Ahern constituency and poverty is a dirty word to the Ex-PD/ex-Minister/ex-person
that she has become.

I am sure there will be vitriol, or there might be if the next government open the books on FF/PD/GN and look at
spending.

Here is my Obituary for Ms Harney : " since 2006 , you have achieved one quarter of our annual budget, where did that
money go ?

Here's a Taoiseach statement :

2I want to pay tribute today to Mary Harney. She is a politician of substance and has given many years of outstanding service to Ireland. She has been a most capable and loyal colleague. She has made a positive and lasting contribution to the development of Irish politics and Irish society.

I first got to know Mary Harney when I was elected to Dail Eireann in 1984. From the outset, I saw Mary as a politician of courage, candour and commitment. It has been a pleasure to serve with her at cabinet for many years.2