Watt could become a real force for change in healthcare

In retrospect, the Zappone affair had all the hallmarks of being “one of those things” that stayed under the radar for Coveney. If he had known that supporting the former children’s secretary with a supporting role at the United Nations would have caused him so much grief, he would not have taken the proverbial punt.

The Tony Holohan mystery also has the hallmarks of a series of events turning into a political storm.

The only question that arises from the whole affair is why the savvy secretary-general of the health ministry didn’t see any problems. Or, more importantly, was this another example of Robert Watts’ determination to do his own thing – without what he would see as an undue deference to politicians?

He’s already bid farewell to some of the more self-righteous at Leinster House who are whining that his salary is too high. His strength as a civil servant is his instinct to defy the status quo. Inevitably, he has sailed close to the wind by not bowing down to the forces of simple populism.

Our healthcare system needs a revolutionist if much-needed top-down change is to be pushed through despite powerful and entrenched interest groups.

It was an ingenious decision by the government to put him in the job, but if they sow the wind, they must reap the hurricane. Within the culture of our public service, Watt seems far from that Yes minister mode, as you can imagine.

However, this is necessary because many politicians have used health issues for their own ends over the years. It’s always tempting to sound with a simple soundbite to win votes.

If Watt is to become a real force of change, there will likely be more points of conflict between him and his political masters. That might not be a bad thing. It will suggest that there is a dynamic of renewal in the air; The slumbering giant, our healthcare monolith, will be held accountable.

Should this “creative tension” offer better value for money—while reducing hospital waiting lists—then the effort will be worth it.

Such a recognizable trend reversal would strengthen support for those in government. It will make it harder for the opposition to get over the recent crisis in a service that affects almost the entire population.

However, the Tony Holohan controversy still raises some serious questions. There is no doubt that it should have been better planned and communicated.

The most sympathetic view is that Watt saw the chief medical officer as the central figure in this country’s fight against Covid.

Few would argue with wanting Dr. Maintaining Holohan’s services in case a variant of another pandemic strikes again. So why not let him move into science?

His expertise would continue to expand and he could easily be called on when needed.

Accordingly, the terms of his proposed move to Trinity College Dublin should be simple and straightforward – the same goes for any official taking an agreed leave of absence.

Such an agreement could be subject to ongoing review.

The fact that dr. Holohan’s move, which in fact appeared to be a permanent change of job and employer, made for a unique scenario that should have been fully explained.

Perhaps the cult status he achieved in the national psyche during Covid blinded Robert Watt to the possibility of trouble for the government.

In the meantime, with the ebb and flow of this recent dispute, we can’t forget that while there are many heroic people working in healthcare, the entire service needs to be restarted.

Mr Watt can be seen as a member of the clumsy squad. At the end of the day, he must answer to the politicians who oversee his role.

However, the big question remains: can he fulfill his main task? Our daily health care spending in the millions needs a vigilant overseer.

Taxpayers need a messiah.