Delay in naming Keeling's successor betrays a worrying lack of overall vision

Joe Keeling's term as chairman of Horse Racing Ireland formally ended last month, on March 19.

Keeling took up the role on March 20, 2013. For five years the date of his departure has been a matter of public record.

That no successor was in place last month may be more of a commentary on the general haphazardness of state bureaucracy than a reflection of any specific lack of preparedness within the Department of Agriculture.