Large numbers of Irish people are increasingly uneasy with their lifestyles, and have become trapped in a spiral of mindless consumerism, according to outspoken priest and social commentator Father Harry Bohan.
The Co Clare-based priest warned yesterday that the values of the market have started to seep into key professions like law and medicine, with dangerous implications and little thought for the family or community.
Father Bohan was announcing details of the Seventh Annual Ceifin Conference which aims to provoke debate on issues including values, ethics and the direction which society is taking. It takes place in Ennis, Co Clare, on November 2nd and 3rd.
"On the one hand we are the best fed, best housed, best educated, best clothed generation ever to have lived in Ireland. From being the second poorest country in Europe, we are now the second richest.
"But, on the other hand, many and growing numbers are feeling very uneasy. Loneliness and stress are now common factors in life driven by individualism and the values of the market place."
The Ceifin Centre, based in Shannon, Co Clare, was established as a forum to debate values-led change, and to explore ways of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Among the speakers at this year's Ceifin conference, entitled Imagining The Future, are the award-winning Australian journalist John Pilger and ombudsman and information commissioner Ms Emily O'Reilly.
Mr Pilger will also be presented with the annual Ceifin Award to honour his efforts in highlighting human rights issues around the world. His latest documentary, Breaking the Silence: Truth and Lies in the War on Terror, won the gold award in the political category at the prestigious 2004 World Media Festival.
Father Harry Bohan, the chairman of Ceifin, said the institute was honoured to have a speaker of such bravery at this year's conference.
"John Pilger has been, for many years, a beacon of light for people in dark times. The realities he has brought to light have been a revelation, over and over again, and his courage and insight a constant inspiration."