Lack of male authority figures to blame for broken presidency

NEWTON'S OPTIC:A generation has never known a man in the Áras

HOW DID the race for the Park descend so quickly into anarchy? We take a look at what’s behind Ireland’s “broken presidency”.

Mothers of the Nation

Perhaps the single most obvious problem is the absence of male authority figures. Women have been the head of state now for 21 years, which means a whole generation of candidates has grown up without a man around the Áras. Instead they have known only a succession of party “uncles” drifting in and out of their chaotic lives, casually spawning campaigns without commitment or prospects. In the feckless “gangsta” culture of Fianna Fáil, these men are called “nomination-daddies”.

Criminal Gangs

The contribution of gangs to this crisis should not be underestimated. It has become almost normal for presidents to run with a “crew” like the UDA, the UN or the Notorious RTÉ, also known as the Southside Stabbers. These gangs think nothing of smashing up their own territory to avenge the slightest hint of disrespect.

The Blunderclass

A breakdown of order on this scale requires wider socio-economic excuses. It is clear that a new class of candidate has emerged with a powerful sense of entitlement. During recent disturbances we have heard members of this so-called “blunderclass” tell reporters “it’s my turn now” or “I want my pension back”, or at least mumble words to that effect. Celebrity culture undoubtedly plays a part in this. If fewer candidates thought they were celebrities they might put more effort into getting the job. But in the end it is a culture of dependency that must take most of the blame. If you offer people €30,000 a month plus a free house, without ever really expecting them to work, of course they will lose all sense of personal responsibility.

Rights Without Responsibilities

See “the UN gang”, above.

Selfish Materialism

Presidential candidates once took pride in their humble tastes and some still do, or claim to. However, far too many are now obsessed with shallow “bling” like chauffeured cars and executive jets, seeing this as the only way to gain “respect” from their peers. This inevitably leads to feelings of frustration and envy, which can easily boil over into angry protests about Europe, ancient Greece, dodgy cousins or whatever.

A Sick Society

It is unfair to pin all society’s ills on presidential candidates, many of whom come from frankly dreadful backgrounds. We must remember that greed and selfishness pervade all levels of Irish society, from the bankers and developers who wrecked the economy to the nurses and teachers who also wrecked the economy, but in a different way. Indeed, everyone in Ireland is equally responsible for everything, in a way that does not absolve anyone of responsibility for anything. An ability to make speeches like this is why Mary McAleese was worth €325,000 a year (plus house, chauffeured car and executive jet).

Black Culture

Although the point is somewhat controversial, there seems little doubt that Irish candidates of all presidential races have been influenced by the black presidential culture of the United States. Certainly, they expect around the same salary as President Obama for being almost equally useless.