A chara, – As a citizen of Ireland it was with great concern that I witnessed the events in Dáil Éireann over these past few days. People in my area despair of the disconnected and self-serving actions of our political representatives, and others, at a time of national crisis.
To whom do the people turn when the ship of State seems rudderless and incapable of comprehending the helplessness and anger that permeates every townland in Ireland? May I suggest that, at the earliest opportunity, a comprehensive and forthright address be given, in Dáil Éireann, to the nation and, in particular, to the joint Houses of the Oireachtas by our Head of State, President McAleese, as was done in 1999 during the “good times”.
Such an address I believe, would offer some flicker of light to a despairing nation and help bring some perspective and guidance to our elected representatives prior to a general election campaign that already has all the signs of descending into a political “faction-fight”.
I feel particularly sad for the youth of Ireland. I have spent 35 years, as a primary teacher, endeavouring to instil in the children in my care a sense of their many talents and the opportunities that await them; their civic duty; love of their culture and language; and an inclusive Christian attitude towards all whom they meet in life.
As is written in many an old Irish song “it grieves me full sore” to meet many past pupils in recent times at their Australian, Canadian and, most recently, Argentine “wakes”. They are leaving against their will and with a deep sense of anger at having been “evicted” by their own. Shame on all of us. – Is mise,
Madam, – If I understand the current situation, we now have a minority government led by a Taoiseach who was not elected by the people, but who became Taoiseach because he was elected leader of his party, but who is now no longer leader of his party. Is that correct? Is it legal? Is it constitutional? If so, do we need a new constitution? Does anybody know? Is this an Irish version of a French farce? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Do the main Opposition parties seriously consider the public to be so lacking in political discernment that they cannot see that the desire to almost wave through the Finance Bill is based on an overweening desire to achieve power at the earliest possible moment? What an example in democracy, particularly when one compares this attitude with the content of the responses to the Minister for Finance on Budget day. Does the most important financial instrument become irrelevant when power is at stake?
As a floating voter, I would be more impressed by the desire of the incumbent Minister to Finance to explain the implications of each section of the Bill than the attitude of the Opposition parties to give it less than even superficial consideration in the interest of party political advantage. What a start to reform! – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Ninety years on from the end of the War of Independence it is once more into the “bearna baoil” for the nation. This state is now in danger of crumbling under the weight of Fianna Fáil incompetence.
It cannot fund itself. It cannot provide a living for its comparatively small population. It cannot defend itself. It cannot keep itself clean. It is struggling to save the last vestige of its sovereignty.
It is close to being “a failed political entity”. Is it possible that another anniversary, in five years’ time, will be politely ignored in a re-integrated United Kingdom? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I am not sure that Sunday’s announcement by the Greens to quit represents the end of this Government, or even the beginning of the end, but after the recent turmoil I do feel sure that it represents the end of the beginning of the end of the end of the beginning. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The past week in Irish politics has illustrated clearly the continued existence of the culture of political strokes.
First, Brian Cowen attempted to shower his loyal supporters with the “Mercs and perks” of ministerial office.
Then, Brian Lenihan at the behest of the wealthy vested interests (Front page, January 22nd), sought to defer the removal of property tax reliefs in the Finance Bill.
But, since January 1st, no such deferral of the Finance Bill measures is offered to the citizens who pay income tax or who are dependent on funds from the Department of Social Protection, where benefits were cut.
Finally, the time for the two Brians with their culture of political strokes to be gone from Irish political life is long past. Sadly the prospect of a new Fine Gael and Labour administration does not bode well for political reform in this country, because of their intention over the course of the week to prop up the two Brians and the Fianna Fáil Government, and facilitate the passage of this Finance Bill. It suggests a new era of political chicanery is about to dawn on Irish society. – Yours, etc,