Sir, - Well, here we are awash with wealth and don't know what to do with it. Some favour a conservative approach which would focus on reducing the national debt, while others would continue the spending spree, improving the infrastructure (translation: more motorways), which is apparently the sure-fire formula for the incumbents to get re-elected. But, to quote E. F. Schumacher (anybody remember him?), there's not a lot of talk of "economics as if people mattered".
Thankfully, however, we are blessed with a few concerned and ethical journalists who do attempt to enlighten us about the grim reality behind the so-called Celtic Tiger. The names that readily come to mind are Fintan O'Toole, Vincent Browne and Dick Walsh, all regular columnists of The Irish Times.
Dick Walsh's fine article, "Funds flow but will on poverty is missing" (September 19th), is the kind of thoughtful and timely analysis that gives one hope perhaps all is not lost. Mr Walsh spells it out clearly: "Generations of politicians. . .have persuaded us that they'd have made this a more civilised state - if only they had the money." Contrary to what some may think, as he says, we have not escaped from our stultifying past and are not enjoying a new age of enlightenment and prosperity. Although the statistics indicate that we're no longer poor, the recent UN report shows we have the highest concentration of poverty among 16 Western countries outside the US, the highest level of functional illiteracy, the second highest level of long-term unemployment.
The Government now has the funds but lacks the will. This is a "national disgrace", as Mr Walsh says. He writes: "Commentators can no longer claim to be taken by surprise by our levels of illiteracy, our deep and deepening divisions, or the persistence of conditions which most pretend to find intolerable." Pat Rabbitte put it well. When times were tough people were told they couldn't have what they wanted because the money wasn't there. Now that the money is there people are told they can't have what they want for fear of rocking the boat. Catch-22!
Now the Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy, has confirmed (on Questions and Answers, RTE, September 14th) that he has no plans to change his current financial strategy. He disparaged the UN report and disputed its methodology. He abused those living in poverty and attacked any organisation - "the poverty industry" - which dares to defend those affected by poverty. Happy Christmas! - Yours, etc., Myles Crowe,
Stillpoint,
Courtmacsherry,
Co Cork.