Sir, - If ever those of us with a socially liberal bent were questioning whether our analysis of Irish society was in need of changing, Kevin Myers's Irishman's Diary of September 15th, with its lauding of the Minister for Finance, more than confirmed that we were probably more right than we had ever thought.
Mr Myers peddled more than a few of the prevailing myths of those who live by the Celtic Tiger. Myth one is that the scale of economic activity, regardless of its quality, is an end in itself. Myth two is that the Irish economy is self-sustaining - which it is not, and much work remains in developing the indigenous Irish economy.
But these are areas very much open to debate. Where Kevin Myers spoke the most dangerous nonsense was in his contentions about the extent and depth of poverty in Ireland today, which he juxtaposed with his praising of tax policies that have been unashamedly directed towards the better-off in our society.
Yes, poverty is relative, but most recent international comparisons place Ireland in an extremely poor light. Whether it is the Human Development Index or the appalling level of child poverty, ours is a society that is continuing to ignore that which is least convenient for our mythmaking. The Minister for Finance's policies have unnecessarily created economic difficulties. His tax policies have contributed to rising inflation, and most notably have lit a fire under rising house prices. His call to "party" reflects a society that his policies have helped to create: a society where selfishness is seen as a redeeming quality, and seeking to further the common good is seen as an obstacle to the real business of wealth-creation.
The problem with the Minister for Finance is not the accent of his voice, it is the accent of his policies. - Yours, etc.,
Cllr Dan Boyle, Green Party Spokesperson on Economic and Social Affairs, Capwell Avenue, Turners Cross, Cork.