Madam, – The biggest challenge confronting post-Celtic Tiger Ireland is the distrust that now exists between Irish citizens and the people paid to represent them. While much has been said and written about politicians who “fed like pigs at the trough”, it’s not the waste of taxpayers’ money that’s the real issue. I believe the damage done to our democratic system by self-serving politicians is much more serious.
The most incomprehensible aspect of recent news reports on the financial abuses is the extent to which political leaders of all shades don’t seem to comprehend what’s at stake. The expressions of solidarity with John O’Donoghue by people such as Bertie Ahern tells us the extent to which these guys are living in another world. There seems to be no acknowledgment of the fact that ordinary citizens have a right to feel betrayed by their representatives.
Indeed, some in Co Kerry are insisting that Mr O’Donoghue be re-elected so that he could, in due time, pass on his seat to his son.
Where does this sense of entitlement come from? What we desperately need at this time is visionary leaders who can somehow regain the trust of the Irish people. This will not be easy. We know from everyday experiences that once trust is lost it’s not easily regained. Maybe a little mea culpa by some of those who have fed at the gravy-train would be a good starting point. – Yours, etc,
Dr ED DEEVY,
Birchview Close,
Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24.