Sir, – The Government’s Build Back Home campaign to attract skilled construction workers back to Ireland feels disconnected from the reality many of us left behind. Low salaries, inconsistent public services and an impossible housing market were key reasons I emigrated – and none of these issues have meaningfully improved in the six years I have lived in Australia. It’s hard to see why anyone would be tempted to return to the same problems.
For people of my generation, what’s on offer at home simply doesn’t compare with the lifestyle available in places like Australia. Decent wages, secure housing and reliable public services aren’t aspirational, they’re standard.
Most of us won’t come back to the status quo. If the Government genuinely wants to reconnect with its diaspora, a good starting point would be allowing Irish citizens overseas to vote in general elections. We still care deeply about Ireland, but we have no say in shaping the policies that might actually make returning possible.
SHANE McLOUGHLIN,
READ MORE
Melbourne,
Australia.
