Madam, – There is an incessant torrent of negativity concerning the economy. The prophets of doom who have now been proven right have been joined by many other media commentators in a way that resembles a feeding frenzy around the carcase of the Celtic Tiger.
What we seem to forget is that the Celtic Tiger was real and was in part the result of the great ingenuity, enterprise and confidence of Irish people. We are all only too aware of why the economy has collapsed, but what has not changed is the great strength of our people and in particular our highly educated young people.
What is sorely needed now is a captain for Team Ireland, a political leader who can inspire the people with a vision for Ireland’s future. One cannot help but notice the stark contrast between Barack Obama’s leadership in the US and the leadership vacuum in this country.
When President Obama talks about the need for sacrifice or the need for change it is always in the context of a clear vision for a better America. But while Brian Cowen talks about the need for sacrifices, he does so without offering a clear vision of a better Ireland.
This crisis is affecting, or is likely to affect, everyone and many people, old and young alike, are terrified at the scenario that is being presented to them every day. No one is suggesting that we bury our heads in the sand. But what we do need is a credible long-term strategy and vision that will empower our people.
Is there a leader who has the credibility, integrity and statesmanship to mobilise Team Ireland?
– Yours, etc,
Madam, – Last Wednesday, together with hundreds of UCD staff, I attended a public meeting organised by the university president, Dr Hugh Brady, to discuss the current economic climate, the challenges we are facing and the options available to best cope with them.
It is sad that the Taoiseach has yet to do something similar when our country needs leadership and reassurance most of all.
– Yours, etc,
Madam, – I have come to the conclusion that the Taoiseach cannot win no matter what he does. If he sits back in the Dáil and acts like a gentleman, the media say there is no fight in him. If he hits back at the Opposition, he is accused of acting like a bully and losing his temper.
Brian Cowen is obviously a serious politician with the best interests of the country at heart. I believe he is doing his level best in difficult circumstances to get the country back on an even keel.
People are saying he has not come out to explain the current economic situation sufficiently. But Mr Cowen has done major interviews with the national radio station and the major newspapers in recent weeks. It’s a bit like people failing to inform themselves about the Lisbon referendum last year: if they didn’t want to learn what was being said, then that was their choice.
Can we at least have fair and reasoned debate when it comes to discussing the leader of the country?
– Yours, etc,