Government corruption, widespread unemployment and rising levels of emigration. Yes, Ireland in the 1980s was a dull and dreary place to be. Back then Ireland was the sick dog of Europe. In the years that followed it transformed into a Celtic Tiger. Now Ireland is a pig. Our once thriving, successful, wealthy country is now part of the elite PIIGS group. PIIGS standing for Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain, the most economically troubled countries in Europe at the moment. Ireland has rapidly gone downhill at full speed. Mass unemployment has swept through the country, followed by increasing numbers of 'for sale' or 'to let' signs. Our government and state are in the most serious financial crisis ever witnessed. Savings and investments have been spent and squandered and nothing has been saved for a rainy day.
So who do we point the finger at to blame for the cause of our disintegrating economy? In reality there are simply not enough fingers on both my hands to blame the countless petty politicians and big-shot bankers who have contributed hugely to the downfall of our economy. However, it is fair to say that everyone had a part to play in the destruction of our country. We got caught up in the excitement of our new found wealth and prosperity. Luxury homes, flash cars and exotic holidays became the norm. Nobody stopped to ask where all the money was coming from or, more importantly, how we would inevitably have to pay it back. We took the easy option and enjoyed everything the Celtic Tiger had to offer us with absolutely no thoughts for the consequences of our selfish actions.
Someone was once quoted as saying “Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” I could not agree more. However badly our economy was handled some right steps were taken that simply cannot be undone. Huge emphasis was placed on college and providing young people with the education they needed and were entitled to. Ireland proudly boasts one of the largest, brightest and most-educated workforces in the world. Young people have never been presented with the amount of opportunities as they are being offered now. We are more aware of the world around us, the possibilities in front of us and the ability we have to change the world one step at a time. The government might be fooling some people but they are not fooling the young people of Ireland. We know exactly what a well-run country looks like, because we've seen it with our own two eyes.
With this education and connection to the world we, the young people of Ireland, have the ability and means to lead. But where exactly are we going? Faraway hills seem much greener at the moment and increasing numbers of young people are choosing to emigrate abroad to countries such as Australia and New Zealand. This is not the answer to our problems. Those who move abroad believe that this country can not and will not change. In reality it is inevitable that it will undoubtedly change. The future of any society lies in its youth. Therefore one must ask the question, how is it possible for Ireland to have a better future if all its' young people are setting up home and establishing new lives on the opposite side of the world?
It is hard for anyone to admit that they have been wrong. It is even harder for a politician to admit this, particularly when their inability to lead and handle situations correctly has resulted in more than four million people blaming them for the state of their country. However it is high time that these so-called politicians swallowed their pride and admitted that they have been totally off the mark. I am still waiting for them to utter the three magic words of 'I was wrong', because they have been wrong. About everything; tax, NAMA, loans, you name it they misjudged the situation. As well as being wrong they are also in denial. Right now they are probably trying to find an alternative word for “bail-out” to make it sound better. Dick Roche attempted to call it an “arrangement” the other night on television. Full marks for trying , Minister, but you are not fooling anyone and the government's attempt to think they are is laughable.
The truth is we now have to call on our neighbouring countries for financial aid. The name Patrick Pearse is brought to mind and I ask myself, is this what the men of 1916 died for? Having fought tooth and nail for our political independence from Britain, to be masters of our own affairs, we are now surrendering our economic sovereignty and independence while Britain and other countries look on in feigned sympathy. Patrick Pearse would be turning in his grave if he knew.
We live in a world dominated by male politics. The illusion of power drives men to do many things; destroy, distrust and deny. Statistics have shown that men are excellent liars. This can be confirmed in Irish politics where honesty clearly gets you nowhere. It just means you cannot be trusted to be sneaky. Politicians are motivated by a desire to take what they can and save themselves. Although men are successful, behind every man is a more successful woman. The rise of women's role in society and the changing perception that they are as good, if not better, than men has contributed to more women getting involved in government roles. More women in politics would undeniably mean stronger politics.
Radical change is needed to dig Ireland out of the hole it has landed itself in. The voice of the future lies with the young people of this country and they are shouting to be heard. It is up to the government to listen to the new ideas and different approaches that we, the future generation, have to offer, before it is too late and we have packed our bags and headed for the shores of Sydney or New Zealand.
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