Experts are failing us

[ixania]

As a recent resident of Ireland and as an outside observer I am concerned about the way the country's finances are being run by so-called "experts".

I am from the UK and can remember the dreadful situation that transpired in the 1980's. The good people of the UK were in a property boom that the government of the time used to finance defence, revolutions in other countries, sumptuous cars and various covert operations.

The net result was that thousands of people ended up in negative equity, losing their homes and facing bankruptcy.

Many never recovered financially. This was all due to a failing, bickering, morally bankrupt and unqualified government.

I foresee a similar situation in Ireland in the next three years if something is not done.

Massive emphasis is being placed on how well the economy is doing. Members of the government are quick to pat each other on the back and shout about how progressive and modern they are.

Never mind presiding over borrowing levels that are, and will continue be, in the billions.

They are currently being allowed to tax the average working man on everything and anything, including property, vehicles, roads, hospital case management systems, tunnels, travel and general living.

This is without any visible spending on the real issues that currently confront the country. If this government wishes to remain in power then they have to address the needs of the common man and not those of a small but very affluent percentage of the population.

I have worked in various countries where the perception of Ireland is that of a backwater which has had a bit of luck but is struggling to catch up in terms of infrastructure, management and thinking.

I know this not to be the case, and would defend it at any turn.

However the reputation of the country has not been extolled well by the people who have been voted into power.

It is time to get rid of the 'boy's club' mentality that exists in national government. We need a leadership that is brave, qualified, moral, honest and in touch with the opinions of the nation.

Legislation needs to be brought in to govern and license such areas as property development, manufacturing, property sales, fuel sales and the service industry.

Otherwise a nation of property letters, emigrators and immigrants will be born.

It has already started.
GRANT GRIEVE,
SKERRIES,
CO DUBLIN

http://unison.ie/irish_independent/s...issue_id=13996