I am not a great fan of politics but I like to know what is going on in current affairs.
Being from Northern Ireland, Irish politics never really affected me that much when I was growing up.
I have one or two friends who are mad for a United Ireland but that is not really my aspiration.
I have always believed that the most important thing about Irish politics is that we have peace.
As an outsider I could never really see the difference between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, my only observation was that better off farmers seemed to favour Fine Gael.
Yes there is a historical distinction with Michael Collins going to London after the Civil War in 1921 and coming back with 26 counties, being the Free State and 6 counties that was to be held by Britain.
For many years, people have suspected corruption amongst Irish politicians, and the various Tribunals have borne this out.
Issues of landrezoning were high on the list and the late Liam Lawlor TD was one of the people to line his own pockets.
I suppose I tread a fine line here, and risk being sued if I defame one politician in particular but as Liam Lawlor is now deceased I can make that statement.
Other politicians have also had to resign in disgrace, notably Michael Lowry, Ray Burke and Beverly Cooper-Flynn.
They have taken the rest of us for mugs over the years.
It is the hard working middle class people of Ireland who will get this country back on its feet.
Most people that I know would not want to touch politics as an occupation because it is tainted with the dirt of corruption.
I certainly would not want to align myself with any dishonest behaviour.
In the interests of balance I will say that some politicians have been good to their constituents when trying to get concessions for them eg.
although I wouldn't be a fan of Ian Paisley he was reputed to be very good to Catholics in his constituency.
So now with the introduction of the IMF and the European Central Bank's influence on our affairs and the publication of the four year plan today I am starting to feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
People are angry that the country is being held to ransom by the actions of very few (usually insanely wealthy people in a position of power).
Serious checks and balances need to be put in place in order to stop this abuse happening again.
I personally don't mind being governed by Europe as long as there is economic stability.
The whole scenario reminds me of a wealthy family where the first generation made money from manufacturing and really worked hard to create a better life.
The second generation lived the high life, enjoying luxury and status.
And the third generation, having no appreciation for the contribution and sacrifices of the first squandered it all.
Bring back the Presbyterian Work Ethic!
Being from Northern Ireland, Irish politics never really affected me that much when I was growing up.
I have one or two friends who are mad for a United Ireland but that is not really my aspiration.
I have always believed that the most important thing about Irish politics is that we have peace.
As an outsider I could never really see the difference between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, my only observation was that better off farmers seemed to favour Fine Gael.
Yes there is a historical distinction with Michael Collins going to London after the Civil War in 1921 and coming back with 26 counties, being the Free State and 6 counties that was to be held by Britain.
For many years, people have suspected corruption amongst Irish politicians, and the various Tribunals have borne this out.
Issues of landrezoning were high on the list and the late Liam Lawlor TD was one of the people to line his own pockets.
I suppose I tread a fine line here, and risk being sued if I defame one politician in particular but as Liam Lawlor is now deceased I can make that statement.
Other politicians have also had to resign in disgrace, notably Michael Lowry, Ray Burke and Beverly Cooper-Flynn.
They have taken the rest of us for mugs over the years.
It is the hard working middle class people of Ireland who will get this country back on its feet.
Most people that I know would not want to touch politics as an occupation because it is tainted with the dirt of corruption.
I certainly would not want to align myself with any dishonest behaviour.
In the interests of balance I will say that some politicians have been good to their constituents when trying to get concessions for them eg.
although I wouldn't be a fan of Ian Paisley he was reputed to be very good to Catholics in his constituency.
So now with the introduction of the IMF and the European Central Bank's influence on our affairs and the publication of the four year plan today I am starting to feel that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
People are angry that the country is being held to ransom by the actions of very few (usually insanely wealthy people in a position of power).
Serious checks and balances need to be put in place in order to stop this abuse happening again.
I personally don't mind being governed by Europe as long as there is economic stability.
The whole scenario reminds me of a wealthy family where the first generation made money from manufacturing and really worked hard to create a better life.
The second generation lived the high life, enjoying luxury and status.
And the third generation, having no appreciation for the contribution and sacrifices of the first squandered it all.
Bring back the Presbyterian Work Ethic!
Source...