Inequality has to be tackled

■ The gap between the rich and the poor is widening.

Growing inequality comes with a cost. It has become a cliché of the Irish economy.

In Ireland, politically there is a greater acceptance of income inequality as a fact of life.

In fact, ‘income inequality’ has become a political buzzword.

However, buzzwords do nothing to address the issue.

It is staggering that in the 21st century, about half of the world’s population owns less than a tiny elite whose numbers could all sit comfortably if they were together in a single train carriage.

Widening inequality is creating a vicious circle.

It is one in which wealth and power are increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the rest of us to fight over the crumbs that come from the top table.

Budgets have become mere cosmetics to paper over the huge cracks.

The growth of equality demands something more than economic growth, even though it presupposes it.

It also calls for decisions, mechanisms and processes that are directed to a better distribution of wealth, the creation of sources of employment and also for an integral promotion of the poor.

Bringing income into line with a life of dignity, as opposed to breadline survival.

Somehow politicians must become capable of guiding all economic and financial activity within the horizon of an ethical approach which is truly humane.

The need for this is clear.

We need policy solutions that are developed in partnership with corporate, government and non-profit leaders now.

Anthony Woods Ennis, Co Clare