How ‘country of opportunity’ can offer something for everyone
■ We presently elect and pay 166 TDs to run the country. Why is the case, when all proposals and decisions are made by 15 individuals (cabinet) and the final say is made by one individual based on his interpretation of his party’s political policies, and that authority was not given to him by the people?
Right-wing policies ensure that all wealth trickles up, while left-wing policies would ensure there would be no wealth to trickle down.
Right-wing policies create egos and greed, whereas left-wing policies create persecution complexes and need.
The closer both sides come to the centre the closer we will come to the “ideal” solutions and to “real” politics.
Real politics can be tested now by extending and expanding (to all TDs) the confidence and supply agreement to cover the 2019/2020/2021 budgets, targeting the solutions of our health and housing crises. No whip will give all an input.
The fixing of our present problems would be the best possible start for any plans for the future.
The 2040 plan can be delayed by two or three years because its implementation now will delay and increase the cost of our health and housing solutions, which will in turn delay and increase the cost of the 2040 plan, especially now with Brexit, trade war and our most imminent crisis, the weather, to consider.
It has to be remembered that TDs represent all the people, so all decisions must benefit all the people one way or another, according to their contributions or needs.
In a country like Ireland, where there is enough wealth generated to ensure the continued prosperity of those who contribute most, it should also provide enough for the needs of those who are less fortunate.
A single mother or widow with children deserves support; a person without a job deserves support (but only as long as there is no job available).
A couple with children who don’t have sufficient income deserves support, remembering that low wages enable the better off and business to earn more. Rich or poor, our children are our future and there is always the chance of “role reversals” in this “country of opportunity”. Even the wealthiest can fall on hard times.
With co-operation, concentration and commitment, our health and housing problems can be solved. James Caulfield Tramore, Co Waterford