Casey’s attack on welfare recipients is wrong

DURING the presidential election campaign, candidate Peter Casey implied welfare recipients don’t pay their bills, don’t get up early and are solely responsible for the (supposed) “struggle” to live for those lucky enough to have a job. He also stated there was “full employment” in this country.

Like his remarks about Travellers and housing, Mr Casey’s remarks about welfare recipients are entirely false and should be withdrawn. Welfare recipients, like Travellers, are human beings and should be respected and treated like any other human being.

Those receiving unemployment payments face the same challenges as anyone lucky enough to have a job in this country, in addition to bearing the unwanted burden of being unemployed.

Unemployed people get up early, look for work, care for their children, care for sick relatives, pay their bills, do voluntary work and all the other things working people do, but on a much lower income.

Secondly, we do not have full employment in this country. The “official” figure of 6pc unemployment, quoted by Mr Casey, grossly underestimates the real level in this country – it’s only 6pc because of the Government’s massaging of the real figure, which is at least 10pc.

If the media weren’t so lazy on this issue, they would know and could tell everybody else! (Anyone in the media who wants proof of the real unemployment figure is welcome to contact me.) A few million euro, spent with intelligence and focus, could help many unemployed people find decent, paying, sustainable jobs. That’s what’s most needed now; respect, focus and intelligence, not ignorant prejudice. Tim Buckley White Street, Cork city