A republic in name only as the West left to sleep

THE past week has illustrated very clearly the Republic of Ireland is indeed a republic in name only.

Fionnán Sheahan’s excellent parody – sorry, report – ‘Mr Big’s chicken ’n’ chips, more refusals than a céilí and choirboys’ final chorus: Winners and losers in junior ministers joust’ (Irish

Independent, July 2) includes this gem from new Education Minister Norma Foley (no relation): “The Fianna Fáil TD declared to ‘The Kerryman’: ‘Well I’m a minister from Kerry, and I was elected by the people of Kerry. I will always work to make sure the interests of Kerry and Tralee are heard at Cabinet.’ Out the window goes the Government message about leading for all the people.”

Business as usual continues under this Government – by the political class, for the political class.

And if, when all a vigil keep

The West’s asleep! the West’s asleep! Alas! and well may Erin weep

That Connacht lies in slumber deep But, hark! a voice like thunder spake The West’s awake! the West’s awake! Sing, Oh! Hurrah! let the [Party leaders] quake

We’ll watch till death for Erin’s sake [Whilst the rest of Erin blindly allows the West to disappear]. Declan Foley

Berwick, Australia