Weariness setting in over Covid restrictions
WE certainly seem to be at a crossroads as regards the public’s attitude to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. There’s certainly a sense of war weariness setting in and the increased Garda checkpoints over the past couple of days is a clear indication as was stated by the Taoiseach that a certain level of complacency had set in with regard to obeying the 2k from home travel restriction in particular.
Non essential journeys have increased notably, even on an anecdotal level it’s easy to see there has been an increased level of traffic on our roads and not all of these journeys can be classed as essential.
So, the nation waits for what is hoped a relaxation of the measures on May 5 th. It may not happen in light of the increase in movement over the past short while.
How will the public react to this? A survey this week found the number one restriction people wanted lifted was the 2km one and interestingly, pubs and non essential restaurants came last.
Restrictions, like policing in this country only works with the consent of the people. This principle has served the Gardaí well since its foundation and they have done a commendable job throughout this crisis.
The uneasiness with the Covid-19 restrictions of the past week can certainly be traced back I believe, to the Keelings controversy, the bringing in of hundreds of migrant workers to pick fruit.
The need for such workers I can understand, and it is a skilled occupation for which not many Irish people wish to perform. National compliance rates with the restrictions appear to have dropped since then with many people adopting the attitude that we are being told to stay at home yet hundreds can freely fly into the country unhindered by any Garda checkpoint or indeed any checks.
The extraordinary powers handed to the Gardaí must always be seen to be administered in a fair manner, otherwise people will begin to question and undermine them.
The debacle and worrying crowd which turned up at the Four Courts to support a legal challenge to the very same powers should have been dispersed, but they weren’t, and yet a handful of social distancing protesting Debenhams workers were warned to leave the centre of Dublin.
Also, people can travel freely to and from Northern Ireland and are not subjected to any restrictions we have to adhere to.
Quite simply, the new laws must apply evenly to all citizens and more importantly be seen to do so.
Otherwise, the good work of the health authorities will be under threat.