A failure to govern

WHEN it was announced that the Web Summit was moving from Dublin to Lisbon, the flippant response from our ministers was alarming enough. But now we see the Government’s pitiful failure to address the issue truly laid bare. While politicians dithered, an abundance of potential departed these shores.

In terms of reputation and cutting-edge technology, the Web Summit was of huge significance and, along with the likes of Google and Facebook, one of the most vital aspects in the maintenance of our digital prominence. You just have to look at the line-up of people who have made it their business to come to Dublin for the event to realise what an extraordinary and crucial gathering it is.

And now, with scant regard for all that reputational and financial value, it emerges that the Government failed when asked for the very things that should come naturally to governments.

Not money, for that was not the request. Rather the people in power were asked for direction and for real leadership. And they were found wanting.

For a Government that is trying to convince the nation that they can run the economy better than anyone else, such a failure can only do huge damage.

All involved in that failure should hang their heads in shame.