Lives come first, not the economy

Sir — Anthony Hanrahan, citing fellow older person Eoghan Harris in support, proposes that the “economy” should not be allowed to “stagnate simply to save a few ould fellas like myself ” (Letters, Sunday Independent, May 17).

When pared back to the basics, this proffers the idea that the economy must take precedence over everything else. What is being suggested here is that life itself is subordinate to the needs of the economy — or at least the life of older citizens who are expected to expose themselves to lethal harm in its service. The idea is, of course, preposterous and is most likely put forward in an attempt to bring some light relief as we all struggle with these dark days that Covid-19 has brought.

That said, we need to be careful when thinking aloud about our current plight. There is only one thing that a bad politician likes more than a scapegoat, and that is a sacrificial lamb.

Jim O’Sullivan,

Rathedmond, Sligo