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The Irish are exceptionally generous people, and as such are particularly forgiving of their politicians. They often boast about who has been talking more brown envelopes than another, down at the Pub. I can only think that the general public here expect that taking bribes and “wink and a handshake” deals are the norm for all politicians, and that to get anything done, it’s who you know, not how honestly you deal with people.
The worst thing is, these things are almost the first thing I ever hear about Irish politicians, and that hasn’t changed in the 4+ years I’ve been here. When the general population believe that they live in a third world banana republic, then truly they don’t show much faith in their current government to make things better. And their lack of motivation to change this government reminds me of a passage in the Declaration of Independence of the United States.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed.
This may be the situation here, that they believe they can do no better, but this sure sets the bar very low as regards to the implied social contract of the people with their government. The Irish should expect better from their elected officials, they should expect to be treated as generously by their government, as they treat their own neighbors and the odd tourist that cross their paths.
That being said, I am very proud of my Irish citizenship.
Thats true enough, the expectation among some voters is the status quo and no better, it seems hard though for parties to forge an alternative or at least the impression of one.
Fine Gael and Labour are trying such a platform but that isnt really taking off-people are suspicious en masse of politicians.
I like that note at the end and when one considers the rumours that surround Fianna Fail for years its a wonder how they have been in power so long.
I believe that with the lack of outstanding opposition candidates, the current government will remain, as to change is to risk making a change for the worst. With no leadership evident, no dynamic personalities, and nothing inspiring to listen to coming from any party, staying where you are at, as scary as it may be, could be a safe bet. For if it turns out that ALL politicians are crooked, there is no point in voting, as the current officials have already been paid off, and it would be too expensive to have to bribe a new group of appointees.
For if it turns out that ALL politicians are crooked, there is no point in voting, as the current officials have already been paid off, and it would be too expensive to have to bribe a new group of appointees.
here come bloggers to save the whole thing (only half joking). Were completely desensitised to sleaze here. Its part of the culture, politicians have fiefdoms not constituencies