Earlier this week I was in a small west of Ireland town for a few days. Formerly there were three clothing retail outlets in this place; now there are none. The only local factory has closed down. The main grocery store – again one of three and an excellent shop – has the shutters down and a ‘for sale’ sign in the window.

Soup and sandwiches had been ordered for our group in a local pub on the first evening we were there. We were the only customers and the owner told us that he opens only one or two nights a week now. He was closed for business the following day. As I stood outside the pub that first night I expected to see the tumbleweed come rolling down the main street in what was only twelve months ago a thriving and wonderful place, with everything going for it. I wanted to cry out in my anger and frustration.

What I know is this: none of the great political luminaries of our time and place are the sort of people you would want around you in a crisis, because they are incapable of even acknowledging it exists never mind getting to grips with dealing with it. All they can see in it, these overpaid, vain glorious, shabby bears of little brain, or in some cases, no brain at all, is the main chance for themselves.