Germany not a proper model

Germany’s role in Irish affairs has become a hot currency of late and with valid reason.

Angela Merkel’s administration’s dominant role over EU-wide economic decision-making at this parlous time is, arguably, questionable.

As an economy, Germany may well represent a model of fiscal rectitude other EU states might aspire to. The reality is a little more nuanced. Considering the rude health of German domestic output in the last decade, wage rises for workers have been meagre. The German economy flourishes, but on the backs of German PAYE workers who pay a great deal more tax than their Irish counterparts but who, commensurately, retire on a state pension which is a fraction of what we do. Why they tolerate this is another question. In the typical Teutonic mentality the interests of the individual are often deemed subordinate to that of the state (Deutschland Uber Alles). Many Germans also have a somewhat withering, dismissive attitude to those deemed less capable than themselves. I have family connections in Germany so my points are based on first-hand observation.

However, it’s worth remembering that, despite the Ahern administration being warned by the EU circa 2004 that the Irish economy ran a real risk of overheating, this didn’t stop various European governments (including Germany) subsequently declaring the Irish Celtic Tiger economic model to be the envy of Europe. Short memories and selective amnesia all around.

It’s without question that the policies pursued by the Fianna Fáil Government from 1997 onwards — as endorsed by the majority of the Irish voting public in two subsequent General Elections — caused the economy to implode. Yet, they did this with the tacit approval of Germany, amongst others. (Of course, a German, French and British elite were, at the time, treating some Irish banks as casinos.) The blame for our current economic misfortune needs to be more widely apportioned.

JD Mangan

Stillorgan

Co Dublin