Being in government is a no-win mug’s game

For many observers of the political, economic scene in Ireland, the last week has been pretty depressing.

Last week, the Government, democratically elected by the majority of the electorate in Feb 2011, presented the budget. There were no real surprises because the almost €3.5bn adjustment had been well heralded since late 2010. Most of the details had been cleverly or cynically — depending on one’s perspective — leaked to the media by a few ministers in the week leading up to the event.

Despite this, the reaction from the media, some of our political elite, and some elements of the public has been vitriolic. Newspaper editorials and columns, supposedly balanced television and radio presenters, not to mention many of those we pay to legislate on our behalf, have reacted strongly. Indeed, certain pieces written have been nothing short of personally insulting and incredibly vitriolic towards some in Government.