We need real debate about employment

Amid the vicious gnashing and snarling that has taken over the political agenda in Ireland over recent weeks and months I don’t hear too many voices standing up for those who have already or are currently contemplating emigration.

Instead, a fever pitch crescendo of anger and bitterness has gripped the political landscape and with it a key element of the Irish economy has gone from being the critical factor to being an after thought —employment.

After the global financial crisis in 2008 an existential threat hung over Ireland. The spectre of total economic collapse was very real, employment fell sharply, pay was stalled or cut and fear about our economic future was rightly widespread. The cost of borrowing money shot over 10% as our national finances became the butt of many a not so funny joke.