Older people should be prized in this day and age of skills shortages

Where were the organisations that get state money to promote the interests of older people? writes Terry Prone. 

Where were the public representatives whose positions depend on fighting for the marginalised? Where were the columnists who have made their names writing about every major civil and human rights issue? Where were the half-million faithful knocking themselves out for a glimpse of the Pope?

Nowhere, that’s where they were. Silent as the grave. The three monkeys with their paws over mouths, eyes, and ears had nothing on them for willful uninvolvement. Potential contenders in the presidential election were allowed to rubbish Michael D Higgins, on the basis that, by the time it came to the end of his second term, he’d be too old for it.