Outrage at Taoiseach’s suicide remark

I FIND it difficult to put into words my outrage at Bertie Ahern’s remark that he did not understand why the cribbers and moaners did not commit suicide (Irish Examiner, July 5).

For the head of government of a State with the fifth highest suicide rate in the EU to make such comments shows a sickening level of insensitivity and arrogance. The smug way in which he brushed off the comments just added insult to injury.

As head of government, the Taoiseach has a responsibility to show leadership on such matters, but his remarks completely undermined whatever confidence (if any) anti-suicide campaigners had in his ability to tackle this issue.

How many more families need to be torn apart, how many more people need to be taken away in coffins before politicians take this issue seriously?

Mr Ahern needs to make a full apology and not just laugh it off. I am disgusted with him, but hardly surprised.

Donal O’Driscoll

21 Casement Street

Clonakilty

Co Cork