Government of national unity is the only answer

CONGRATULATIONS on an excellent leading article (August 22). It reflects very accurately the crystallisation of public opinion towards the conclusion that the current NAMA proposals are fundamentally flawed — if not worse.

Were I as an ordinary citizen (wishing to sell my humble property in “real life”) to set my minimum selling price, any prospective purchaser would be gone in seconds.

Rightly or wrongly, a growing number of ordinary punters now believe that no matter what cosmetic amendments, soaked in crocodile tears, may be accepted by the Government before the bill is finally rammed through the Oireachtas, its prime — and continuing — purpose is to slip a few bob to the pals to reward them for the errors of their flamboyant ways.

These proposals, in their current form, should not go to the Dáil at all. Clearly there can be no further delay in getting the banking system actually working properly in the short term.

However, the case for a closer examination of the collapse of the system, as through an Oireachtas committee with a mandate and adequate powers, is unassailable. Followed by a far more root-and-branch policy approach rigorously protecting and serving the national interest and that of us ordinary people.

But how is this all to happen?

Jim Power (Irish Examiner, August 21), pathetically bemoans the absence of an “Irish Obama”. Nonsense. We have plenty of understudies who could make a fair fist of that role. Unfortunately, they are all sunk in a quagmire of indecision, excuses and buck-passing. The essence of leadership in a crisis is a capacity to identify the nub of the problem — and take appropriate and effective action. At once.

The nub of the problem in our case is a failed government. The plain people of Ireland gave it the benefit of the doubt, carried out a managerial evaluation — and found it not fit for purpose. Time up. Said so on June 5 last. But nobody in the political elite listened, heard or cared. This is crunch time for our political system. Fewer than 12 of the TDs who currently support the Government could (working with the opposition), recall the Dáil right now, sack this failed Government, nominate a new Taoiseach, install a new government of national unity. Ignite an Obama effect. Within days. Without a general election.

We are sleepwalking into a worsening mess ... in the banking crisis, Lisbon II and the 2010 budget.

The consequences for ordinary citizens will be more than somewhat unpleasant over a very prolonged period. We hired (and we pay) those 80-plus elected representatives who keep Brian Cowen in power.

We may or will fire them. Sooner or later. But if they do not reflect our very reasonable, clearly and officially expressed wishes now we have to conclude that all they really want to do is give us the fingers.

And clock up whatever extra days they can for their pensions. Before the alarm bells which are ringing now start ringing for a very black Christmas. And not just for those 80-plus ‘turkeys’.

Maurice O’Connell

Fenit

Tralee

Co Kerry