When will rural backbencers revolt over jobs, education, health, roads?

THE revolt by backbench Fianna Fáil TDs against Transport Minister Noel Dempsey’s plans to lower the legal blood alcohol limit is a bleak example of the absolute failure of representative democracy for the people of this state.

Have the same 20 or so rebel TDs been similarly exercised or organised about the impact of government cuts and policy delivery for rural Ireland in education, health and jobs?

Of course not, because had they been, we in rural Ireland might not be dealing with the reality of unemployment rates four times the national average or travelling long hours for critical medical attention. Drinking alcohol impairs driving and puts lives at risk. And it is not OK for our politicians to argue otherwise. We in rural Ireland can get home from the pub without putting our own or others’ lives at risk.