My patients’ despair makes me fear for the future

BEWARE of the rebirth of the banks. Last Thursday marked the beginning of their rebellion.

The Government’s express wishes for the appointment of an outsider untainted by the banks’ unsavoury reputation was summarily cast aside, ignored and flouted.

We are to be cheated once again. Those banks are failures. In September last year they had to go cap in hand to the Government for a handout or they would have had to close their doors.

Their abject failure to see and avoid the massive Ponzi scheme that was our property bubble should see them ashamed and quietly grateful for the help we taxpayers doled out to them though the state.

Instead the hubris and solipsism inherent in the banks is reasserting itself. They are flapping their wings and crowing, like the cockerel on the dung heap telling himself what a fine fellow he is, not knowing he is next for the chop and the cooking pot. We need to put a stop to this madness.

As a family doctor I am tired and scared of the future because I see countless people coming to my surgery, awake at night and suffering by day from racing hearts, dry mouths and terrible depression .... the symptoms of despair.

They are already in financial bother or fear they soon will be. I listen to the cries of individuals fearful of their capacity to feed, heat and clothe their dear ones, not to mind provide for Santa’s impending visit.

What are we to do? The Government mantra literally is “resistance is futile”. The same government, and indeed the feeble opposition, have been in position for so long they are occupying a parallel universe, insulated from reality. We need to let them know how we all feel not by threats or militancy, but by telling them. I propose a “write for rights” initiative. Write to your local representative outlining your objections to their current solutions for the economy. Tell them we shouldn’t bail out the failed banks, the failed builders.

Ask them to consider alternatives. There are always alternatives, for example, leaving the EMS, going back to the punt and devaluing.

Tell them you’re unhappy with the way they are allowing the lunatic bankers to try and take over again. Write to your local paper and radio station. This will help both to vent your frustrations at the current mess and give them your message. Go for it, my fellow citizens. Individuals working together can achieve change, and by God we need it.

Ni neart go cur le chéile.

Dr Mary Rogan

Mace

Annaghdown

Co Galway