Sectoral finger-wagging must come to an end

For many people facing the daunting spectre of unemployment, debt, higher taxes and some even in danger of having their homes repossessed, there will be little to celebrate this Christmas.

As the dole queues lengthen by the week those fortunate enough to be in employment are increasingly having to defend themselves against unfair criticism and, in some cases, elements of a hostile media. This hostility is aimed primarily at public sector workers.

Any impartial analysis would acknowledge the unfairness of this demonisation of our public sector. It is generally accepted that it was the high standard of our education system, from primary level on, that drove much of the Celtic Tiger.

Our teachers, nurses, gardaí, firemen, those working in the civil service and local authorities are being unfairly scapegoated. They have provided services for us of the highest standard, many working unsocial hours. They were not responsible for the recession or the banking collapse, yet are being vilified as if they were.

Supposedly protected public sector workers are pitted against precariously employed private sector workers; social welfare recipients against poorly paid immigrants. This has the potential to tear our country apart.

We have all seen our prosperity sacrificed on the altar of voodoo economics not by our teachers or nurses but by bankers, developers and speculators.

There is, understandably, a terrible anger mounting in the country. Ordinary people are being made to pay for the arrogance, greed and hubris of our so-called political and business leaders. At this crucial juncture, all workers – private and public – must stand together.

Tom Cooper

Delaford Lawn

Knocklyon

Dublin 16