Floods: Cowen should talk to Berlusconi

MORE than a week gone, homes ruined by incessant floods, a crisis in the church, a horrendous budget looming.

I used to live in the Shannon Banks area of Corbally on the Clare border. Flashback to Christmas eve 1999 ... the Shannon burst its banks and my Christmas morning was spent moving electrical stuff, presents, etc, upstairs.

Clare County Council was great in trying to stem the tide. I made its personnel numerous cups of tea while they worked under treacherous conditions. I eventually moved out of the area as nature is an unknown force and not to be reckoned with. There was no sign of local politicians or our church leaders coming to have a look and offer consolation to distraught neighbours mopping up. No doubt they enjoyed their turkey.