Shell in Mayo - Trust lost in a quagmire of protest

THE arrival of Shell in north Mayo should have been an occasion for celebration but, from an Irish perspective, nearly everything about the project has been disappointing.

The tone was set by a giveaway deal between Ray Burke, Bertie Ahern and Shell that means Ireland Inc has surrendered this great natural resource for little or no reward.

There have been some transient jobs but there has not been, nor will there be, any great contribution to the nation’s coffers even though Shell has been given access to this Irish resource.