We must take responsibility for the mess we’re in

THE acquittal this week of two barmen on a charge of manslaughter provides a stark, later-day parable for a people dazed by the labyrinthine analysis of our financial meltdown.

In the case, the judge determined that the supervening event that led to the death was the decision of the deceased to elect to consume a large volume of alcohol. Does any of this register a closing time bell for people convinced that we are the victims of an EU conspiracy? There is a case to be made for suggesting that alcohol producers, bars, hotels and off-licences do contribute to the misery of some.

There is a more sober view, however, that personal responsibility is king. The reality, is that we as a plebiscite are in denial about our collective responsibility for the state we are in. The costliest mistake ever to afflict this nation was the third Home Rule Act of 1914. Quite simply, we are not able to self-govern. The Fianna Fáil party, the party of government for far too long, has always operated a reactionary and subversive attitude to this ‘free’ state. Fianna Fáil’s “moonshine politics” became the tipple of choice for many in this country. We all know the ingredients for Fianna Fáil hooch, it not that sophisticated; pretend to act for the nation, but in reality, undermine every regulation and law if it gets in the way of getting “langered”. And by God did we get langered. But, taking my own advice, I cannot blame the manufacturers of moonshine politics anymore; they were just out to make a few quid.