Self-interest and greed the order of the day

THE race for the Áras is now over and whoever takes over I wish them well.

Unfortunately, in terms of real discussion, it was very poor and one of the biggest disappointments was the failure of all the candidates to discuss the issue of our role in Europe.

The crisis in Europe has been ongoing now for over three years, and in that time it has been clearly shown that one of the fundamental flaws of Europe is the self-interest of each and every one of its members.

From the very beginnings we witnessed Ms Merkel and Mr Sarkozy put their countries first and foremost. Yesterday morning, we saw a continuation of self-interest regarding the issue of Greece and its outstanding debt.

A debt that was not incurred by the Greek people but speculators and bankers and politicians all serving their self-interests. At last the bankers can take a hit. Our present Taoiseach has said that in Ireland we will pay the debt.

An outrageous remark when one considers what has happened in this crisis — self-interest and greed. It is my belief that our interests are not best served in Europe, but in an independent and sovereign Irish Republic outside of the greed and self-interest of Europe.

Paul Doran

Monastery Walk

Clondalkin

Dublin 22