They have pride, passion and dignity — and they deserve so much more

YOU could spend your life in despair, couldn’t you? Certainly the papers and the news this past week would encourage nothing but negative thoughts.

Tue, 06 Dec, 2011 - 00:00

Fergus Finlay

Fergus Finlay is a former political activist and adviser to three governments, the former head of the children's charity Barnardos, a writer and a broadcaster.

About the economy, about the way our society is going.

Well, I spent last Friday night at a black-tie gala ball, in the company of some of the most inspirational people I’ve met recently. And let me confess up front – I went to the ball in one of those seven-block-long limos that celebrities travel in. We sipped champagne en route (well, sparkling wine anyway) and we luxuriated in the white leather seats and the disco lighting.