Rural schools sacrificed instead of ‘sacred cows’

We are constantly told the country has to tighten its belt, cut jobs and services, essential or not.

The latest target is smaller rural schools, removing 1,000 teaching and ancillary posts from communities that exist on the margins of viability. We have heard too often of Garda stations and post offices, and the like, shutting for ‘efficiencies.’

Pressure groups have formed: pensioners’ medical cards, turf cutters, septic tank protesters, water and household charges, all with one thing in common — their own pockets.