Time for Ireland to call troika’s bluff

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s recent comments to the American media stating that “we’ll pay our dues in full and on time”, adding that “while it’s difficult for our people and challenging for our country, we know we’re headed in the right direction” brushed casually aside the needless suffering being inflicted on the Irish populace and were reminiscent of the worst utterances of his predecessor.

Since the start of the crisis in 2008 the Irish people have constantly heard this patronising “we” which seeks to, erroneously, imply some sort of solidarity in this mess when patently there is none.

What it comes down to ultimately is cowardice and conservatism on behalf of our Government and our people which sits in stark opposition to the behaviour of the Greek population.

The troika have utilised nothing more than the classic Josef Goebbel’s Big Lie theory and, to our collective shame, it has worked quite effectively for them.

It only requires solidarity to call the troika and their master’s bluff, for Ireland to stand side-by-side with Greece, Spain, Italy etc and refuse to be bullied. However, regretfully I don’t view any of this as a real possibility.

JD Mangan

Stillorgan Rd

Stillorgan

Co. Dublin