Politicians killing hope - Our vote for change betrayed

Over the past few weeks the very worst characteristics of Irish political practice have dominated the public square.

Hardly one politician has shown the kind of vision, leadership, authority, calm, pragmatism, or generosity essential at this difficult time. Those who have have failed to communicate their alternative position or the undiminished urgency of ours. They have been unable to turn the tide of vitriol leavened by fantasy that makes up too much of our public debate. At a moment when our political system should be at its most effective, most coherent and credible, and dare we suggest it, unified, we have buffoonery and name-calling.

Not only has the country been badly served, but the belief that politics might be the medium through which we can build a decent society has been badly damaged, possibly more damaged than we realise. As at every crisis, extremists rub their hands in glee as they watch moderates emasculate each other by being nothing more than moderate. Evasion, prevarication, shameless opportunism, promises broken, inevitable decisions dodged once again, promised legislation delayed, name-calling instead of reasoned debate, and a depth of cynicism beyond anything Machiavelli might recognise and, worst of all, privilege protected at the price of social justice; these are the order of the day.

When asked legitimate questions about the budget by Gerry Adams, Taoiseach Enda Kenny — elected to the Dáil in 1975 to replace his father who was elected in 1954 — could do no more than attack Mr Adams over the death of Jean McConville 40 years ago. That was one of several incoherent dodges, straight out of Bertie’s Handbook of Blind ’Em with Bluster, that Mr Kenny has hidden behind since budget day.

Labour’s Eamon Gilmore — first elected in 1989 — has fobbed off challenges about his party’s promise to protect child benefits as if they we no more than a ruse in a game of charades. Astoundingly, Pat Rabbitte — also first elected in 1989 — expressed amazement that anyone should be surprised that an election pro-mise should be ditched as soon as it became a burden.

Sinn Féin has not wasted any opportunities either in putting the squeeze on those it would usurp. It has with some venom attacked cuts to some welfare payments still far more generous than any it presides over in the North. The party’s success depends on the failure of our parliamentary system and what a pity it is that so many politicians are playing straight into its hands.

Fianna Fáil could be relied on to make their contribution, too. Their U-turn on property tax, or as Micheál Martin — another 1989 debutante — calls it, the “home tax”, showed the moral flexibility that saw them decimated in 2011. At least they are consistent.

Between 2006 and 2008 42,000 people fled this country; between 2009 and 2011 that figure more than doubled to 86,000. The majority left to find work but many left because this country is in the grip of institutionalised politicians whose venal objective is power rather than the advancement of the country. Many of those who took flight could not see how that self-serving circle could be broken so we might build the society we can all imagine and, still, hope for.

When pressed in battle Shakespeare’s Richard III offered his kingdom for a horse. Today most Irish people would give much more than a horse for grown-up, decent, fair-minded, imaginative, and brave politics and politicians. And to think that less than two years ago we voted for change.