Charity should begin in Limerick immediately

Limerick is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Dublin, yet we heard on a Sunday afternoon, and again on Monday, mid-morning, and at 3pm, on the news bulletin, that a minister was travelling to the city, to personally inspect the flood damage.

The same minister gave an interview on Monday morning, to say that no decision would be made as regards funding, meaning that no State aid would be available for emergency services, householders or business owners in Limerick, until an assessment was carried out, and findings presented to him, by the heads of all the local services in the city.

Again, he stressed a full assessment, three times, during what was a short news item.