Lessons we may not have learnt: Back to our dangerous old habits

We are, it seems, on the very cusp of indulging in the kind of self-destructive behaviour and delusion that helped write the script — partially at least — for our economic collapse.

Today second-level teachers go on strike — unless there is an 11th hour change of heart — to oppose Government policy on educational reform as if they had been elected to run the country.

This anti-democratic stonewalling is symbolic of how very difficult it is deliver fundamental change in this country.