The protest vote is the voice of austerity-weary middle Ireland

In trying to further discredit participants who have taken part in the wave of recent protests across the country the government have tried to label them as members of Sinn Féin, and in the process are likening them to fascists. 

In doing this they are adding insult to injury as they are not prepared to acknowledge that the vast majority of protestors belong to independent groups who are not affiliated to any party in particular.

It is my experience that the vast majority of the protesters range from middle age to elderly pensioners, really genuine decent people who have had enough of being down trodden and talked down to by the political elite while they and their children are expected to live on the crumbs from the masters table as the golden circles and the cossetted elite continue to be catered for.

They are people who could certainly not be labelled as fascists, unless Enda wishes to label past Fine Gael supporters as fascists.

They are a people who see their country with a government that is pandering to bankers, bond holders and the wealthy elite.

They see a country where balancing the books is being disproportionally borne by the lower to middle income levels of society through cuts in benefits and services and regressive taxes and charges without any regard for the resultant social consequences involved.

They see a country where the minimum wage has become the new standard while those dictating the laws are on super star salaries and benefits along with guaranteed gold plated pensions.

They see a country where its people are saddled with an odious banking debt not of their making but created by the greed of others and self-serving politicians.

They see a country where the traditional parties have betrayed its people down the years so that those politicians can continue to stay on the political gravy train and government jet and be seen as the best boys and girls in the class for their own benefit.

The government can blame themselves for the present situation.

They promised a political revolution involving change, openness, transparency, equality and a new way of doing things by creating a more inclusive society away from cronyism and stroke politics.

Sadly, this did not happen as society has become more unequal, more exclusive and more elitist than before.

It is not any wonder then that a despairing people are turning to others who are claiming to be listening to their voices while Enda goes on his planned long walks in order to get his head right.

Unfortunately for too many, he has postponed those long walks for too long.

They are waiting for him to take the ultimate long walk.

Christy Kelly

Templeglantine

Co Limerick