The ugly side of the beautiful Emerald Isle

I know you all have your problems, but which supposedly civilised EU county can boast all of the following?

A population of less than 4.5 million.

A totally dysfunctional public health system wherein 80-year-old patients are left in soiled nappies hanging about their feet in hospital public waiting areas for days on end.

A primary education system unfit for purpose with average class sizes of 25.

A bailed-out bank system that bankrupted the country and which still cannot function properly.

An ongoing State privatisation programme purely for the benefit of the ruling political parties, friends and supporters.

500,000 septic tanks with 50% proven to be hazardous to the environment.

Whole towns with raw sewage flowing directly into the sea.

A water infrastructure which can brag about a loss of half its contents back into the ground though leaky pipes, mostly made of lead.

130,000 ‘’poor’’ children.

750,000 living below the poverty line.

Systematic abuse of the old and infirm in state and private nursing homes.

A police force rank with incompetence and corruption.

A priestly caste more accustomed to practicing the black arts than faith, hope, charity, or poverty, chastity and obedience.

The horror stories go on and on.

Liam Power

Bangor Erris,

Ballina,

Co Mayo