Health, housing, rural decline and local democracy are our challenges

Fine Gael and Labour went into government promising a democratic revolution and the electorate rejected it because they did not trust them. They then rejected Fine Gael and Labour; so be it.

At the same time Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin did everything they could to oppose the government without putting forward genuine workable solutions. If the shoe was on the other foot, Fine Gael and Labour would have most likely done the same.

It is hilarious to hear parties who were rejected by 80% to 90% of voters claiming victory but such is the nonsense that passes for Irish politics. Between all of them they have failed to solve our five great political problems.