We have achieved much in 100 years, but there’s more to be done

April 24 was 100 years to the day that Ireland declared its independence. Then, the symbol of freedom was the cow and people lamented the cow. A hundred years later, we are lamenting the loss of the tiger, our symbol of wealth.

A hundred years ago, we yearned for freedom and equality for all people, freedom to do what we wanted.

Now, a hundred years later, we are worrying about how we can buy the SUV, send baby Kimberly to private school, and still pay for Sky Sports and four holidays a year. Our leaders are more worried about how they will get re-elected and keep their tax-free expenses, and not offend any of the voters, instead of dealing with the housing crisis, crime, the economy, unemployment, public transport, abortion and the health fiasco.

We have achieved much in the last 100 years of freedom, including equality for most people; but we still have a long way to go to achieving full equality and acceptance of all people who choose to live in the amazing island of Ireland.

The Irish nation must, by its valour and discipline and by the readiness of its children to work for the common good, resolve the issues that affect us all and focus on what is important, by providing affordable housing for all, by improving infrastructure, by reforming the legal system and policing, to reduce crime, by truly accepting all of our fellow citizens, by reforming the health system, so people who are both physically and mentally ill can get the treatment they need, and by declaring the happiness and prosperity of all as the goals of the whole nation.

Daithí Ó Laithbheartaigh

Bré,

Cill Mhantáin