Citizens are coming to expect betrayal as governments favour corporate interests

Trust in politicians was at a very low ebb when attempts were made insensitively and brusquely to impose water charges.

A considered approach could have drawn a greater uptake in agreeing to pay. There also would have had to have been concrete assurances that no privatisation was possible.

As part of a ‘rescue deal’ Bolivia had bitter experience of the attempted privatisation of water. A social contract about the essentials in basic living needs to be agreed and adhered to in the Irish Republic.

We see vulture capitalists and rack-landlords seeking high rents as people get evicted and many cannot afford high rents.

As eviction continues, will Government help citizens or corporate interests?

We have witnessed how private business interests were allowed and invited to provide housing to meet such needs here. This State almost collapsed under the subsequent errors of private capitalism.

The market system failed and we private citizens, through State capital and resources, were ‘required’ to rescue private, corporate capitalism. We will be paying for possibly two more generations.

People are coming to expect betrayal by governments favouring corporate vested interests.

Tom Ryan

2 The Forts

Dún Bleisce (Doon)

Co Limerick