This season is over for us. Its been really interesting and mildly successful.
Talking to so many people has been a great experience. Finally I got the knack of starting a conversation with one person, and introducing the conclusions of that conversation to the next person who had some time to chat.
Conversation concentrated on the state of the country.
Below is a synopsis of the problem and the solution.
We got to start and stay with facts to understand the problem.
We, the voting people of Ireland got it wrong. We took a short view, putting our own desires for immediate gratification ahead of our long term needs, the needs of our children and our grandchildren.
The consequence was that we elected a group of cute but incompetent politicians to rule our country. This group knew that we were willing to sell out, given the right incentives.
So incentives were supplied, mostly in the form of increased income and promises of never ending economic growth.
To ascertain what our price was, surveys were carried out, along with focus groups and the flying of kites.
We told them the price, they promised to supply it, we closed our eyes, they took advantage.
But...... WE VOTED THEM IN .......... so therefore we are responsible.
Now it is unlikely that any of them have the skills, or the leadership qualities to lead us out.
Don't even think about Vision.
So..... we the people have to decide what we want. If we want more of the same....then vote for the present lot or their clones.
If we want our politicians to take a longer view, then what are our priorities?.
When the election comes, ask and tell.
Our politicians are cute, what we want we will get, as long as it gets them elected.
In time, when it becomes apparent that the people want to have politicians of substance and character, they will emerge. For the last 20 years, this was not a requirement.
In the meantime there is a country to be saved, and we are dependent on the present crew to do the steering, at least in the short term.
Political priority has to be given to showing commitment and to regaining , even to a small extent the confidence of the people.
Hold and pass the budget. People accept it will be difficult. The cry is out.... get it right and make it soon, we can deal with it. It's the uncertainty that's killing.
Set a general election for March.
Prior to the election put the following in place.
Reduce the number of TD's by between 1/2 and 2/3. All 4 seat constituencies to be reduced to 2 seats, all 3 seats to 1 seat.
Supply all TD's with a state car, mid range saloon, diesel. Supply all diesel.
Take one of our state owned 3 star hotels and provide B&B and evening meal for all TD's outside the Dublin area.
Each TD to have one staff member supplied by the state.
All TD's to be paid the Average Industrial Wage, staff members to be paid similar amounts.
An allowance of €10,00 in vouched expenses to available for each TD. No other monies to be paid.
Senators to be paid a nominal sum of €5,000. Those from outside Dublin to have similar subsistence arrangements as TD's. No expenses to be paid to Senators.
Ministers to be paid 1.5 times the Average Industrial Wage. Merck's to be traded for People carriers. Cars interiors to be altered to facilitate a table and as many seats as practical. This should allow a minister continue work while travelling. Junior ministers to receive no additional remuneration or expenses above TD's.
Taoiseach to be paid at max 2 times the average Industrial wage, and the same transport arrangements as other ministers.
A max of €3000 to be paid in vouched expenses to elected local authority members.
With the above in place, you the politicians are now in a position to again seek the trust of the Irish people. But it is not advisable to hold your breath,.
Hopefully we can get enough competent and patriotic individuals into leadership roles in the near future, to develop a country fit for those who come after us.
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