Is Ireland a 'who you know' country?

Mr.Lizard · 13-05-2009 9:47am #1

... and if it is then is it so to any greater extent than other countries?

Personally, it does seem to me that this country is built almost entirely on 'who you know' rather thant 'what you know'. From getting a job (especially entry level) to getting off a conviction being chummy with the garda or a political party / sporting association / friend of a friend will definetly do you some favours.

So how about your experences in regard to this topic? Have you ever been done a significant favour because of your connections or know of such a favour done for someone else? Perhaps you think it's just a myth propogated by bitter people who can't accept (what they percieve) to be an injustice.

All views welcome.

AnonoBoy · 13-05-2009 10:07am

I know this lad that got a prime-time chat show just because he was shagging a Rose of Tralee.

Shocking stuff altogether.

phasers · 13-05-2009 10:46am

Sure you only have to look to the State Broadcaster to see that. One Seoige got the other one in, Tubridy's related to someone or other...

Kess73 · 13-05-2009 10:49am

Yes, but who are you?

Dubh Geannain · 13-05-2009 10:51am

Of course. You get examples every day. Just yesterday that former rugby international only got a suspended sentence for killing a 16 year old kid when after being driving over the drink limit.

Nervous Wreck · 13-05-2009 10:56am

In my job, almost everyone that works there fits into one of three categories:

1. Worked for the manager elsewhere.

2. Related to another worker.

3. Friend of another worker.

That's how it goes I guess. That's how I got my job anyway (#3).

thelordofcheese · 13-05-2009 11:01am

No it isn't.

Ireland isn't special in this way, just like it's not special in the antics of it's elected politicians, it's financial problems, it's social welfare programs, it's justice system or anything else people on AH like to cry about.

Owen · 13-05-2009 11:07am

Ireland's definitely a who you know, not what you know country. In nearly every trade I've worked in, and in nearly every job, positions of authority have been given out to people not quite qualified to do the jobs, but rather that they were acquaintances of the owners, or recommended by word of mouth. It's a bit sickening at times.

veryangryman · 13-05-2009 11:41am

Nervous Wreck wrote: »

In my job, almost everyone that works there fits into one of three categories:

1. Worked for the manager elsewhere.

2. Related to another worker.

3. Friend of another worker.

That's how it goes I guess. That's how I got my job anyway (#3).

Not necessarily a bad thing. You trust an existing employees judgement to select an apt candidate for interview. Then you decide from interview if theyre up for the job.

Open to abuse (many examples seen by myself and others) but thats the idea.

But hey, its the same in any county. Who can say that they didnt get their break somewhere without some sort of help, maybe not through referral, but through being prompted/pushed to help them along

Chris Rock (who i dont think has ever worked in Ireland) said same thing on Bigger and Blacker.

So yes it happens, but by no means exclusive to Ireland. Now quit being negative "grass always greener" gobs and send me some more funny posts for that Dragons Den thread. Laughing my wobbly bits off this morning at that...

13-05-2009 11:49am

It definitely is, but as it has worked in my favor more often than not I like it!!

Scawgeen · 13-05-2009 11:50am

Poll clerks at the polling stations seem to be the same faces year after year, just an observation.

When they say 'It's not what you know but who you know that matters' it certainly seems to be true.

Fratton Fred · 13-05-2009 12:12pm

Scawgeen wrote: »

Poll clerks at the polling stations seem to be the same faces year after year, just an observation.

When they say 'It's not what you know but who you know that matters' it certainly seems to be true.

actually, it's not what you know, or even who you know, but what you know about who that really matters;)

Fighting Irish · 13-05-2009 12:33pm

this happens everywhere

javaboy · 13-05-2009 12:36pm

Scawgeen wrote: »

Poll clerks at the polling stations seem to be the same faces year after year, just an observation.

When they say 'It's not what you know but who you know that matters' it certainly seems to be true.

That job is supposed to be great money. I've heard it's a closed shop all right.

delta_bravo · 13-05-2009 12:47pm

Its the same everywhere. Look in england, the MPs have all their family employed as aides and secretaries to get some extra dough. We arent unique in this

deadhead13 · 13-05-2009 1:08pm

It will become much more obvious now the boom is busted, just like the 80's. It is not particularly fair, but then again what is?

Is Ireland a 'who you know' country?

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