Obvious Flaws in Political Strategy-Discuss

donalkenny

Does anyone else see the need for a new political party in Ireland? Surely all the parties we have at the moment are tainted by the present economic disaster. I believe we have the ingredients in this country for economic and social success. We just need a recipe.

There is an almost universal desire from the electorate for some type of strong, logical, and honest leadership. This new party would need to be extremely pro business, and yet totally supportive of the most vulnerable people in our society. Two positions which are not mutually exclusive. Sometimes a competitive advantage can be achieved by adopting two paradoxical strategies. Adopting a totally central position may lead to greater mutual gains. I do not envisage the need to raise taxes or cut social welfare. However I believe that this can be achieved by running the country in a more efficient manner.

Extra money needs to be found by cutting our public service budget, however this cannot be done in a manner that decimates the living standards of our current public service.

A tough line should be taken on crime and corruption. However our laws should be applied equally to all echelons of society. The era of the "cute hoor" must come to an end. I am aware of criminal legislation for knowingly submitting false accounts, which could be easily used to imprison the Anglo directors. The one billion transfer from PTSB false, and was motivated by the need to embellish Anglo’s loan to deposit ratio. One has to question why criminal charges have not been brought. I do not believe that our leaders have the moral integrity to make hard decisions like this. Our leaders must be ethically incorruptible. I would envisage cutting politicians pay by half and adopting some type of bonus system. A tougher stance will also need to be taken against our developers. It is incomprehensible how bankrupt individuals can live on Shrewsbury Road and drive 7 Series BMWs.

A stronger position also needs to be taken with the European Union. Although originally an Economic Union, it is fast becoming a Federation. This is against the wishes of the majority of the Irish people, who rejected the Lisbon Treaty, a treaty which was not put to the majority of EU citizens, a treaty which was only passed due to the economic stranglehold which was placed around our neck. Having studied EU law I understand exactly what the Lisbon Treaty Achieves, and it is not entirely democratic.

One also has to ask how our banks were able to borrow so much money, more than five times our GDP?It is simply due to being able to borrow money at the Euribor rate, on the European interbank market. This was entirely facilitated by our membership of the Euro. Although the economic crash was largely our fault, it was facilitated by German bondholders, who should also take an equal hit. One of the primary principles of finance is that risk=reward. The German bondholders stood to earn interest of Irish bonds in return for the risk they took. They should also be taking a hit. One has to question why the current government has sided with them against their own people.

In saying all this, membership of the European Union has achieved a lot this country and is vital for our economy. Ireland could become the mouthpiece for states on the periphery, the weaker European nations.

There might be a strong urge toward a protest vote in favour of Sinn Fein among a disillusioned electorate. Our sovereignty is being threatened and there are multitudes of economically disenfranchised people. However a vote for Sinn Fein is the wrong option, even if our anger may lead us toward it. They are a subversive and criminal organisation and therefore do not represent the majority of the Irish population. What would having Gerry Adams as Taoiseach say for the tone at the top. What would the international community think of us? Anger should never triumph over reason.

What do you think. It was obvious in 2002 that mistakes were being made. It is obvious gain that the current framework for recovery is flawed. Yet we, the Irish public remain drowning in apathy. Its time we took responsility for our country and started running it in correctly.

Lockstep

Don't start identical threads.