This applies to political salaries right? I’m not the only irish blogger who believes that the current government lack vision. With apologies to the greens who are in government for the first time, FF has presided over a period where construction and its related industries have been incentivised to the detriment of pretty much everything else. While the government have been slow to recognise that the good times are ending, there have been parallels with property booms and subsequent busts in other European countries. Anyone who feels this is scare mongering should have a look at the insightful publications of Professor Morgan Kelly in UCD. Thanks to Kristian Walsh for the link. The probability of a “soft landing” appears quite low. What a surprise that a government making billions from duty on house purchases weren’t keen to acknowledge the awful truth. What goes up must come down. I’d lay the credit for much of the growth on initiatives of the late 80s and early 90s. With ever larger salaries required to finance the increases in the cost of living brought about by inflation in the housing market it seems we’re no longer as competitive as other markets, e.g. China, even for higher skilled jobs.
So it was with little surprise that the government are giving themselves a big pay rise before the shit hits the proverbial fan. Yes, our lovable Taoiseach has given himself a raise in excess of the average industrial wage. And he’s not alone with the raises given to ministers comfortably exceeding inflation. It’s a bit like the management of a large publically quoted company giving themselves a massive pay rise before announcing a severe profit warning. Unlike the world of business, however, the government rest safe in the knowledge that whatever mismanagemet they engage in the Irish public will elect them every few years.
However, we have one hope. Blinding stupidity and miscommunication which shocks the electorate to their senses. For this we can turn to Noel Dempsey (NO RELATION). For some reason he can’t figure out how creating a transportation nightmare for 120,000 drivers, many of whom need their cars for work, is a sensible move. He’s even dressed it up as a “road safety initiative” with the help of the ever-sanctimonious Gay Byrne. Apparently, based on his comments he is frustrated that the enforcement of the regulations for provisional drivers was detracting from the 126 other measures in the road safety strategy.
“I wish to God the rest of the road safety strategy was getting the same attention from the media. The law will come in on Tuesday. The order is signed . . . the enforcement of the law and how that is going to happen.” What does he expect? Is this some way to fix the budget deficit created by a decade of mismanagement through punitiative fines for previously law-abiding people? Only kidding. However, has the minister considered how ridiculous such an initiative is in light of waiting lists for driving tests in excess of one year. How about the zero accountability of the examiners. They operate with no apparent oversight. Also, consider the alternatives of our frankly pathetic public transport services (I live outside de pale).
On this point I’m not kidding; Mr. Dempsey, I wish to god that you and your party were not in power.
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