By Ger Molloy – The Irish Channel
Littered with examples of Government Failures
Ireland’s recent history is littered with examples of government failures, painting a troubling picture of a political system seemingly devoid of accountability. The lack of consequences for significant missteps, from egregious overspending to a perceived neglect of core public needs, is a dangerous trend that could lead to a future failed state. The accumulation of these failures, coupled with a media landscape that has lost its critical edge, creates a perfect storm where the public’s trust erodes and the nation’s future is put at risk.
The fiscal mismanagement are numerous and staggering
The examples of fiscal mismanagement are numerous and staggering. Consider the seemingly trivial yet symbolic projects like the Leinster House bike shed and the security shelter, which have ballooned far beyond their initial budgets. These aren’t isolated incidents but rather microcosms of a larger, systemic issue. A more glaring example is the National Children’s Hospital, a project that has become a symbol of government ineptitude. With its costs soaring and completion dates continually pushed back, it represents a profound failure of project management and fiscal responsibility. These overruns are not just line items on a spreadsheet; they are public funds that could have been used to address pressing issues like the housing crisis.
Open Borders adding to the Problem
This fiscal irresponsibility extends to other areas, including the spiraling costs of supporting a growing number of asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. While humanitarian responsibilities are important, the significant budget increases in this area are occurring while the government’s spending on defending its own borders remains minimal. Furthermore, the cultural and social integration challenges that arise from these demographics are a valid concern for the indigenous population. This is further exacerbated by the government’s disproportionate spending on supporting the borders of Ukraine, which dwarfs what is allocated to Ireland’s own border defense. This imbalance raises questions about national priorities and the allocation of resources.
The failure of the Fourth Estate ( the Media )
Adding to this complex web is the role of the media. The Fourth Estate, traditionally tasked with holding the government accountable, appears to have failed in its duty. RTE, the state broadcaster, has been a recipient of substantial financial support from the government, with a recent top-up of €56 million approved in December 2023. This direct financial lifeline, along with indirect support for other media organizations, creates a system where a critical stance against the government is not financially incentivized. When the media is compromised, the public loses its primary source of unbiased information and the government operates without the necessary scrutiny.
A deepening sense of despair is Growing
The cumulative effect of these failures is a deepening sense of despair and disenfranchisement, particularly among Ireland’s youth. With a housing crisis that shows no signs of abating and a future that seems increasingly out of reach, many young Irish people are left with little option but to emigrate. This loss of talent and the breakdown of social cohesion are the inevitable consequences of a political system that fails to be accountable to its people.
Without a fundamental shift towards responsibility and transparency, Ireland is on a collision course with a future financial crisis and a complete breakdown of its social fabric, turning the dream of a prosperous nation into the reality of a failed state.