Well his first act was to rearrange the deck chairs. Methinks he won't make much difference; although I hope I'm wrong as there are many many problems which need to be addressed; they're not intractable either, he'd need to apply determination, imagination and common sense.So Brian’s steering the ship now.
Any opinions on how he will do?
He brought in three(?) budgets, turning the screw on 'individualisation' each time, which IMHO is not consistent with his Times' quote above.Quote from today's Irish Times:
"The ultimate test of our progress will be the extent to which we can mobilise all of the people to think and behave in a manner that puts the interests of society as a whole ahead of their own private interest"
Looks like he's a socialist just like de Bert...
"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask rather what you can do for your country" - JFK
Does that mean that he was a socialist too?
In a general sense I share your concerns but not in this context. I think a bit more national pride and a bit less selfishness would be a good thing in Ireland.No, although I don't like it when the collective is praised above the individual.
I get nervous when I see a politician talking about 'mobilising' people to 'behave' in a way that benefits 'society as a whole' - that way lies increasing incursion into personal freedoms and ultimately removes personal choice, replacing it with a 'state knows best' policy.
Leader of the country?Who is Brian Cowen to tell me what is in the interests of 'society as a whole'? What makes him so qualified to decide that?
yeah, and look how things have deteriorated during his watch as minister. He has a lot to answer for.He brought in three(?) budgets,
yeah, and look how things have deteriorated during his watch as minister. He has a lot to answer for
Yes, public finances have really detiorated over his short few years as minister for finance. Our inflation is much higher than EC average, govt receipts etc from stamp duty etc have fallen sharply and the average family has less disposable income. Our hospitals, schools, commuting times etc are nothing to be proud of, despite all the EC handouts we got. Remember what the German ambassador had to say about Ireland in his speech some months ago?People keep talking about how bad things are, but has it really deteriorated?
I hate this term.Leader of the country?
I hate this term.
How about 'Person in charge of the assumed government of the country'? - Not as snappy, but maybe more accurate.
And 'person in charge' is probably less accurate than 'leader'.
Assumed ? Don't you mean democratically elected ?
And 'person in charge' is probably less accurate than 'leader'.
Fair play to BIFFO for having the brains to get rid of Tom Kitt. Pity he didn't do the same for Cullen.
I think Bertie had more to do with the financial incontinence that Brian. Bertie was a total populist; I hope Brian will do what needs to be done.Yes, public finances have really detiorated over his short few years as minister for finance. Our inflation is much higher than EC average, govt receipts etc from stamp duty etc have fallen sharply and the average family has less disposable income. Our hospitals, schools, commuting times etc are nothing to be proud of, despite all the EC handouts we got.