Madam, – The courage, dignity and decency of the family of the late Roy Collins in Limerick as shown on Prime Time this week is an example to us all. The Collins family are true leaders in their community.
Watching the programme, I could not help but wonder what Ireland would be like today if our politicians had had the courage, dignity and decency to stand up for the interests of the people instead of caving in to so-called “fierce pressures” from those who have robbed this country blind.
Our political culture is one of fear, fear of losing a seat, fear of losing a pension, fear of upsetting vested interests, fear of the EU Commission, fear of the banks, fear of the courts, fear of being found out. Our politicians, and it would seem, large swathes of the public service, are suffocated by this fear.
Where are the people of vision and character? Why can’t we hear their voices? I can only suggest that each and every one of us decide now to speak up for what we think is right and act accordingly in our daily lives, whether in our workplaces or our communities. Maybe we as citizens need to give leadership to our politicians so that they may rediscover their pride. – Yours, etc,