What always gets lost in any economic argument is the human story. In the midst of ideological spats, party political squabbles and sound-byte snowstorms, there are heartbreaking cases of personal tragedy around every corner and inevitably behind so many doors.
While commentators disagree over the extent to which cuts must be made, and employers continue to drive a wedge between public and private sector workers, families are falling apart all over this country.
We are in an election cycle at the moment and naturally the public are politically conscious, but the reaction as doors open and political literature is offered their way is quite incredible, unprecedented and disturbing.
A woman opens a door in affluent Clontarf and breaks down in tears as she explains how she fears for her job, her husband’s job and losing her newly-bought home. She is so upset she can’t talk and has to close the door.
A woman in Donnycarney tells of how she and her husband are due to go to a Christening that day with her children but how she literally cannot afford to go – she has to, however, because it’s a family occasion. She just doesn’t have the money, as her husband is a taxi driver and his earnings have suffered. He is out working all the hours that God sends. They got an extension to their home a number of years ago, which they now can’t pay for.
Thousands of people have lost their jobs or are terrified of becoming unemployed. More and more people genuinely don’t know where the next mortgage repayment is coming from, relationships are being put under unbelievable strain and people have lost all faith in the political system. And then, naturally, the blame starts.
Justifiably, the finger of accusation is pointed in the direction of bankers, the property developers and incompetent politicians. But others being attributed with the blame are those who are less able to protect themselves: those on social welfare, immigrants and single mothers. When the middle classes bear the brunt of economic mismanagement, those ‘below’ them on society’s ladder will inevitably be accused of causing the problem.
And political cowardice will allow this attitude to prosper. In 2007, 12 people were jailed for social welfare fraud while not one tax defrauder saw the inside of a prison cell. And sure enough, in uncertain times Fianna Fáil ministers will step up to the plate and attack the poor. While no one can accept the actions of those who claim benefits they are not entitled to, the reaction of the delegates to Minister Mary Hanafin’s onslaught on welfare defrauders at her Ard Fheis speech was disappointing.
Once again, the inability to accept responsibility, a determination to focus attention away from widespread tax evasion, an appalling lack of leadership and a deliberate attempt to divide and conquer have come to the fore. It is clear that Fianna Fáilers haven’t changed their spots and it will be interesting to see if this strategy intensifies in the months and weeks to come as the screw tightens.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin is a primary school principal in the Sheriff Street area of Dublin, a member of the Labour Party, and formerly Dublin’s Deputy Lord Mayor. His column appears every week in Metro Éireann
