If we were to undertake the construction of another children’s hospital or a similar project, we would inevitably face the same problems. This lack of accountability and failure to analyze our mistakes is a recurring issue. We simply throw a large amount of taxpayers’ money at the problem and wait for the next disaster to occur. Committees are occupied with trivial matters and fail to investigate the root causes of poor administration. The media continually highlight government failings without offering any solutions. We have become complacent and accepting of the status quo. Is this something we are content with?
In the private sector, businesses meticulously examine the reasons behind any failures and take immediate action to rectify them. Airlines, railroads, and other industries hold inquiries into disasters to prevent them from happening again. Even athletes like footballers and boxers review their performances to understand where they went wrong. However, when it comes to government, simply electing a new administration is not a solution. It’s just the same old circus with different performers.
It would be beneficial to establish a consultative forum comprised of experts, accomplished individuals, and academics. This forum could identify the reasons why governments fail on multiple fronts. It’s important to note that this forum would not be a cure-all for the nation’s problems, but rather the beginning of a continuous improvement program.
Currently, we have far too many public representatives. Italy has reduced its number of representatives by one third, while we plan to add even more. This is truly unbelievable. If we had the same ratio of representatives to population as other countries, we would only have 60 in the Dáil, not the planned 180.
Inattention to the Issues Dividing society
Two years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a review on violence against women, but unfortunately, it seems to have been ignored. The report revealed that one in three women worldwide had experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner. One of the key factors identified in the report was the loss of social cohesion. Despite claims of growing prosperity, social issues are not improving, and all kinds of deprivation are becoming normalized. We hardly notice the homeless sleeping on our streets, and politicians fail to address measures that could worsen inequality. The WHO has presented strategies to confront violence and the fragmentation of society, including empowering individuals, eradicating poverty, ensuring access to essential services, and intervening to prevent abuse of children and adolescents. It’s time for our so-called leaders to take notice and address the issues tearing our society apart. We should learn from history and not become detached from the people, as the bourgeoisie did during the French Revolution.
The Climate Crisis Remains Unaddressed
Politics tends to prioritize short-term thinking, while tackling climate change requires long-term vision and immediate action. Politicians often ignore the predicament faced by our global community, especially the poor and future generations. Will the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and Sinn Féin be able to confidently say they did everything in their power to combat the climate and biodiversity crises when they reflect on their actions in years to come? Former Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged at Cop27 in Sharm El Sheikh that failure to take urgent action would not be forgiven by future generations, as we are already witnessing the devastating effects of a changing climate. Ireland declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019, but we still have the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the EU. Our emissions continue to rise, and achieving our legally binding emissions reduction target by 2030 seems unlikely according to the EPA. History will judge our actions.
The Need to Eliminate Bonus Points for Maths
Young people are encouraged to study higher-level maths in the Leaving Cert due to its relevance in the AI economy and the promise of 25 bonus points. However, these bonus points are only awarded if maths is one of the six subjects used to calculate overall CAO points. Additionally, candidates must achieve a minimum of 40% in higher maths to be eligible for the bonus points. This system leads many students to prioritize higher maths over their other subjects, resulting in a skewed study schedule and potential point losses in other areas. The stress and anxiety caused by higher maths can have a detrimental impact on students’ well-being. While some students have a natural aptitude for higher-level maths, others excel in different subjects that are equally valuable. It’s time to reconsider the 25 bonus points system and ensure that students with different strengths and talents are valued equally. It is unfair that one candidate can potentially score 625 points while another can only score 600 in the same exam.
Trump’s Document Hoarding Raises Concern
The news of former US President Donald Trump’s collection of classified state documents at Mar-a-Lago is both amusing and alarming. While many people may have boxes stored in their garages after a move, none of them are likely secret or classified like Trump’s. Hoarding, a sign of potential mental health issues, includes the storage of documents in bathrooms. Other signs include emotional outbursts and an inability to recognize reality, potentially including denial of election loss. While we cannot make definitive conclusions about Trump’s mental state, it is a cause for concern if he truly believes in an elaborate conspiracy against him. Let’s hope for better and more stable leadership in the future, regardless of political affiliations.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
