After all, the evils committed by those in power can be suffocating, and the sense of powerlessness that erupts can be paralyzing, especially when … government evildoers almost always get away with their crimes.

The above quote is from Pravda (see Daniel Ellsberg’s piece on WikiLeaks) and is what they say is the reason Americans are politically apathetic.

I believe it also mirrors the general feeling of Irish people, and the handling of the property/banking/Fianna Fáil/Bertie Ahern crisis.

I will continue to work hard to fulfill my financial responsibilities, both national and personal. That is my responsibility, and regardless of what those national responsibilities are, as a citizen of this country it is required of me to fulfill them.

I know Ireland will survive the trials caused by the ridiculously pathetic and embarrassing situation our corrupt and unapologetic Government have landed us in. They continue to govern our country with no “mandate” (I fucking hate that word), they continue to hammer out deals that are shrouded in secrecy, and they continue to treat the populace with unflinching contempt (one has to admire their steadfast application).

As I said, I know we will survive, but the fact that so many individuals who should be facing criminal proceedings will walk free, will stick in my craw. Those individuals will not have to accept their culpability because our Government will not fulfill their responsibility to us.

Ireland is an international laughing stock. A country with no spine, an electorate who forgive national failings for local gain, an economy dependent on foreign investment, and a Government of lying cowards.

For, thus I hoped some day to aid,
Oh, can such hope be vain ?
When my dear country shall be made
A Nation once again!