Is there a danger that an Irish Bailout will rekindle British antagonism towards Ireland?

The media are at it again. The past few days have seen increasing frequency of articles mentioning the sum of £7 billion as Britain’s contribution to an Irish bail out. Not quite a media frenzy yet – but the issue of Ireland’s debt mountain certainly is.

The war in the North ended. The Irish economy boomed. The construction sector became an unstoppable rocket boosted by recklessness of the banks and ineptitude of management, bankers and government. Had it been an export led construction rocket it would have all made sense. But no, It became a question of ‘how many stupid people can you fit into a small space?. And then the crash.

The resulting crater is greater than any excavation undertaken in the boom years of construction. So big, in fact, it is claimed that it can be seen from outer space. Herman Van Rompuy, president of the EU believes it is so big that the entire EU is on the brink and may well fall over and fall in.

Meanwhile, Brian Lenihan, Batt O'Keeffe and the rest of the Fianna Failed led government  thinks the sun is still shining. If Charles Haughy was around he may have been able to call in a few favours from friendly rich autocratic rulers who supported Ireland’s struggle against the Brits. But he’s gone and there seems few friends left.

The Germans and the French did not appreciate Cowens proclamation that they were jointly to blame for Ireland’s woes. Others in Europe were also not amused. ‘Pass the buck’ stopped in Europe after the first World War and the culture of ‘who’s responsible pays’ was ushered in. The price firmly set on Ireland now is money in return for higher corporate taxes. The Government has screwed all of us.

The mantra now in Europe seems to be towards dismantling the Irish brand – our low tax attractiveness to international business. To Ireland, the loss of a few inward investors will have a sustained detrimental effect on the economy. To Germany the loss or gain of a few inward investors is hardly water under the bridge in the scheme of things. But revenge is sweet.

The British media smells blood and we all know that blood, dirt and sex sells papers. It’ll get worse. In a bold move and one that demands all our respect, the incoming CBI chief in Britain, John Cridland, has spoken out for Ireland (we have a few friends out there still) saying that "They're very much on the mettle. They need the confidence of the markets and a bit of breathing space." A Brit to be applauded!
The fuddle continues.

The government blame the French, the Germans and the banks. The government is an innocent party. It’s not the government that needs funds, they chant. ‘It’s the banks’. The ineptitude of the government in failing to be open and honest is frightening. The failure to be effective leaders and managers is beyond comprehension.

Politics need to change. Nomination for election should be, in future, based on demonstrated competence for the job. Ministerial posts must no longer be given as favours – but the post holder should be subject to the rigours industry applies in the appointment of senior executives.
Those with any sense of pride among the Fianne Failed ranks must stand up. Time for Fianna Nua.