Greece and Ireland are the same

Last night’s Prime Time analysed the differences between the financial crisis in Greece and Ireland.

Greece, we were informed, was in crisis because of a dysfunctional political and public service which is largely corrupt and no longer serving the best interests of Greece.

When Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, was asked would Ireland, like Greece, require a second bailout she replied:

Certainly not, you cannot compare Ireland with Greece. The crisis in Greece was caused by structural problems, in Ireland the problem was caused by a credit bubble.

Such denial and/or ignorance is deeply disturbing and bodes ill for the future of Ireland and its people.

The cause of the Irish crisis is exactly the same as that of Greece – Political corruption which has infected every sector of Irish society and ultimately destroyed our country.

No recovery is possible until that brutal fact is accepted and acted upon.