Wednesday 13th January 2010 – Ireland
Hi Everyone,
While I was home in Ireland I heard an interesting, if slightly depressing, interview with the country’s president on a chat show. It made me realise what a tough year 2009 was for many people in Ireland for several reasons.
Dublin, Ireland
Ireland went through a period of great economic prosperity known as ‘the celtic tiger’ from the mid-nineties onwards but has now, like many European countries, come across tougher times. The recession hit Ireland harder than any other country apart from Iceland, I believe. I really cringe to write about the recession because it has become such a buzz word in the media. I see it every time I switch on the radio or open a newspaper.
However, the interview I heard made me realise how badly some people have been affected. Unemployment, at about 12%, is as high as it has been in several years. Some of the most talented and well educated young people in the country can’t find work at the moment whereas in any other set of circumstances they would walk into jobs.
Severe flooding caused chaos in the west and south coasts of the country in the months leading up to Christmas. Some of the stories I heard were heart breaking. Many homes suffered vast amounts of damage and families had to be evacuated from their homes in the worst floods in decades. Our politicians called it a once in 800 years event.
Golden Hill, near Dublin, in the snow
To make matters worse the snow then arrived to see out 2009 and ring in 2010. Heavy snow has meant that schools have been shut for an extra week following the Christmas holidays. Dangerous driving conditions lead to inevitable road accidents and Ireland does not have much refined grit and salt left to spread on the icy roads.
My new year’s resolution is to remain positive throughout it all. Most people I met when I was home refused to let any of the above bother them no matter how tough 2009 was. Actually they were on such good form that I’d never have guessed there was anything wrong had I not known otherwise. I think that’s the best attitude to take.
If 2009 was a year of superlatives – highest unemployment, deepest debt, worst flooding, coldest winter – let’s hope 2010 brings some more joy.
So finally, what’s the difference between investment bankers and Dublin’s pigeons? The pigeons are still capable of making deposits on new BMWs.
Question of the week
Do you ever get upset by what you read and hear in the media? Do you think we sometimes pay too much attention to what we see on the television?
Email me and you might see your answers at the bottom of this page.
