The delusions of our political class seem to have no limits. The capitulation by the parochial Mr Lowry and Mr Healy Rae for a casino and bypass is shameful in the context of reductions in allowances for carers and the disabled. The constant reminders about the apparent high level of welfare payments relative to other jurisdictions and the deafening silence with regard to the extortionate levels of pay for our politicians when compared to other jurisdictions is very telling.

Then to top it all off, we have our beleaguered leader apologising for the current state of the country but only in sympathy rather than an act of contrition. Instead, we get the usual guff about the international situation and the lack of regulation. At no point is there any facing up to the fact that under their stewardship the sitting ministers for finance loosened regulation, incentivised property speculation and pursued pro-cyclical economic policies. The only influence the international situation has had on this is that like an urban river at low tide it exposed the decay at the heart of this country.

Barry Walsh,

2 Church Rd

Blackrock, Cork