Irish readers will be aware that our current Government faces the risk of collapse as various stakeholders squabble for their share of taxpayer loot. In fairness in most cases there's not a lot of money involved, a few million here, a few million there. Right now teams of eagle-eyed analysts forensically examine every Departmental budget and, to the accompaniment of squeals of anguish, try to squeeze out a few bob from somewhere. Anywhere. Nobody escapes.
Actually I'm wrong there because one budget is sacrosanct - that of foreign aid. Yes indeed, disabled kids must go without special needs assistants, elderly citizens spend years in agony as they wait for joint replacements, vital infrastructure projects are deferred but bicycles for Uganda's police (all stolen within weeks), $1500 flag-poles and swimming-pool maintenance for African despots get lavishly and unquestioningly funded. Not surprising really given that tiny Ireland forks out nearly €700 million annually for such necessities so there's plenty to go around.
Why do politicians, the people whom we assume value nothing other than their own careers, not spend on their own voters instead of foreigners who'll never vote for them? A good question. And Ireland is not unique - most Western countrieswaste donate a similar proportion of their precious resources.
Meanwhile across the pond another massive giveaway has been agreed. In this case bankrupt America is donating no less than $38 billion to Israel in a ten year deal to be signed over the next few days. That's about $5,000 to every Israeli citizen, each of whom I'm sure is deeply appreciative. I'm also sure the deal requires the Israelis to discontinue stealing and selling on American technology. Congressmen are elected to look after American interests after all....
Actually I'm wrong there because one budget is sacrosanct - that of foreign aid. Yes indeed, disabled kids must go without special needs assistants, elderly citizens spend years in agony as they wait for joint replacements, vital infrastructure projects are deferred but bicycles for Uganda's police (all stolen within weeks), $1500 flag-poles and swimming-pool maintenance for African despots get lavishly and unquestioningly funded. Not surprising really given that tiny Ireland forks out nearly €700 million annually for such necessities so there's plenty to go around.
Why do politicians, the people whom we assume value nothing other than their own careers, not spend on their own voters instead of foreigners who'll never vote for them? A good question. And Ireland is not unique - most Western countries
Meanwhile across the pond another massive giveaway has been agreed. In this case bankrupt America is donating no less than $38 billion to Israel in a ten year deal to be signed over the next few days. That's about $5,000 to every Israeli citizen, each of whom I'm sure is deeply appreciative. I'm also sure the deal requires the Israelis to discontinue stealing and selling on American technology. Congressmen are elected to look after American interests after all....

















