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MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CRISES have a habit of accelerating the pace of change. They expose fault lines in society and exacerbate issues that may have been concealed by feebly constructed social contracts and a false sense of harmony.
While the crisis arising from Covid-19 might yet prove to be no different, we remain fortunate enough to be in a position to control some of the wider social implications arising from the pandemic.
However, to do so, we must first recognise that the repercussions of Covid-19 will be unlike anything we have experienced in living memory.
Despite the many wartime analogies that have been employed, we are not dealing with the collective psychological consequences that often stem from major conflict. Nor are we dealing with the fallout of a major international recession, because there hasn’t been a financial crash or market collapse.
Instead, notwithstanding the fact that it may take some time to restart in full, we will emerge from our present state of Covid-19 isolation with an economy that was put into stasis, and hopefully with a greater sense of social cohesion.
Consequently, as our medium to long-term macroeconomic outlook remains relatively positive in comparison to other countries according to the OECD, the thoughts of the government must look beyond the economic impact of the crisis, and turn to the inadvertent social changes the pandemic might bring.
This will be a departure from previous crises when efforts were concentrated on generating economic growth as a means of navigating our way out.
Unusual changes for some
For some families, the Covid-19 lockdown will have relieved them from the pressure of having to pay enormous childcare fees. For others, the opportunity to work from home will have released parents from having to undertake onerous commutes that negatively impact their family life.
For those who live in fear of rents hikes, the government has accepted what they once saw as impossible, and introduced a rent freeze, and a ban on evictions. The main banks have even offered a short-term moratorium on mortgage repayments to customers affected by Covid-19.
Organisations that previously demanded presentism and inculcated an “always-on” culture among their employees are now coming to the realisation that productivity is not necessarily related to either of those concepts.
After years of neglect, we are now seeing the virtue of possessing properly resourced public services that can respond to the needs of the people. Never before has there been so much goodwill directed toward the health service, or an appreciation for the many state bodies that have reacted to this crisis with clarity and efficiency.
The meitheal spirit, which was slowly being eroded by individualism, is now thriving across our communities, where people are demonstrating instinctive empathy as part of what President Michael D Higgins described as “the citizenship moment”.
In the space of a few short weeks, we have been given a glimpse of a future where people’s wellbeing is put ahead of the metrics that determine economic growth. So why would we choose to return to the world that existed before Covid-19 reached Ireland?
GE2020 displayed this shift
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil were given a precursory glance at that future following the general election. At the outset of the campaign, the government’s strategists gambled on Brexit and the economy being the dominant issues that would see them retain power.
However, even before the Dáil was dissolved, it was apparent that housing and health were the primary concerns of an electorate that wanted to see its politicians address basic needs. People were not willing to accept that market forces would solve the housing crisis, or that long hospital waiting lists and lines of trolleys occupied by those in need were an acceptable part of modern health service.
People voted with empathy, and this crisis has allowed Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin to catch up with the public sentiment in this regard.
This is not to say that we have an opportunity to create a utopia. Like all major international crises, people and families will undoubtedly suffer. Not least those who either have lost or will lose loved ones in the coming weeks.
Prior to this crisis, high streets throughout the country were already struggling to keep pace with online retailers and out-of-town shopping centres.
After the crisis, some high street shops may never open their doors again, others might struggle on in the face of the boom in online shopping that has occurred. Never before have major grocery stores been so inundated with online orders, and this crisis could yet accelerate demand for such services in the future.
Additionally, those who employed in the tourism sector must be looking ahead to the summer months with a great deal of anxiety. Their concern acts as an example of how the impact of this crisis will endure beyond the lockdown.
As a result, the empathy we are demonstrating now will need to extend far into the months ahead as we collectively struggle to overcome the economic impact of Covid-19 on the global economy.
However, unlike previous crises, the lockdown is giving us the space to take stock and consider what is important to us. It is an opportunity for us to consider the future direction of our country and the values that we hold as a people. A particularly pertinent point as we move toward celebrating the centenary of the state.
At the time, Ireland acted as a beacon to other nations who were looking to overthrow the shackles of colonialism, by placing empathy and fairness at the heart of a renewed Ireland, we can be that inspiration again.
A positive act of renewal would be to maintain some of the measures we have just put in place to protect our most vulnerable.
Dr Stephen Onakuse is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Business and Development and Deputy Director of the Centre for Sustainable Livelihoods at Cork University Business School, University College Cork.
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A better Ireland under FFG cartel where the banks are now adding on interest and profitering for unfortunate unemployed people who are freezing their mortages , an ireland with the second highest mortage rates in Europe for years and years ,
@Tom o brien: blah blah! Would you ever the change the record more hard left utopia!
@Tom o brien: Plus the extortion racket called the Insurance Industry. They need to be reeled in a peg or two also.
@David Corrigan: true that- try getting insured/pay out if you have been ill, or a family member died due to Covid-19
@David Corrigan: Ah the low key soft pedal Shinner is off again.
Let’s see what aspect of society business I can criticise to underscore need for change and pivot people towards SF
Good choice insurance as you are right.
Of course, up North the cheques are flying out of insurance companies to beat the band with no quibble – not.
@David Glynn: It’s a doctor you need to see as you keep spouting the same sh*t even after I explained myself on numerous occasions.
I will personally cover all medical costs for your head examination. You can thank me later.
@Tom o brien: We have the highest mortgage rates in Europe because we’ve made them non recourse loans where the lender has no recourse to the collateral on the loan. People are going for years without paying their mortgage without repossession – meanwhile, elsewhere in Europe, you don’t pay your mortgage, your home is repossessed. To fill the void of the unpaid loans, the compliant borrowers are paying a premium to pay for those who are not paying – that’s why we’ve got the highest mortgage rates in Europe.
@David Corrigan: Amazing how the SF posters have such a short fuse. Don’t like to be confronted by the truth. Anger management classes pl for you.
@David Glynn: I am not sure how I can explain things to you in a simpler manner as your ability to process simple information seems to be compromised.
@David Corrigan: So if 57% of the adult population up north have savings of less than 100 pounds how is it a SF utopia. If you acknowledged the facts you might calm down a bit.
And the avuncular uncle line doesn’t work with me.They don’t get angry when their line is disputed.
Leave it at that.
@David Glynn: For the 1000th time, I am not a member of SF. Why can’t you understand that? That is a genuine question but I will repeat it for you. Why can’t you understand that?
@David Corrigan: he does the same with Risen, attempting to discredit you by some how linking criticism of the government with being a Sinn Fein supporter. He seems to take Gov. criticism personally, keep it up David.
@Tom o brien: yep this is apsolute BULL!!!!
@Bobby wilson: Thing is Bobby ye slabbering fool. He’s not bloody wrong is he??
@Fintan O’flaois: evidence of this?
@Bobby wilson:
Hard left utopia? We’re still paying taxes for the bank bailout, it’s not “hard left” to bring the banks to heel.
@rumug: what ever!
@David Glynn: fg bot elert!!!
@David Corrigan: I wouldn’t do that If I was you, you could be left with a very large bill.
@chihuahua: If the cap fits.
@David Corrigan: Never said you were a member. Just a propagandist.
Not one criticism of SF.
@David Glynn: Its more amazing how YOU and no one else brings SF into every debate, even when the topic has nothing to do with them. I’m sure if it didn’t have an international dimension/origin, you would try to convince us covid 19 was an SF construct.
Give it a rest and take you meds you sill clown!
@David Glynn: “not one criticism of SF”. 99% of the articles on here have nothing to do with SF but yet, you make an arguement out of them. It’s pathetic, if you’re representative of what a FG voter looks like you’d put swing voters off, and that’s disregarding the parties performance before this crisis. You’re a broken record.
@Da Vid: get hit by scam artist car bump and all he needs is a faux pas docs cert.. Which then permits him in court to tell any s**te.. Irrigardless
Of the truth.. The game is an insurance merry go round.!!!
@Bobby wilson:
Just because you don’t like the facts doesn’t make it untrue.
Other than a sneer, have you anything else to offer.
@Angela McCarthy: To keep them out of government by outing them. They would impoverish us. Shambles up North.
Being part of the cult you cant see that. As for your abuse keep going. It spurs me on.
Truth hurts.
@Angela McCarthy: Great stuff that David has “got under the skin” of the SF propagandists. I wonder why most of of your cohorts (The Risen, Corrigan, Willy, etc) will not admit the are SF mouthpieces?
Surely it’s not shame!
@David Glynn: I’ll go halves on the medical bills as you really need to see someone you pathetic excuse for a human!
@David Corrigan: just cycle a bike and save the Enviroment David.
@David Glynn: Tell all how you can actually criticise SF. They have never been in power in the Republic.
You’re a complete moron. Better of heading back to the rock from where ya crawl ya pathetic SOB.
I can be a winey moaner on here and a bit soar trying to get my uneducated opinion across sometimes, but I do hope for all the people on this island that we all learn form this , and rebuild the pride in our country and become a better people who really look after each other when this is all over , enjoy your day
@Karllye kripton: agreed, but we need to think of these values beyond our own borders and seaboard. We need all of the EU to be along the same lines. Particularly Hungary and Poland who at this time, seem to be on a bit of a slide towards autocratic rule.
@James Gannon: so authoritarian regimes outside the EU are ok?
What’s your opinion on how authoritarian the EU is? Many people feel it is…
Why don’t we tend to our own garden and stop abdicating responsibly elsewhere?
Better not to give the Journal any money until they start allowing open and free debate.
@Barry Doyle: exactly ‘may be perceived as toxic’ comes to mind.
@Jun Stone: Everything I say ‘may be perceived as toxic’!
Then again, I never did the module on women’s/ queer/ colonial studies….and my hair isn’t blue.
@Barry Doyle: There’s plenty of alternatives Baz
@Barry Doyle: never a more true statement said. Just like rte and the main papers
@: I had comments deleted because they mentioned false rape allegations that had been made by a woman against men. (The case with the Israelis in Cypus)
The woman was convicted, and still the Journal were silencing any real discussion.
@Barry Doyle: This isn’t the Dail, Barry. If you have serious things to say, put it on a pamphlet, drop it in some letter boxes, run in the election and see if anyone gives a siht.
This is a privately owned business with a unique selling point of public discussion of the news. You don’t pay for it and nobody is obligated to provide it, but as a privately funded enterprise they’re highly sensitive to libel law suits, yet somehow you think the reason you’re being censored is because of the color of your hair and not because you’re shooting off about false rape allegations.
Brunettes will have their day Barry, it’s just not today.
@Sean Fahey: That’s why I wouldn’t say anything libellous, Sean.
@Sean Fahey: Is this you Sean or are you using a stolen identity?
https://www.pepperlaw.com/people/sean-p-fahey/?announcement=close
@Barry Doyle: It’s a highly emotive topic and they’re entitled to take preemptive measures to mitigate the risk of law suits as, again, this isn’t a national forum of free speech, it’s a website owned by a few lads.
@Sean Fahey: I’m sorry to hear that it’s emotionally taxing for you.
They’re entitled to do whatever they want with their website. I’m not claiming that they’re denying human rights, I’m claiming they’re biased, censorial and illiberal.
Also, the Journal delete many posts which are not libellous, just non-conformist.
A one tier health system and no more vhi etc etc
@Stan Kowalskis: 100% agree, I pay a shed load of taxes and then I’m denied access to the health care system I’m funding.
The people who are funding the system, the net contributors to the public finances, are the people who are denied access to the health system they’re funding. This group is given no choice but to source private health care even though they’re paying their taxes.
It’s a disgrace, I pay more tax than I would in Sweden on my salary; in Sweden I get a medical card and access to a World class health care system, in Ireland, I’m told to get stuffed and I’ve no choice but to pay for my own health care. Why should I pay taxes if I’m denied access to the public services I’m funding?
@Fintan O’flaois: Just to validate that many Irish tax payers (the one’s denied access to the public health system) pay more income tax than in Sweden: https://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-tax-comparison-2344995-Sep2015/
@Fintan O’flaois: No one can deny that the menagement of the Irish health system has been a shambles for decades but your comparison to Sweden is a bit skewed. They have around twice the population than Ireland witj an Economy 60% bigger and so benefit from economies of scale with less tax per person garnering a better service. Based on the linked article, Swedes pay less than 1% more tax than the irish. I’m in Germany paying around 8% more tax than at home but admittedly get a much better service, again, due to economies of scale and an all round stronger economy.
@Chris Linehan: The benefit of economies of scale from a 5 million (Ireland) to 10 million (Sweden) economy is insignificant – I cited Sweden because I lived there, but I could equally cite Finland which has virtually same population as Ireland ~5 million with a smaller economy ($300bn & $250bn GNI respectively for IE & FI). Ireland has higher health expenditure than Finland but nobody is waiting on a hospital trolly in Finland – their system works and everyone has a medical card, they’re doing more with less without the economies of scale that you believe are so important. The failure of the Irish public health system has nothing to do with economies of scale, it has everything to do with poor management, planning and implementation of policy.
@Fintan O’flaois: Obviously, missmanagement is a huge issue in Ireland, but you cant ignore obvious benefits of scale (you dont need twice as many hospitals/schools/roads etc. for twice the population like in sweden where similar levels of tax goes much further) or finland where they pay more tax. Plus both those countries have generally healthier lifestyles by most metrics so their health systems are under less stress than ours. Better management of the Irish system would do wonders but wont fix everything.
@Fintan O’flaois: this begs the question, why are living here then if you think Sweden is so much better???
@Scorcher Bois Gris: Wow!
@Fintan O’flaois: Move to Finland please and then you can torture all the Finish with your b.s.
@ITK: If you think what I’m saying is b.s., you’re obviously a welfare parasite. Maybe I will move to Finland, but if I do, who do you think will pay for all your “benefits” when the contributing class decide they’ve had enough?
@Chris Linehan: I’m sorry but that’s a gross over simplification; Finland and Sweden have much more dispersed populations, which puts significant pressure on public service delivery. In contrast, Ireland’s population is much more concentrated our population density is much higher, your argument about scale has absolutely no basis – in fact Finland/Sweden have a demand for more dispersed health infrastructure which is extremely costly. I’m not sure about “healthier” lifestyles in Scandinavia, and to your point about stress, they have very high suicide rates which are hardly indicative of lower stress. One very salient point that you ignore if demographics, Ireland has a much younger population distribution which should reduce demand for health services but it seems to have no impact. All your excuses for the failure of the Irish health system are on the margins, the reason it’s failed is because of mismanagement and incompetence.
We’re making extraordinary sacrifices at the moment. Most small businesses won’t get through this. Indebting the next generation etc. And these sacrifices may go on until a vaccine is found.
But why has nobody asked the people we’re making these sacrifices for – the over 70′s in the main – what they think? Is it just me or it it odd that the people we’re trying to save have no voice in this?
I haven’t heard anyone in the media talk to elderly people, and politicians talk about them as one fragile homogeneous group, with no have no voice of their own, that need to be wrapped in cotton wool.
Recently I did actually ask a couple of elderly people what they think. The gist was “we’ll take our chances thanks, get back to work”. Not very representative I know, but added to the whole strangeness of this thing.
Maybe we should start giving the elderly a voice in all this madness. Just a thought.
@Mark Kelly: my husband and I, both regarded as elderly and vulnerable, have been in self isolation for over a month now. Following all the rules that some of the the younger ones seem to think they can flout with impunity and abuse the police (Gemma O’Doherty comes to mind). On the whole everyone is pulling together. Prison sentences for spitters and coughers – shame on them – but from our perspective we’re proud of how we are reacting and we’ll continue trying not to be a burden in the health services, nor infect our fellow citizens. Stay safe and care for each other. This will pass.
@Mark Kelly: unfortunately they’re not the only vulnerable group in society – they’re just the easiest to identify en masse. I know the type you’re talking about but for every elderly person I’ve seen taking their chances I know another in hiding in their house. Anyway…I wouldn’t care if my mum wanted to take her chances, I’ll murder her myself if she starts putting my son’s beloved nana in harm’s way!
@Mark Kelly: it’s really to stop the health system getting overwhelmed. Older members of the population have a higher chance of getting very sick, so preventing them getting it is what will keep the hospitals from not being able to cope. Flattening the curve just means preventing too many getting the virus at once.
@sjr: Too many elderly ae cooped up in nursing homes. Yesterday, 100+ nursing homes were identified as sources of communal infection. That’s got to have something to do with the mortality graph and I pbject to Mark Kelly’s inferral that older people should be scarificed to the Covid Gods so we can all bet back to working overtime.
@Denis McClean: Im merely suggesting we ask them their opinion.
Will you stop with the BS ,the banks have offered nothing. A 3 month moratorium that you have to pay back with interest, the government should have made them give every mortgage a 3 month break no forms to fill in or having to jump through hoops .
In the last recession I took a 20% pay cut to keep my job and have only just got it back after 12 years ,now I’m going to have to pay for this one while the banks who were bailed out for billions say nothing to do with us.
The work shy who have never worked in their life aren’t affected by this in any except they can’t go to the pub or bookies, so if you want a fairer society start with the people who have always paid and will have to pay for everything. To all you who wanted a lockdown it’s ok if you’re a government employee or working from home and getting paid try living on €350 in a single income family.
Sorry about the rant it’s just I’m peed off listening to people telling me we are all in this togather we are NOT.
@tom forde: Well said Tom.
FFG essentially implementation of SF policies forrced on them.
Rent freeze unconstitutional my a/&
@Willy Mc Entire: great lad for moaning Willy, let’s hear some ideas from you for a change.
@DJ François: you’re some man to come on here and moan to others. What’s your alternative?
@Willy Mc Entire: My wonderful will fix everything SF. Terrible pity we can look at your record on health and housing up north. Has the housing Executive frozen the rents of council tenants up there.
@Da Vid: increase tax on the multi nationals by 1%, no 2 tier health service, reduce rates on small businesses, bring insurance companies to heel, force banks to remove unnecessary charges and provide realistic interest rates for starters, smarty pants.
@Willy Mc Entire: rent freeze is unconstitutional but during a state is emergency, the government can bypass the constitution. Look it up.
And change the record.
@DJ François: I voted SF to do so. The Party that received the most votes. The one your beloved Lieo and his 2ic Lieo are undemocratically ignoring. Igniri6 the 700,000 people whom voted SF to find solutions.
God knkws after 100 years FFG find nothing but problems. Now I’m sorry if I pointed out the obvious that FFG are now implementing SF policies and that hurts. But if the truth hurts, maybe you need to reconsider your own vote for trough seekers…
@Jim Buckley Barrett: Never a state of emergency for people dying on the streets?
Cop to Fu(k on…
@David Glynn: FFG health and housing is despicably bad , and they control the purse strings unlike SF in North.
Try keep up and stop your blue shirt trolling..
@Willy Mc Entire: haha, you think because I made a comment that im FG. Lame.
@Willy Mc Entire: The nurses pay cut in the North. SF DUP Executive decision. Had to go on strike a few weeks ago to get parity back. Not an increase. Westminister not involved.
For once answer the question.
Do YOU CONDEMN THE CUT IN THEIR WAGES. DO YOU CONDEMN THE NON RESTORATION.
SILENCE…….
@David Glynn: Do you condemn telling the student nurses at the forefront protecting us from this deadly virus that they will be payed ?
Or do you accept lies as always from these parasites …
@David Glynn: What’s your view on FFG leasing private hospitals enriching buddies whilst other European nations are nationalising their private hospitals to help their people from this terrible virus.
@DJ François: Get rid of FFG, they only look after the elite. Is that positive enough for you DJ.
@Derek Poutch: That’ll do for starters
@Willy Mc Entire: Unlike you I will answer the question. I condemn it and they should always be paid and the Government was wrong.
@Willy Mc Entire: They are not nationalising anywhere. Just temporary partnerships.
Name the other nations you say are nationaliding
@Willy Mc Entire: Answer my question about the nurses up north.This the problem with SF. It’s a bit like North Korea. Dear leader never wrong.
@David Glynn: it’s a power sharing assembly, besides SF there are another 4 parties. Again you are a pathetic bottom feeder.
@David Glynn: I’m living in Republic. Can’t answer for north. Don’t know.
Spain nationalised all private hospitals. Just try Google.
Won’t be a better lreland if FF&FG in power.
Not with both FG and FF in government, neither can manage on their own and together they are worse.
I do worry about all these news laws and legislations being rushed through while people are distracted. Am hoping they’re legit only til Covid19 issue is behind us??
@Kath Noonan: they aren’t being rushed, some of those we needed weeks ago.
If the current government doesn’t revert back the laws, the people can vote another party into power.
@Jim Buckley Barrett: I suspect they’ll be removed so as to bring foreward a new election.
As things stand it is more likely that the impact of the virus will lead to an even worse Ireland given that the state has had a taste of authoritarianism together with the cooperative response from the masses and the so-called Dáil opposition. Michael Farrell who in the past fought for civil rights, North and South, has been very quiet too.
@Nathan: Chance for a shinner snipe at a good man who saw the light if it’s the Flac chap.Maybe because he left the cult I’d venture.In scientology he would be deemed a suppressive and ostracised.
@Nathan: this authoritarianism [live saving laws] as you call it was brought in save the lives of 10s of thousands citizens, who happened to be you and me all our fellow citizens .. It’s hardly the old soviet union/ NORTH Korea / china/ some other communist control state that we introduced into our 26 country Irish state!
SF bots not early risers.Where is the Risible one and Larkin chappy.
The cult mantra. All together now. Turning 14 extra seats into a tsunami of: Massive vote for change. topping the polls, beating Taoiseach in own constituency, Mehole not in on first count, 100 years of FFG, in league with bankers and speculators, bailed out banks so should get everything for nothing, water rates a scam to privatise everything and the rest of EU have got it wrong, keep the Apple money, we only take the industrial wage ( sssh Dessie keeps all of the 98 k plus exes ), nurses should never have to look for a rise but we’ll cut their pay up north and slash bed numbers by 16% forcing them to strike for parity with rest of UK, dispute housing /health shambles up North, pubs open on Paddys day. Divert, mislead.
Great article realy enjoyed it..very true
Nah:
Soon after this is all over , people and politicians will return to normal duties.
Human nature, unfortunately
All’s changed, changed utterly and to those who think we just resume to the old ways a terrible beauty will be born.
Food for thought
When sf are ignored for government by the cartel..a lovely island we live on,they are so corrupt its unreal
I count us lucky. For years our Governments policies have been steering us towards perfect pandemic spreading conditions. Many plans involving cramming more people into less space if implemented will assure the next pandemic spreads like wildfire.
When this is all over I wonder will we still be getting the told
Our CO2 and congestion issues can be solved by
A village sharing two or three cars (not possible with how insurance works)
More busses solves everything
Housing solved by
Workers Co-Living
More and smaller apartments stacked higher
.
No packed emergency depts … oh WAIT its not really an emergency im just a bit over the top……no packed doctors waiting rooms… oh wait nothing really wrong with me but I do have a medical card…. no huge amounts of stabbings and death every weekend relating to alcohol over consumption… oh wait sure its only a few pints…… lets all take a good look at ourselves…..
I think a lot of people have now had a good look at ff fg and what they actually stand for before the pandemic they all screamed in unison rent freezes can’t happen happen take years to fix she Senate can’t sit without taoseachs nominees everything was spin and lies as the truth is they didn’t want to do it they have allowed us to be ripped of by banks ECT for years for thier own profit but even a blind man can see this now trusting this lot with our children’s future is plain crazy no wonder they are making a power grab its thier Olney hope of hanging on to gradually con us again wake up ireland look at the facts
have your say