Nearly 120,000 people marched yesterday in Dublin. Many people were protesting at the levy while others voiced their dissatisfaction with the government. Whatever the personal reason for protesting what inspires me is that Irish people have once again regained their voice.

For many years during the economic boom apathy, singularity and disinterest in others was as popular as new cars and second houses. Now with less and more job losses the middle class have bonded in unity to display its outrage at a government that is out of touch and out of favour with its citizens.

I’m encouraged that maybe after we get out of this recession we may have the fragments of what was once an amazing and welcoming country. Whilst most of the tradition has been replaced with apartments and chique pubs the underlying foundations are still there.

When all is said and done I’m optimistic that we will emerge stronger, bigger and hopefully more honest and less focused on the riches that are now our ruin. Nouveau riche no matter where or whom is always vulgar as the driving emotion is exhibitionism.

Now that we have gone through that phase maybe we can focus on becoming an understanding, compassionate and caring nation like the decades of welcoming Irish that preceded us. Saturday’s march is hopefully the early sign of a developing nation that now wants to regain control after years of corruption and mismanagement.

I for one am very optimistic.

No related posts.