2009 wasn’t a great year for most. Dole queues lengthened. People who never dreamed they would become a statistic joined the live register. Month in, month out, we reported increases in unemployment citing stats and figures. But what we must remember is you aren’t a statistic. You are so much more than that. You have contributed to Ireland’s reputation as a highly skilled nation. Gone is the tiger, but your worth and your importance are what must be cherished and reinvested in next year.
While many others retained their jobs, they have seen their incomes severely cut. The public sector versus private sector argument is getting boring now. We’re all worse off. Nobody has job security any more. Very few enjoy the perks or benefits of the Celtic Tiger years. So what. Let’s stop the whining and get on with life.
The banks made a hash of things. The Government didn’t always make the right decisions. Would you or I have done better? I’m sure we think we could have. Who knows, we haven’t had the courage to put ourselves forward to run the country and until we take that step we’ll never know the difficult job that faces our elected representatives day in, day out. We must start afresh in 2010 with this government or a new one. What’s sure is that new beginnings are needed.
The Church was brought into disrepute once again. What went on in the past and the cover up jobs done by members of the clergy was despicable, but don’t tar every priest with the same brush. Most do an excellent job. They have been struggling over the past few weeks to come to terms with the atrocities of the past and how they were dealt with. Don’t use that as an excuse not to go to Mass. Don’t blame your local priest for the sins of others.
Materially most of us are far worse off than we were two years ago. But I think that has brought a certain richness to our lives. In 2007 I was lambasted for daring to criticise the Government in a Christmas editorial for wasting public money when the recession was beginning to really take hold. Well it’s grip has tightened now. People who were once well off, had everything they dreamed of and more, are facing the harsh reality of poverty. Your neighbours, family, and friends. They might still be hiding it. But people are struggling.
The new year gives us the chance for new beginnings. We need to take stock. Reassess our priorities. I’d love to see volunteerism rise to the fore next year. Volunteers are badly needed for sporting and charitable organisations. When times were good it was easy for people to throw money at clubs and organisations. That money isn’t available now but these organisations need people to give their time and energy to running them.
The elderly must be cherished and looked after. It doesn’t cost anything.
Let’s look forward with hope and optimism. Okay we’re not as affluent, but we’re the same people with the same beliefs and values.
Make positivity your mantra for 2010. Faces challenges head on and together. We’ll emerge from this stronger and healthier as human beings and as a nation. We’re known for our resilience. Let’s test it now.
I want to thank our loyal readers and advertisers for their support over the last three years. You have been amazing and without you we wouldn’t continue to survive and prosper. I’d like especially to remember those who have lost a loved one over the past year. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Be safe on the roads this Christmas and New Year and I look forward to renewing acquaintances in 2010.
Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
