The silly season kicks off from around this week as TDs and senators abandon Dail Eireann and head off to sun themselves in some of the world's hottest holiday destinations. Going by the stories hitting the newsdesk here at the Mayo Advertiser this week you would certainly have to wonder if someone is ‘taking the Mick’.
First off we were alerted to a hat-knitting competition for bottles of fruit juice, no less. Then there is the report about a a beauty pageant to identify Ireland's most beautiful cow - I kid you not. Possibly the funniest story of all was in relation to the seasonal exodus of our elected representatives - who are set to enjoy two full months away from Leinster House. Apparently they will not be leaving the country to let it run adrift in its current crisis state after all, as we learn that between July and September they are to be called to account to attend not just one - but a whole 88 Oireachtas meetings. Hmm, since when did attending meetings count as hard work? And how many will bother to show up?
Ah no, in fairness, let's give them the benefit of the doubt and turn our attention instead to just keeping a watching brief. We will know soon enough whether any real progress is made in the running of our country between now and the reconvening of the Dail in late September, and in the meantime here’s wishing those in office a fortifying and rejuvenating time out of office.
Of course it is not just politicians who are off for their annual skive as now is the time so many of us head for the hills to enjoy our own holidays. Everyone is entitled to time off to unwind and recharge the batteries and for sure there are many among us now who desperately need a break. Still, with things remaining so difficult in terms of future work prospects in this country, it is no surprise that holidaying at home on domestic 'staycations' is all the rage this summer. Apart from the cost-saving measures involved, clearly many among us are just too damned afraid right now to pack our bags and leave it all behind - for fear there might be nothing to return to if we do.
Unfortunately, even with proposed dig-outs to help those with mortgage arrears alongside ongoing claims that things have finally stabilised in our economy, new reality checks hurting us where it counts show this simply is not the case. This week therefore, despite being informed in the last budget that with effect from July 1 local authorities would be bound to levy VAT on services, it is still shocking to discover that prices for such things as car-parking, graveyard preparation, and landfill services are now going to hit us harder in the pocket than ever.
In Castlebar for instance this means that the fixed monthly €25 car-park charge to use the Market Square and Castle Street car-parks has just been re-fixed, at €30 per month (discount of 10 per cent available if you sign up for six months - but who can say for definite anymore where they will be even in three months time? ). Meanwhile, the Spencer Street car-park in the county town will now cost users €18 instead of €15, and similar increases are being imposed across the board in towns and villages around Mayo.
The other news about NAMA’s toxic debts and the threat of yet more health cuts in relation to respite care this week, have done nothing to help raise people’s spirits. No harm then in light of the continuing gloom and doom to have the annual flurry of ‘silly’ stories coming in. Bring it on!
