Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

The depths to which the Government is prepared to sink in terms of its boot-licking and doffing of the cap is unparalleled. It is bad enough that the Government would not agree to support a debt conference but it really beats all that it would boycott the ad hoccommittee on sovereign debt restructuring processes agreed by the United Nations General Assembly last September. Ireland was one of only 11 countries which voted against it. Normally, the Government is very happy to hide behind the figleaf of the United Nations in facilitating US military use of Shannon airport and other vehicles. This time around what was proposed was a debt restructuring committee which would look at negotiating fair and transparent procedures for the cancellation and restructuring of the debts of countries in crisis like Ireland, Greece and so on. How could anybody possibly vote on not participating in such a process? It is like voting against apple pie.

Deputy Catherine Murphy’s motion poses the stark question to the Government, and the Labour Party in particular, as to which side is it on. By its refusal to go along with this motion, the Government clearly has gone against the best wishes of the majority of Irish citizens. When they agreed to sign up to the European project, it was one of solidarity with our neighbours across boundaries and common interests. It was not for a future that shackled us with debts well into the future and to be subservient to bankers, bondholders and the like.

Many in society are asking what is wrong with the Government. What is really wrong with the Government? There is no other answer than participating in this process and standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Greece, Spain and our neighbours across boundaries.

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