Time to wield an axe on rotten system hindering housing crisis – my drastic solution would fix this national emergency
4
A GOVERNMENT incapable of doing very much is the greatest threat to democracy.
Whether it's because they are useless at their jobs or the system is so damned rotten that progress can be measured in snail slides is debatable.
Advertisement
Truth be told, it's probably a dollop of both.
But the perpetual inefficiency at the heart of
The Electoral Commission published a study on Monday which revealed that a substantial cohort of voters are disillusioned with politics.
One in eight who didn't vote at the last
Advertisement
Read more on Damien Lane
The Commission didn't reveal the ages of those who feel this way, but I'd bet a dollar that the long-in-the-tooth and those starting out on adult life make up the majority of the people fed up to the gills with the entire charade politics has become
I've always been a political animal. Since I was a kid, I was fascinated by elections and the processes that made democracy what it is. The demonstration of the will of the people is a powerful thing.
But as the years went by, and the same two tired tribes (FF and FG) dominated at the top, the passion for politics I once had in abundance has evaporated to the point where deep cynicism has taken root.
It's not that I don't trust politicians, I do.
Advertisement
Most read in The Irish Sun
They try their level best to do their bit for their country. Of course they do.
It's just they are largely unable to achieve much because they are forced to operate in a system designed to stymie their efforts at every turn.
Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin reacts to record number of homeless people
The lack of progress at a time in Irish history where rapid progress is required speaks to how the state works, or rather doesn't work.
Taoiseach
Advertisement
But, despite sitting at the top of the tree, he's unable to do much about it.
The bad news on the housing front just continues to roll in.
BROKEN PROMISE
Housing completions last year were just 30,000, way short of the 40,000 the previous government promised.
The number of homes started this year is EIGHT TIMES lower than the same period last year and now at its lowest level since 2016.
Advertisement
Just 3,945 notices to build have been lodged in the first four months of 2025. Over the same period last year, 30,689 notices to build were lodged.
What the hell is going on? How has it fallen off the cliff?
The Department of
Pull the other one.
Advertisement
'HOUSING DELIVERY GOING BACKWARDS'
Eoin O'Broin,
Rory Hearne, the
Abandon hope, all ye who enter
The main obstacle to getting anything built is the unreformable Planning Board and a system that rewards naysayers and NIMBY busybodies.
Advertisement
An Bord Pleanala (to give it its Irish name) works to the Victorian clock. They pontificate for years and have a say in everything from the extension in your back garden to the building of a metro system for the capital.
SIMPLE SOLUTION
The simple solution to chronic infrastructural deficit would be to declare a national emergency and take An Bord Pleanala out of the equation entirely.
The power to grant planning permissions in vital sectors such as housing, transport, climate and energy would be given to a powerful infrastructure committee in the Dail, made up of experts in building things and chaired by a minister whose sole remit would be infrastructure.
Until they do something really radical in the area of planning, delays, cost-overruns and missed targets will continue to plague this and future governments.
Advertisement
It's time to wield the axe. But have they got it in them?
They are currently devising a new housing plan (more bloody plans). It'll be full of actions and statements of resolve. There'll be a load of new Task Forces too, no doubt.
Plenty of hand-wringing, in other words. And they wonder why all the kids are leaving the country.
And why more and more people are turning off politics for good.
Advertisement
NO MATCH FOR GARY
But Sunday night's show will be Lineker's last.
4
Gary Lineker is a fan favorite on Match of the Day
Credit: BBC
He quit the hugely popular BBC programme on Monday, less than a week after apologising for sharing a controversial post on social media which saw him accused of antisemitism.
Advertisement
Lineker, 64, faced a storm of abuse after
The ex-England striker maintained he never noticed the rat emoji when he reposted the link. By then, however, the damage was done.
He's spent 26 years at the
A pal said: 'Gary remains passionate about speaking out over perceived injustices in the world, and will continue to call out things that he believes to be wrong.
Advertisement
'He will be able to speak without the shackles of the non-partisan BBC, and has already had a lot of offers.'
He won't be shy of a bob or two, but Match of the Day audiences will fall off a cliff.
TRUMP IS ALL TALK
But after a two-hour phone call with
Advertisement
4
Donald Trump has yet to fulfil his peace promise
Credit: AP:Associated Press
Trump said the Russian dictator had agreed to 'immediately' start direct negotiations with Ukraine to broker a ceasefire and peace deal.
Trump went on to say the conditions would be negotiated directly between Ukraine and Russia because 'they know the details nobody else would be aware of.'
Not only has Trump seemingly washed his hands of helping to end the war in Ukraine, he now wants the Pope to lead the warring parties in finding peace.
Advertisement
Ukraine's
What does Putin have on Trump that makes him bend to his will every time?
HAS SUMMER BEEN AND GONE?
HAVE we had our summer?
The last time Ireland enjoyed a glorious May was back in 2020 when Covid was our companion.
When the rains came in June, that was it, summer 2020 was a washout.
The rains have come this week and with them, the temperatures have taken a bit of a tumble.
Is it time to put the shorts back in the drawer for another year? Or will the sun win the fight this time round?
FINALLY, IT'S HOPE
THE Boys in Green haven't qualified for a European final in nine years.
It's been 23 years since Ireland graced the
Advertisement
We've been second-raters for quite a while, struggling to compete with Europe's heavy hitters, despite having a talented bunch of youngsters and a few experienced pros.
The next Euros in 2028 will be held here as well as across the pond in Wales, Scotland and England.
It would be a disaster if Ireland failed to qualify.
UEFA handed manager
Advertisement
If we're honest, it is probably the only way we can qualify.
MURDERED FARMER'S FAMILY HELL
Until the gruesome discovery they had hoped that somehow Michael would turn up alive.
Now it's a murder probe, they will hope the gardai can bring the killer to justice and quickly.
MAKE JOE OUR PRES
Well, we could do worse.
4
Joe Duffy is leaving RTE after 27 years
Advertisement
Joe, who is to stand down as host of RTE Radio One's Liveline
The 69-year-old wants to do more painting and he may continue to write books.
He'll be missed on the wireless. Joe had an uncanny ability to tap into the nation's zeitgeist.
And seen as the role in Ireland is largely ceremonial, he'd make an ideal President. He'd know what the mood would be at any given time.
Advertisement
With
Joe must be high on everybody's list.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
'Massive' Russia drone attacks hit Kyiv, Odesa
Russia carried out "massive" drone attacks on Ukraine's capital Kyiv and port city of Odesa, killing one person and hitting a maternity hospital, Ukrainian officials said, calling for further sanctions. Russia has kept up its attacks on Ukraine, which has hit back with strikes deep inside Russian territory, while peace talks held over the weekend failed to yield a breakthrough towards ending the three-year war. Aside from an agreement to exchange prisoners, progress has stalled and Russia has repeatedly rejected calls for an unconditional ceasefire. "Russia lies every day about its desire for peace and attacks people every day. Time to impose sanctions. Time to support Ukraine with weapons. Time to prove that democracy has power," Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said on Telegram. A 59-year-old man was killed in the Russian strikes on residential buildings in Odesa today, and at least four others were wounded, said Governor Oleg Kiper. "The enemy massively attacked Odesa with strike drones. There is damage to civilian infrastructure and fires," Mr Kiper wrote on Telegram. "The Russians hit a maternity hospital, an emergency medical ward and residential buildings," he said, adding the maternity hospital had been evacuated in time. In central Kyiv, an AFP journalist heard at least 12 explosions, anti-aircraft fire and the buzzing of drones. "Stay in shelters! The massive attack on the capital continues," Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram, adding in a separate post around 3am local time (1am Irish time) that "a new batch of UAVs (drones) is flying to the capital". Several people were reported wounded in the attacks that hit at least seven districts, with buildings and cars on fire. Prisoner swap Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine triggered the biggest European conflict since World War II, forcing millions to flee their homes and decimating much of eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukrainian cities are targeted by Russian air strikes almost daily. On Sunday, Russia launched a record 479 explosive drones at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to reach a ceasefire agreement, a second round of peace talks in Turkey are at a standstill. The only concrete agreement reached at the talks over the weekend was for the release of all seriously wounded or sick prisoners of war and those under the age of 25 - a deal that did not specify the number of soldiers involved. While welcoming exchanges, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week it was "pointless" to hold further talks with the current Russian delegation - who he previously dismissed as "empty heads" - since they could not agree to a ceasefire. On Sunday, the Russian army also claimed to have attacked the Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk, which borders the regions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia, already partially under Russian control, a first in more than three years of conflict. "Time for everyone to finally accept the fact that Russia understands only strikes, not rational words," Ukraine's Mr Yermak said. As a condition for halting its invasion, Russia has demanded that Ukraine cede the territories Russia claims to have annexed and forswear joining NATO. It has also rejected a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire sought by Ukraine and the European Union, arguing that it would allow Ukrainian forces to rearm with Western deliveries. Ukraine is demanding a complete Russian withdrawal from its territory and security guarantees from the West, describing Russia's demands as "ultimatums".
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Fergus Finlay: Let's restore people's dignity by going back to the Constitution
What are my fundamental obligations as a citizen of Ireland? The Constitution spells out two, in Article 9, and it uses the word fundamental to describe them. I must be faithful to the nation and loyal to the State. In addition, if I am a parent, I have some additional duties in relation to the welfare and education of my children. None of that seems unreasonable to me. I'm proud of being Irish, never wanted to live anywhere else, always wanted to ensure that my children and their children had the same sense of pride as I have. But I've always wondered why the drafters of our Constitution never thought that the country might have the occasional duty to its citizens and all the people who live here. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner. Annual €120€60 Best value Monthly €10€4 / month Unlimited access. Subscriber content. Daily ePaper. Additional benefits.
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Government can't replace triple lock with vague criteria for deploying our troops
In the pipeline for over two years, the Government has finally published the general scheme for its proposed end to the triple lock. This 'heads of Bill' sets out the key provisions that will govern future deployment overseas of Irish troops. The process has hardly been rushed. The fact that the draft law has technical provisions covering arrangements for pre-1993 and Reserve Force members shows the department and Defence Forces have thought through the consequences of the changes. What is far less clear is the political thinking behind it. Two years after Taoiseach Micheál Martin's 2023 Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, there is little sign of any big political analysis in what will be a fundamental shift in how we decide peacekeeping and military engagement. The push to reform the triple lock — which requires Government and Dáil approval, plus a UN mandate before deploying more than 12 Defence Forces personnel overseas — rests on the reality that the UN Security Council has not approved a new peacekeeping mission since 2014. Retaining legislation that does not recognise this stark fact of UN politics is empty symbolism. While the 'Triple Lock' phrase is a recent construct, the law that underpins it is the Defence (Amendment) (No.2) Act 1960. It enshrined the core principle of a UN mandate. As did its later updates in 1993 and 2006, each update taking account of evolving circumstances. Introducing the 1960 Act in the Dáil, An Taoiseach Seán Lemass said, '…it is not only our moral duty but in our national interests to support the growth of the influence and power of the United Nations.' While the language may be a tad outdated, it describes a principled stance, grounded in national interest. One that still applies. Vague criteria I do not believe this government wants to abandon multilateralism. But the text it has produced suggests that neither an Taoiseach nor Tánaiste have given proper political thought to the impact of removing direct references to UN authority from our law. Citing Russia vetoes may make a good put-down in a terse discussion, but policy making by punchline is not good government. The criteria that replace the third element of the triple lock are vague. Head 6 cites 'principles of the United Nations Charter' and 'conformity with the principles of justice and international law.' Both are honourable principles but the heads of bill, as drafted, would effectively leave it to the government of the day to decide if the criteria were met. There is no reference to specific UN or OSCE resolutions. There is no requirement that missions be mandated by such resolutions. In effect, the opinion of the government of the day would replace a specific UN mandate. Removing the UN mandate requirement without robust, transparent criteria is a mistake. It risks eroding public trust in the legitimacy of and integrity of the process of sending troops on overseas missions. The public does not distinguish between peace support deployments to Lebanon or Congo, which were both UN-led, or to Kosovo or Bosnia which were Nato-led, or to Chad, which was EU-led. Regardless of who leads or runs a mission, the public views them all as UN-mandated missions. Peacekeeping deployments that were all in pursuance of UN resolutions. These missions also had widescale cross-party Dáil support. Replacing an explicit multilateral mandate with a politically subjective text risks politicising the process. We do not want future deployments decided by tight Dáil votes, where partisan, government versus opposition, considerations dominate. This would undermine public confidence. We should not squander such a valuable trust. Solution I understand what the Government is trying to achieve, but it is doing it the wrong way. Meanwhile, the total Opposition approach from across the Dáil floor, is just as flawed. Cross-party consensus is the way forward. And despite the rhetoric, it is within our grasp. We can create a new law that addresses current realities without undermining public support for future deployments. Instead of pushing through its proposals as outlined, the Government should invite Opposition amendments that clarify deployment criteria. Criteria and tests that better express our commitment to multilateralism. In return, the Opposition must accept that the 1960 Act needs reform and draft criteria that both recognise that the UN Security Council has not established a new mission since 2014 and reaffirm our national commitment to multilateralism. Playing party politics with this reform risks politicising future deployments. We spend too little political time discussing national defence and security. Wouldn't it be better to use what time we do make available, to addressing our massive defence shortfalls, especially as our Air Corps and Naval service struggle today to offer even the barest cover? We need a Defence Forces capable of meeting Ireland's obligations at home and also abroad. We need a principled multilateral framework for overseas deployments that commands public trust. That is the challenge facing us. With political direction and leadership from across the Dáil, we can have both.
