There will be a fall in our standard of living.

[Eorna]

Its little wonder the country is on the brink of bankrupcy. Well I hope he enjoyed it while it lasted because the days of this kind of largesse with taxpayers dollars needs will be coming to an abrupt end.

Please God for him, a very abrupt end.

As for the drop in living standards. The 1980's will be a cake compared to the next few years..

[fionnmccool]

Well into the hundreds of thousands for the year I mentioned.
And yup, his 'better class than the athletes' trip to Beijing was a massive sting for the taxpayer too, made all the more risible when he flew home even though Ken Egan was boxing for a medal the following morning.
In total, I'd reckon it's safe to say he's cost us at least seven figures in terms of foreign jaunts, possibly even eight figures.

From your account of what happened and the lifestyle they have expensed for themselves and their entourage, it seems our government think they are members of the Saudi Royal family and not democratically accountable public servants.

[JCSkinner]

From your account of what happened, it seems our government think they are members of the Saudi Royal family and not democratically accountable public servants.

Not my account. Read the SIPO report from the time, or even better the many media reports that Monica Leech and Martin Cullen sought to sue from being printed in the Mail, Independent, Times, Mirror, all the Sundays, etc.
I don't know that it would be fair to tar all the cabinet with the same brush, necessarily. But past experience indicates that if anyone loves a nice free trip abroad, preferably in a private jet and preferably with a 3K a day PR guru who doesn't issue press releases when abroad, then it's Martin Cullen.

[fiannafuddy]

I suppose it does. Ah well, haven't had tripe in ages.

Was thinking the same thing. My mother pointed out a sign outside a butchers the other day on the way home from work/college (we carpool) that said "packet and tripe, skirts and kidneys SPECIAL OFFER"

Back to the 90s
I seem to remember being happier then...probably something to do with being about 6/7

I'm pretty sure that the estate agents, property developers, bankers, solicitors and politicans will still be eating the finest of steak and the nicest of wines over the next few years.

I'm pretty sure none of them have any significant income to speak of these days....those who benefited most have been hit the hardest in the downturn. I heard of a machinery contractor lastnight, who is going to Somalia rather than working for someone else....it's the only place he can make money being self employed apparently.

Martin Cullen said on newstalk "We have been to generous to ourselves with taking second holidays and weekend breaks".

Minister for Arts, Sport and ???? what what the last one?

The neck of him, see the holidays they get? Then when there is a crisis they go into hiding. I'm going to look for some guillotines on ebay....

In fairness, government doesn't stop because the Dáil isn't in session. You could argue that MORE gets done during the summer break as there isn't Lenister House business to be tended to.

[fionnmccool]

You could argue that MORE gets done during the summer break as there isn't Lenister House business to be tended to.

The civil service might have kept running but what evidence exists that the government has actually been working during their ridiculously long breaks ? I dont think working on their tans would count.

[JCSkinner]

Back to the 90s
I seem to remember being happier then...probably something to do with being about 6/7

Ah, now your support of Fianna Failure makes sense.
You know no different. Poor child.

[greengoose]

The neck of him, see the holidays they get? Then when there is a crisis they go into hiding. I'm going to look for some guillotines on ebay....

They would get blunt very rapidly with the brass necks ....

[Kevin Doyle]

They would get blunt very rapidly with the brass necks ....

You should do stand up. Classic.