There is no place in Irish Politics for an economist

[Hillmanhunter1]

Really? So why is our budget deficit 18% of GNP for 2009? Not one of them 44 economist saw this depression coming?

Methinks you like to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. One moment you are criticising Finance for not having economists, when that is disproven you change tack to criticising the calibre of the economists.

We'll never know if they saw the depression coming, they probably did, after all most economists who were not in the pay of banks, stockbrokers and estate agents did - but then, as you probably know, nobody likes a Cassandra!

[Aristodemus]

I don't know what's so wonderful about economists but I can sympathise with the general point. The country is currently in the charge of a country solicitor and the economy is in the hands of a bloody lawyer. This is typical of this country and we have faith in the "gifted" amateur. Most of the cabinet and shadow cabinet are lawyers and teachers. No wonder so many of us are depressed

[Cassandra Syndrome]

Methinks you like to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. One moment you are criticising Finance for not having economists, when that is disproven you change tack to criticising the calibre of the economists.

We'll never know if they saw the depression coming, they probably did, after all most economists who were not in the pay of banks, stockbrokers and estate agents did - but then, as you probably know, nobody likes a Cassandra!

True! Its not about doomsaying. I perceive it in the same way as a GP has to inform his patient the truth behind the test results.

Look if the economy had a proper currency, with a proper banking system I would be glorifying it. But the fundemantals are woeful and corrective measures are required.

[Cassandra Syndrome]

I don't know what's so wonderful about economists but I can sympathise with the general point. The country is currently in the charge of a country solicitor and the economy is in the hands of a bloody lawyer. This is typical of this country and we have faith in the "gifted" amateur. Most of the cabinet and shadow cabinet are lawyers and teachers. No wonder so many of us are depressed

Thanks. George Lee is RTE1 now.

[Conor]

Other people who left safe seats in Dail Eireann to develop a proper career and stop wasting their time in the nonsense that passes for Irish politics.

...

Pat McCartan, WP/Labour, Dublin North-East, Judge

Pat McCartan was never in Labour, and his seat wasn't safe. That's why he lost it.

[Newsy]

Really? So why is our budget deficit 18% of GNP for 2009? Not one of them 44 economist saw this depression coming?

I believe those who are criticising this thread, STILL don't get it. You still don't get it!!!!

For this country to function properly politically, there needs to be such a change OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM. Take your 'old' political glasses off and think of the country.

Lee was willing to bring his ideas to the political table.....but that table is out-dated, in how it functions, in how it operates or how it doesn't operate, to be honest. Political stagntion is just one of the issues that it wrong with this country.

I partly agree with you Cassandra. Lee is economically astute and could have brought fresh ideas. BUT the politically system in this country, doesn't take well to the new kid on the block. We need to give ourselves a kick in the arse, get over ourselves and regardless of political party, we need to let the new kids on the block have an input, a voice and share their vision in a meaningful manner.

[Pabilito]

Irish Politics is no place for a man of integrity.

George Lee wanted to make a difference and not to sit on a fat ass seat clocking up expenses and pension. He wanted get stuck in but instead was left to “mature” into another yes man politician.. to grow up and stop having radical notions about change.

I suppose his peers in the Dail sneered at his naivety.

The Dail is bereft of creative talent, no real economic, entrepreneurial, scientific or engineering talents that we so badly need now. Just the same old same old teachers and solicitors etc

We get what we deserve and we don’t deserve George. We're Irish.

[Nodin]

Today our suspicions of Irish politics were confirmed. It is not for the people, by the people. It is f*ck the people, buy the people. Somebody who has a master of economics, and can convey and practice it as a social science should in theory be an ideal politician. But George Lee couldn't stomach even one year of the feudal system of governance.

.

No, he just jumped in there thinking he was the messiah, and lo and behold the people who've been working away for years wanted nothing to do with him. Had he put in a few years as an adviser he might have made some impact, but this sudden parachuting in was never going to result in some messianic sudden rise to power.

It'd be interesting to find out exactly what Kenny said to him. My own suspicion is that he made a vague outline and somebodys ego grabbed it and turned it into far more than was possible.

[Newsy]

No, he just jumped in there thinking he was the messiah, and lo and behold the people who've been working away for years wanted nothing to do with him. Had he put in a few years as an adviser he might have made some impact, but this sudden parachuting in was never going to result in some messianic sudden rise to power.

You don't get it Nodin, do you??

This country DOESN'T have years!!!!!

We need action NOW.....the old politics of wait and get your apprenticeship, isn't where the country is. We are WELL PAST that point.