Ireland is the third freest economy in the world.

[Pauli]

First class economy, third world government.

[Dr Jimbo]

I'm talking about the sorts who like to go on about what a ************************hole we are, and how nothing works, and the economic is about to collapse, and nobody ever gets medical care, and yada yada yada.

Truth is, compared to most places we're doing well. And we should never forget that. I have a pretty pessimistic view of human nature, ultimately, and I think that's justified when you consider history. We should recognise that we live in a democratic society that works pretty well, and our criticisms should be based on that. In my humble opinion.

I don't see how the economy being free means that society 'works pretty well' - because patently it doesn't.

Also, the corruption index is broken.

[TradCat]

Pity the health service is $hite
Pity public transport is $hite
Pity the educational system is $hite
Pity the road transport system is $hite
:

The common denominator is that all those things are run mainly by the state with very little competition.

More freedom required. Not less.

Someone mentioned unprofitable bus routes but just because CIE aren't making a profit doesn't mean it is unprofitable. If we are serious about moving people from their cars into public transport we should unleash market forces. Let the market decide what is a route and what isn't. We will end up with more routes to more places with better services and a lower cost.

If you have a suitable bus and a suitable driver you should be allowed run a route wherever you think you can meet a demand.

Remember that Aer Lingus once commissioned a report "proving" it was impossible to fly to London for less than £600.