NEPHET's huge influence is rooted in the excellence of their communications. The anti-lockdown lobbies, in contrast, have been abysmal - abusing their adversaries and attempting to distort the facts narratives presented by Government, enthusiastically facilitated by the our infotainment outlets. They have been outclassed. In particular, the airlines, hauliers and some of the restaurant/ licensed trade representatives have been effective only in creating confusion. You make the point that the economic, societal and health consequences of the lockdown may not be fully understood for years. On the other hand, there is a great deal that can be said about the damage that is being done by lockdown in each of those three areas. In the main, neither our pols nor our commentariat have done justice to those arguments. I would argue that these arguments need to be surfaced urgently.
I'm with you on the general argument and value your analysis. Let's not be too hard on Government. They have been so desperately wishing to open up that they have been in denial about the possible impact of Delta. As a result, it appears, nobody did any thinking about it until the bombshell landed. It must have been a real kick when the reality was understood.
Thank you for the interesting and valued analysis, it really is important to hear logical and evidence based arguments to counter the ultra conservative approach of NPHET. I would add the point that in my opinion our national broadcaster seems very much in favour of this conservative policy and as a result have not provided a balanced perspective when reporting on COVID. The impact of this on our populations opinions cannot be over estimated, particular in the older age groups.
Please do keep expressing your opinions - the serious broader consequences of NPHET recommendations need to be understood much more extensively - especially when they are apparently accepted without any scrutiny, evaluation or challenge by government - and therefore are now effectively policy.
Jim is debasing his commentary with his ranting that this government is the "worst he's seen in his lifetime". Really? There's a truly exceptional worldwide event happening that all countries are struggling with. It's fine to criticise but hyperbole like Jim's cheapen debate, if you'd call it that.
John, i accept your criticism, but i do genuinely believe that this is the worst Government i have experienced in this country. Communication and leadership are 2 vital qualities at any time but particularly during a crisis. Both have been sadly lacking in my view. I am an unapologetic FG voter, but i am so unimpressed with the manner in which Leo has really done mothing to support the Taoiseach. I sense that civil war politics are rife within Government. My anger or hyperbole as you describe it, is based on a belief that there is only onw winner here - Sinn Fein, which is a prospect that scares the hell out of me. The inability to develop a housing policy and stick with it has also been a huge problem i think.
NEPHET's huge influence is rooted in the excellence of their communications. The anti-lockdown lobbies, in contrast, have been abysmal - abusing their adversaries and attempting to distort the facts narratives presented by Government, enthusiastically facilitated by the our infotainment outlets. They have been outclassed. In particular, the airlines, hauliers and some of the restaurant/ licensed trade representatives have been effective only in creating confusion. You make the point that the economic, societal and health consequences of the lockdown may not be fully understood for years. On the other hand, there is a great deal that can be said about the damage that is being done by lockdown in each of those three areas. In the main, neither our pols nor our commentariat have done justice to those arguments. I would argue that these arguments need to be surfaced urgently.
I'm with you on the general argument and value your analysis. Let's not be too hard on Government. They have been so desperately wishing to open up that they have been in denial about the possible impact of Delta. As a result, it appears, nobody did any thinking about it until the bombshell landed. It must have been a real kick when the reality was understood.
Thanks Brendan, while I am sympathetic to the near impossible job facing the government I do think they have played a bad hand badly.
Comparing NPHET to the Stasi of East Germany surely a ridiculous comment, would have expected better from these two
Thank you for the interesting and valued analysis, it really is important to hear logical and evidence based arguments to counter the ultra conservative approach of NPHET. I would add the point that in my opinion our national broadcaster seems very much in favour of this conservative policy and as a result have not provided a balanced perspective when reporting on COVID. The impact of this on our populations opinions cannot be over estimated, particular in the older age groups.
Please do keep expressing your opinions - the serious broader consequences of NPHET recommendations need to be understood much more extensively - especially when they are apparently accepted without any scrutiny, evaluation or challenge by government - and therefore are now effectively policy.
Thanks Paul. Have no fear, we will continue to do our best and provide that essential evidence-based alternative perspective
Jim is debasing his commentary with his ranting that this government is the "worst he's seen in his lifetime". Really? There's a truly exceptional worldwide event happening that all countries are struggling with. It's fine to criticise but hyperbole like Jim's cheapen debate, if you'd call it that.
John, i accept your criticism, but i do genuinely believe that this is the worst Government i have experienced in this country. Communication and leadership are 2 vital qualities at any time but particularly during a crisis. Both have been sadly lacking in my view. I am an unapologetic FG voter, but i am so unimpressed with the manner in which Leo has really done mothing to support the Taoiseach. I sense that civil war politics are rife within Government. My anger or hyperbole as you describe it, is based on a belief that there is only onw winner here - Sinn Fein, which is a prospect that scares the hell out of me. The inability to develop a housing policy and stick with it has also been a huge problem i think.
Apologies if i have upset you.
Regards
Jim Power