Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Irish professors say enough of spending cuts; Status quo is a comfortable place

Karl Whelan, professor of economics at UCD in South Dublin argues that enough has been cut and he claims to have taken a 30% cut in salary since 2009.

Kevin O'Rourke, professor of economics at TCD in Central Dublin, calls critics of the lack of public service reform and change in the protected private sector 'economically illiterate commentators.'

A colleague of O'Rourke used to make money producing reports for developers cheerleading the boom; now he is advocating unilateral default.

In 2007, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern wondered why critics didn't commit suicide.

The conservative vested interests eager to protect existing benefits will fight tooth and nail despite the economy being bankrupt.

Among several contributions, I say: "Why do you think that the traditional trade union movement, headed by an individual who was a central bank director for 15 years - - all through the boom and beyond - - has had nothing to say on change and reform of the system controlled by their wealthy counterparts along the spectrum, representing protected professions also dependent on tax funds?

Is it that there is a tacit understanding by the conservative groups along the spectrum where all fear change and thus the Mexican stand-off?

Why do you refer to those on benefits?

What is needed is a jobs strategy to provide people with worthwhile jobs not public sector trade unions wanting the status quo for insiders with unique protections (maybe everyone in the economy should have their job guaranteed?) while supporting more welfare payments for the private sector unemployed."

Irish Economy Blog: Behaving Like Teenagers?