EssaysThis intriguingly titled collection of papers from the 2003 Magill Summer School contains 30 contributions on the theme of "modern Ireland" by politicians, academics, journalists and others.
An invariable problem with collections like this, based on conference presentations, is the impossibility of capturing the flavour of the lively discussion that accompanied their original delivery. Many of the contributions appear to be unedited papers, which makes for rather disjointed reading - the format is really more that of a report than a book.
The papers themselves are often provocative in content. Several contributors take a "doomsday" view of modern Ireland, reflected in the declaration on the back cover: "In spite of unprecedented prosperity and affluence, violence stalks the streets. In every part of the country drugs and alcohol are a threat to the social fabric."
In this vein, Joe Mulholland observes in the foreword: "Underlying everything is the feeling that, in the Ireland of the 21st century, the social fabric has broken down. In the absence of old traditional values, customs and religious beliefs, there is a gaping void into which are pouring 'me-feinism', irresponsibility, depression, loneliness, suicides."
Other contributions are similar in tone. Bishop Willie Walsh argues that the loss of trust in Church and State has caused social fragmentation, leading to an "aggressive individualism". While he acknowledges that there may be good reason for the loss of trust in priests, he blames individuals in the media for having taken on a "harsh and oppressive role" in their critique of the Church. This is an unfair criticism of journalists who have carried out important investigations into clerical child sex abuse - and whose work has exposed the sinister side of a Church-dominated society.
There is a real undertone of misplaced nostalgia in these contributions. It may be tempting to refer back to a "golden age", when everyone was more caring and compassionate, young people drank less, and there was no depression or suicide - but this is a rose-tinted view of the past. Growing up in 1980s Ireland, emigration rates were high and crime rates higher than they are now. Depression, suicide and alcohol abuse were serious problems too, and many older people thought the social fabric was breaking down, just as they do now.
Nor was Irish society any more caring then - pre-prosperity Ireland could be an intolerant, insular and narrow-minded place. The economic boom has brought greater confidence, made us more outward-looking. Of course it is true, as many contributors point out, that the Tiger economy has not brought wealth to all. In fact, the gap between rich and poor has actually grown during the boom years. We still have unjustifiable levels of poverty, a creaking health system, and grossly under-funded public services. But despite all this, a poorer Ireland was not a better Ireland.
Fortunately, many commentators do not share this nostalgic outlook, and provide thoughtful and well-argued contributions. Those from the voluntary sector are especially interesting. Tony Geoghegan, director of the Merchant's Quay drug rehabilitation centre, for example, provides an incisive discussion of factors around drug addiction, concluding that any strategy aimed at tackling addiction must also focus on the allied problem of social and economic disadvantage. John Dolan, of the Disability Federation of Ireland, makes a strong case for greater recognition of the role of voluntary organisations. From a Northern Ireland perspective, Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan argues convincingly for the need to ensure accountability in any police complaints system.
Overall, the collection would have benefited from better editing of individual papers, and the inclusion of a final chapter attempting to draw some general conclusions. But despite its flaws, the book is undoubtedly a stimulating read, and likely to provoke heated argument among readers.
Hopefully, it will also encourage people to attend participative events like the Magill Summer School, where contributions like these may best be appreciated and debated.
Ivana Bacik is a practising barrister and lecturer in law at Trinity College Dublin. She will be a Dublin candidate for the Labour Party in the June 2004 European Elections
Why Not? Building a Better Ireland Edited by Joe Mulholland Magill Summer School 2003, 174pp, €10