ARE WE as badly off as we think? The unprecedented scale of the economic downturn means many face extreme hardship and a seismic change in their lifestyle. Yet, the findings of an
Irish Times/Behaviour Attitudes poll over recent days indicate that significant numbers are surviving relatively unscathed. Most people – almost 70 per cent – say they havent had their pay cut or had their working hours reduced. Three-quarters of people say they are content with their way of life. Much has been made also about the pressure the recession is placing on families and couples. Yet, the vast majority say their relationships are not under strain and disagree that it is affecting their mental or physical health.
For those who have felt the full impact of the recession, however, it has been a jolting experience. One in four people say they, or someone in their household, has lost their job as a result of the recession. Many of these are struggling to cope and cutting back on basics like heat, electricity and even medicine or GP visits. Young people in particular are disproportionately bearing the brunt of the downturn. They are the most likely to be out of work, in debt, and to be considering emigration.
Given these acute difficulties, the Government must fulfil its pledge to protect the most vulnerable in the forthcoming budget.
But it must do more besides. We require urgent measures aimed at getting young people back into work, education or training. Ultimately, investment in education and training is a smart investment and will help avoid the scarring effects of long-term joblessness among a new generation.
The downturn also brings with it new risks. Almost three-quarters of the population want a reduction in the number of immigrants living here. It is grimly ironic that we are becoming less tolerant of foreign workers at a time when many of our own are emigrating to other countries in search of work. If this is a warning sign of growing tensions within society on this issue, the Government should take heed of it now.
Overall, however, the findings of this poll show this is not the time for despair. The majority of people are working, raising taxes and willing to accept public spending cuts to help the State climb out of the current crisis. There is little sign of a population consumed by blame or recrimination. Quite the contrary. Most appear keen to learn from mistakes of the past and simply to get on with life.
If opinion polls are a mirror of society’s attitudes, it is an image not nearly as negative as may have been feared. Many of those in work have simply reduced spending and are saving instead. When confidence returns, we must assume money will begin to flow into the economy once again.
As a State, we have come through much worse in the past. If anything, with an educated workforce and an open economy, we are better placed than many other jurisdictions to benefit from a global upturn. The vast majority of poll respondents were right: it is time for Ireland to start believing in itself.