Madam, – It is with increasing incredulity that I read comments from local councillors, economists, business people and others who were cheerleaders for the construction sector lamenting the state of the economy.
One could almost imagine that these people were unaware, or were never warned, of the dire consequences of basing our whole economy on a single, unsustainable business model.
The latest example is from your truly frightening series of articles, “Hard Times” (December 8th). Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council and a prominent member of the local Chambers of Commerce, Cllr Nick Killian, is quoted extensively in the article.
I feel it is important as we head into a prolonged recession in this country that those who either wilfully or by gross omission paid no attention to the glaring warning signs of the consequences of property speculation and unsustainable business practices, are not allowed to reinvent themselves.
Those who campaigned for the preservation of the Hill of Tara will have particular reason to feel aggrieved. It was Cllr Killian who over a prolonged period launched vitriolic attacks on anyone daring to advocate a sustainable model of development for the Co Meath commuter region.
The voters of Navan, Kells, Rathoate, Trim and countless other towns would do well to remember what and who these people stood for during the “boom” years. – Yours, etc,