Some thoughts about recent events in the news…

by Mike

Firstly, what does it say about our beloved Taoiseach and Government that they were prepared to allow a secretary to be emotionally battered on the stand at the Mahon Tribunal instead of coming out and telling us the truth?

The truth is out there somewhere but I think most involved in this matter have started to believe their lies.

Gráinne Carruth appears to have given misleading evidence in the past and should be taken to task for that in due time. However there are a great many involved in this cover up that should have been taken to task a long time ago.

Will it ever happen? Probably not.

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday called for an end to injustice worldwide. While I admire his words, much like the poverty issue, it cannot be resolved with a simple click of the finger. I think we all have to come together and realise that the left and the right hand should no what they are doing, if there is no organisation in trying to fight injustice, there will just be more chaos.

Can we blame sport for the behaviour of society? The recent uproar at the treatment of referees by football (soccer) players has brought about the issue that only the captain should speak to the referee instead of having half a dozen players surrounding the officials. While I agree that there needs to be more respect for referees, I think player’s reactions are not the only cause of disrespect.

Got to any football match at youth levels and you are bound to hear abuse coming from the touchline, and I’m not just talking about a manager. Stories have surfaced in GAA about referees being attacked after games because the “fans” felt the decisions were young.

In terms of football, I think a lot has to do with how much footballers are paid in relation to the stature of referees. Some believe that they can do whatever they want and say whatever they like and that is wrong, it needs to change.

It’s a sad state of affairs and yes it does affect children who see these “stars” as role models; however there are other role models closer to home that should be made to take a long look at themselves.

Monday, March 24th, 2008 and is filed under Thoughts & Questions, Views on News.