Monday, July 18, 2005
Resident Evil
May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.
The above quote is an old Irish blessing and a very fitting one to use in this instance. Get this - Irish woman Hanoria O'Leary from the County Kerry village of Sneem, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, has been denied the customary €2,540 cheque from the President. Why? Because she has been living in England since she was 75.
Aras an Uachtarain defended the decision: "This money is paid strictly to people who are resident in this country at the time they celebrate their 100th birthday once they have emigrated for a number of years they are no longer entitled to the money," said the President's spokesman.
Isn't this just pathetic? I thought we are supposed to care about our compatriots overseas in this country? I guess not. And let's not forget that recently the Taoiseach and his cabinet of cronies all decided to give themselves a tidy pay rise. It goes to show that this country has its priorities all over the place.
I guess you have to wait a long time to be treated with respect and dignity in this country. Even if you live to be a hundred you still mightn't get it...
And never want as long as you live.
The above quote is an old Irish blessing and a very fitting one to use in this instance. Get this - Irish woman Hanoria O'Leary from the County Kerry village of Sneem, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, has been denied the customary €2,540 cheque from the President. Why? Because she has been living in England since she was 75.
Aras an Uachtarain defended the decision: "This money is paid strictly to people who are resident in this country at the time they celebrate their 100th birthday once they have emigrated for a number of years they are no longer entitled to the money," said the President's spokesman.
Isn't this just pathetic? I thought we are supposed to care about our compatriots overseas in this country? I guess not. And let's not forget that recently the Taoiseach and his cabinet of cronies all decided to give themselves a tidy pay rise. It goes to show that this country has its priorities all over the place.
I guess you have to wait a long time to be treated with respect and dignity in this country. Even if you live to be a hundred you still mightn't get it...
# posted by United Irelander @ 1:38 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
