BLOOMBERG QUINT: Irish Cabinet Self-Isolates as Minister Tested for Virus

Link to the Original Article on Bloomberg: https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/irish-cabinet-self-isolates-as-health-minister-tests-for-virus

-- Ireland’s cabinet is self-isolating after the nation’s health minister had to be tested for the coronavirus after becoming unwell. Members of the Irish government will restrict their movements as the minister, Stephen Donnelly, undergoes a test, speaker of the parliament Sean O’Fearghail said in Dublin on Tuesday. The nation’s Chief Medical Officer, Ronan Glynn, is also self-isolating. Parliament was also briefly suspended, a move which drew some criticism.

“The democratic functioning of the state is too important to operate in this manner,” opposition lawmaker Peadar Toibin said in a statement. “It is simply not good enough.” The news came as the virus threatens to spiral out of control in Ireland. Health authorities recorded 357 new cases today, the highest since May. Prime Minister Micheal Martin said Dublin will need extra curbs, including limits on the numbers allowed visit each others’ home, to stop the spread of the virus. Parliament will resume, with junior ministers taking questions.

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.