anonymous
| Putting the things in perspective, I do believe that Ireland is a very modern and competitive country. The problem is the wretched heritage of the monolithic state of the past.
Politicians did reforms up to a stage where the country became a serious player at the world economy and money started to pump in. That done, what better than keeping the arrangements of its statist past, with its cosy business enviroment? Good for some priviledged groups, good for the politicians.
On the ESB webpage one can read on the faq:
Can I get a networks service from another company?
No, ESB Networks is a natural monopoly.
No wonder a technician from ESB earns 80.000 euro on average!
Other sectors such as the banking system, public transport and telecomunications are clearly a joke. My girlfriend was recently denied to open a bank account on BOI on the grounds that she did not live on the area of the branch.
Similarly, bus stops packed with people are just a hassle to Dublin bus: any private business would be jumping for joy, but for them is just DoS: wait for the next one or come earlier tomorrow. Any wonder that this happens? Grant some business monopolies and special protection and they will treat costumers as they like, which usually is: like rubbish.
The solution for this country is very simple: deregulation, privatization, competition. I think this is inevitable by now, but the country stalls now and then. Some politicians are trying to sell the idea of a 'social pact', which is just a rebranding of the failure collectivism from the the past, and I sincerelly hope that the voters will not be tricked by that.
anonymous
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quake.ie 
eircon strike again!!
