Where we put our situation into a global context. This time: Jim McDaid v Kim Jung-Il
The Irish public were up in arms yet again this week following further revelations about the shocking incompetence and pure laziness of those entrusted with the running of our country. The man at the centre of the public’s ire is none other than Donegal native Jim McDaid, who, it is fair to say, already has a fairly chequered past.
The man who once drove the wrong way down a dual carriageway while three times over the drink drive limit and was up until recently one of only a handful of individuals who failed to surrender an ill-deserved ministerial pension is in hot water again for his pathetic failure to even bother turning up at the Dáil when he is needed most.
It was revealed this week that the Fianna Fáil TD and medical doctor failed to show up for more than eighty per cent of votes in the Dáil last year, claiming that most of them are irrelevant. Some have suggested that he should get only 17% of his salary and I’m sure there are others who would like to inflict more tortuous forms of punishment on poor Jim.
But it could be worse…before we start burning effigies and going to town on McDaid voodoo dolls, we must remember that there are more severe cases of absenteeism in world politics. Far worse in fact.
Take the case of North Korea and Kim Il-Sung, father of the current incumbent and all-round good guy, Kim Jung-Il. Kim Il-Sung was elected as the eternal president of the People’s Republic of Korea in June 1994 and has, by all accounts not attended a single meeting or public event.
His face hasn’t been seen on the telly and his voice has been conspicuous in his absence from the radio. There’s been no sign of him meeting with other world leaders. In fact, come to think about it, he hasn’t been seen at all.
So Mr McDaid, when some fiery scamp takes you to task over your ‘couldn’t be arsed’ approach to politics, Kim Il-Sung has provided you with the perfect retort. Problem is, it turns out he has a pretty good excuse for his general no show in the last sixteen years… he’s been dead all that time.
