YESTERDAY, AFTER A week of sustained fuel protests brought the country to its knees, the Dáil sat for the first time in 20 days.

What was the government’s overriding priority? Ripping up the Dáil schedule to remove any opportunity for the Opposition to question them on their shambolic handling of both the protests and the cost-of-living crisis that led to them.

Instead, they bulldozed a confidence motion in themselves into the start of the Dáil’s business, sweeping away scheduled items like Leaders’ Questions and Taoiseach’s questions.

Independent TD, Michael Healy Rae waving to the crowd after his resignation. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

It was shocking, but sadly not surprising, because this is a government that is allergic to answering questions or accountability. Not just that, it refuses to listen to the Opposition, its own backbenchers and the wider public.

That, ultimately, is what led to the turmoil of the past week. An aloof, arrogant government that isn’t listening to people; doesn’t understand the real pressures people are under; and only operates in reactive mode – instead of planning ahead.

The cost-of-living crisis didn’t suddenly emerge six weeks ago when Trump attacked Iran. It has been growing and worsening for years. This government has had the resources to provide meaningful support to people, but has failed to do so. Instead, people who are struggling have watched while it wasted countless billions. While it failed to deliver critical public services, housing and infrastructure.

All while giving sermons about the importance of fiscal prudence. That is the backdrop to these........

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