German Chancellor Angela Merkel is arguably the most powerful politician in Europe and unapologetic about her Christian Democratic values. Photo: CNS The View
For many years past, there have been warnings of the danger of a pandemic, which mostly went unheeded. Now it is upon us. We were quickly reminded of the great influenza epidemic of 1918-19, which carried off millions of people, young adults in particular.
Throughout history, and to this day in many parts of the world, lethal disease outbreaks, malnutrition, floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters have been part of lived experience, underlining the fragility of life, sometimes for even the best protected. That consciousness of vulnerability, brushed under the carpet most of the time while on the surface life appears secure, stable and predictable, is what makes many people value their religion.
Worldwide, with limited exceptions, the decision has been made to put the preservation of life first, ahead of economic considerations, budgetary rules and personal freedoms. While everyone is called on to make some sacrifices, there is huge admiration and gratitude for those who, at much risk to their health and lives, have put themselves in the front line, fighting a deadly threat which has already ravaged society, but which, left unchecked, is capable of inflicting massive death and devastation.
Appreciation
It is clear that those who perform vital and fundamental services, particularly in situations that can be life or death for them and others, need to be appreciated in every way.
There will be lessons to be learnt. Both here and elsewhere, calm, informed and responsible leadership guided by expert advice and that commands public trust is vital in helping societies to come through a traumatic and for some a tragic period, the duration of which is still uncertain. There are many worries, not just about contagion and loved ones, but also the fall-out for livelihoods, families and communities.
Here in Ireland, leadership in this unprecedented crisis has had to be provided by a departing government. Yet it is exercising emergency powers with consent. Leo Varadkar, as a doctor, has demonstrated the judgement and political behaviour required from the top at the height of a pandemic, just as Germany is fortunate still to have in place Chancellor Angela Merkel, a trained scientist who relies on sober analysis, not on rhetorical or chauvinistic bluster.
Answers
We have come to appreciate again, especially in our compact society, the value of public service broadcasting, to inform, assure, and to throw light on anything that requires immediate answers. RTÉ has performed an essential service in this crisis, and Government has to see that it is there for the future, without prejudice to separate ongoing debate as to how it should best fulfil its remit to the whole community and reflect the depth and diversity of values that inform our national life.
The Bible warns us of the besetting sin of hubris, the moments when we feel that everything is attainable. We are a world away from where we were when we voted in February. In a context where overall the country was performing strongly, there was public impatience with failure to crack hospital overcrowding, unaffordable housing and homelessness.
The immediate agenda now is different, but they at least must not return.
A new Government will face formidable challenges, overseeing a gradual but safe return to a more normal but changed life, and steering the economy and the country through many dangers amidst international volatility back to health. Recovery initially will necessarily be state-led. This does not mean that state socialism will now replace the social market economy. The majority of issues that a new government will face will have to be responded to as they arise. No programme for Government will be able to foresee or settle them all in advance beyond a general orientation.
In a crisis, people look primarily to their national governments. However, no one should underestimate the value of EU and Eurozone membership in providing a safety net, without which the government of any smaller or more vulnerable country could be mercilessly buffeted by the markets. Ireland is wise to have re-aligned itself with those that want the European Union to be as forthcoming as possible in underpinning the stability of the European economy.
For a young diplomat in the 1970s, when Ireland joined the EEC, the Netherlands stood out in its commitment and enthusiasm for the European project.
It is hard to get used to the change for many years now to a more negative attitude to the needs of European solidarity, reflective of deeply divided internal politics.
It is an ill wind that blows no one any good. We temporarily have a much cleaner environment. The homeless on the streets can be given accommodation. Patterns of drug-dealing and other forms of criminality have been disrupted. An emergency overriding one-tier health system has been established. The possibilities of working more from home have become obvious.
Are economic recovery and Brexit too much for the British Government to cope with?”
We will also need to ask questions. Is concentrating people in high-rise apartments near city centres or in tightly-packed, open-plan work spaces such good planning? Are massive cruise ships a major health hazard? Are economic recovery and Brexit too much for the British Government to cope with at the one time, so should there be an extension to the transition period beyond the end of the year? Do countries need to be more self-sufficient with regard to some of their vital needs during an emergency, and do we rely excessively on global outsourcing and supply chains?
Temporarily, many people are without the company of family friends or colleagues, and are not free to go any distance to socialize or participate in meetings, gatherings, sport and entertainment.
As against that, creative use is being made of social media to stay in contact and communicate with each other even more than normal.
While the churches have done their utmost to continue to serve their Faithful congregations this way, many people are waiting for the day when they can safely greet and be in direct communion with each other again in a church setting that means so much to them.