Comments by Deputy Michael Ring
Thursday, 19th September, 2024.
“We have a very serious problem with social media. Uncontrolled social media is a problem. If the world does not do something about it, God help young children today.
When AI increases its influence, we won’t know the truth from the lies. It’s really bad for society.
In my own case, none of my three children are interested in pursuing political careers: the blame rests with the change in atmosphere in politics. And the damage done by uncontrolled social media is a contributing factor.
The abuse Leo Varadkar got on social media was outrageous. At meetings I went to, you’d get criticised and people would let out their steam. But they were not nasty. You did not have to watch your home to see who is around.
Young people won’t go into politics if they don’t do something about it.
I have always had a very strong work ethic. We were brought up to work hard. When I left school I got a job as a bread salesman. I’d be going from six o’clock in the morning till six o’clock in the evening. I’d collect bread every day from Gavins, Keanes and Western Pride and deliver it fresh. It was a good business. At that time there were shops all over the place
In politics, you might not be home on Friday until 9pm or 10pm. You could have 60 people at your clinics. They would queuing out the door.
I loved the clinics. I saw the inequality and the injustices in the way people were being treated. No disrespect to the public service but sometimes they did not do right for people. They would not have to come into me if people were doing their jobs.
