Did Ireland Progress, or Simply Lose Its Identity? Episode 829

Niall speaks to journalist Laura Perrins about the arrival of Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and his promise of a ten year plan to transform the country.

In his first speech outside Downing Street, Burnham declared that Britain had taken “some wrong turns” since the 1980s, particularly through privatisation and the weakening of local government. He has promised greater public control over essential services, with lower transport costs and capped fares among the first measures reportedly under consideration. AP News

Laura argues that Burnham appears determined to turn back the clock on more than 40 years of economic policy. She asks whether conservatives would be treated so sympathetically if they claimed that life was better four decades ago, and why looking to the past is considered reactionary when it comes from the right, but progressive when it comes from the left.

Niall and Laura examine whether price caps and greater state control can genuinely address Britain’s economic problems, or whether Burnham is reviving socialist policies that have already failed.

The discussion then turns to Ireland. Is the country governed better today, or was it better before the enormous social and political changes of recent decades, including divorce, same sex marriage, abortion, green policies and the wider liberalisation of Irish society?

Is looking to the past always backward, or are there occasions when a country must return to what previously worked?