Now it’s not often I find fault with the words of our political figures (cough). However, this statement by our ex-president relating to the desire of many women in American society wanting to leave the work force when they marry and have children is certainly not the type of statement that should come from a previous head representative of our country. If anybody, not just women, want to leave the workforce providing it is financially viable to do so then it is entirely their decision. I’m sure that many women and possibly an ever-increasing number of men who have given up work to become the child minder would never look back on a loss of pure capitalist nature over the gain of family and enjoying the early years of their children. It is incredibly worrying that our ex-president should send out the sentiment that Ireland is a would-be work-driven country with no concern for family life. What if every person desired nothing more than corporate climbing and capital gain, where would the Irish family be? Gone and forgotten! How many children already spend more time in creches and child minders rather than with their parents? Personally I am sickened by such comments. I am certainly not saying that any woman should ever give up a job to be with family after birth but it is certainly not a worrying trend if that is their decision to do so. The same goes for any men in such a position. Preservation of the family is far more important. “People of Ireland come climb the corporate ladder with me” – I think not! source: Irish Times
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