So here we are, Budget Day 2012.. what effect would Ireland’s economic woes have on the Vox spirit I wondered as Larry’s filled up on Wednesday night. As the topics session started up with tales of Christmases past and present, trips to Poland and scootering around Thailand the atmosphere started to mellow my mood.
Irish budgets are about expectation as much as reality, stories flooding the press in the lead up as the politicians test the bad news on the electorate. Two of tonight’s speakers spoke about expectation vs reality; Muna described an acting class that didn’t necessarily teach him to act, while Sue gave the room perspective as she talked about street kids in Rio sniffing glue to mask their hunger pains.
Topicsmaster Orla did bring in some economic debate, with various arguments for solving the country’s problems ranging from reducing pay for public servants to changing our attitudes and allowing a more entrepreneurial spirit to flourish in Ireland. In contrast to focussing on negativity, several speakers agreed that the Irish people are exceptionally generous when it comes to giving to charity. Whether this comes from our collective experience of poorer times through the generations or the Irish character, comparisons of donation rates around the world highlight Ireland’s high per capita level of giving.
Wexford often plays a starring roles in our topics sessions depending on the origin of the contributors, tonight the question of ‘where in the world would you most like to live’ conjured up a vision of paradise – a warmer Wexford with more sun and beaches to match. Christmas adverts raised their festive heads, the crowd enjoying the arresting image of a line of Christmas elves stretching from Wexford to Donegal.
Petrolhead Jill gave us the Life of I, which, instead of tigers and shipwrecks, included multiple adjectives describing her character, triathlons, surfing and the classic Fiat 500. Sue then took us to Brazil, comparing the wonderful view of Rio as seen from the air to that of the slums on view from the airport bus.
From Muna we learned about the traffic light exercise and that acting is about learning how to concentrate and be flexible. Paul then gave a masterclass in selling Sudocream, along with the useful tip that 4 year olds will generally not need a solution for nappy rash!
Toastmaster Paul asked all of tonight’s participants to give an example of what money can’t buy, with answers ranging from family, to sun, love and sleep. More food for thought for the Vox community as we headed upstairs with just enough time to get in a pint before the price went up again.
Merrilyn Campbell, VPPR