1 + 1 = 0 - Council Mathematics
Sometimes One plus One equals Zero. It may not be mathematically correct, but it chimes with real life. Over the last few days, Cork has seen quite a bit of this type of mathematical travesty. The reason? A panel of so-called experts has recommended the dissolution of Cork City Council and it's integration into the existing Cork County Council. The reaction to this recommendation was as expected as it was vociferous: Large parts of the local population, including opposition leaders such as Miheal Martin of Fianna Fail, Irelands largest opposition party, are vehemently opposed to it. And for once, I cannot help but agree with mister Martin. It is an incredibly stupid and ill-informed decision. How did it all come to be? Well, it started with a long overdue review into the boundaries of Cork City. These boundaries haven't changed since the 1920s, and while they were certainly adequate back then, they are woefully inadequate nowadays. The city, Ireland's second largest, is