From bust to boom?

In a time of such widespread doom and gloom, it turns out that Ireland has the highest birth rate in Europe. I've not done the research but apparently this is nothing new, and quite common in such austere times. It doesn't alter the reality for many new families, though, that now is a tough time to raise children. I mean this both financially and spiritually. The money issue (or lack of it) is pretty obvious, but equally there are social problems to deal with; the uncertainty of Ireland's future, the absence of values and the breakdown in our once absolute faith in the Church.

Personally, I don't think money is the real problem. I know that's easy to say when you're not encumbered with massive debts and worse, but my observations lead me to believe that with more support for each other, firstly within our families and secondly in the wider context of our communities, what we need collectively can be achieved collectively.

It's easy to say, but harder to put into action. If this has given you some food for thought, have a read of this article in today's Irish Times by Sheila Wayman http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2010/0913/1224278755563.html

I would interested to hear your thoughts...