I graduated from TCD dub kin in 1991. My background is working class near poverty. Luckily I got a grant and worked two jobs, and then emigrated as part of the course. The you know did any job possible, did teacher training ( I saved for ) and two MAs ( I saved for ). Worked for 20 years as a teacher in London, moved back to Ireland. Quickly got job, sold London flat ( took a year ), and now bought dream cottage by the sea. Since returning I meet up with friends who
Have never worked, ever
Will get 200 euro a week and rent paid
Are convinced they are 'special artists'>
Not one single working class friend from that time signs on, its all the highly educated, some to PHD level.
Ireland in comparison to UK has no class system , bit it does have an incredible welfare system, e.g. my brother is bi - polar and receives a weekly wage and my mother gets a carers allowance, as she should. It is in theory the ideal welfare state and the only pole I see fucking it up are the highly educated lot from middle class families of the 80d/90s.