State of the Isle: Politics: Ireland suffers from its current political situation. Once a nation of diverse political discourse, the Parliament has been reduced to a two-bloc system. For the past 78 years, the “Conservative Oligarchy” had maintained a relatively strong grip on politics. Pushing their policies of non-interventionalism, general stability, and Frith-leasú, the Conservatives presided over a period of international upheaval. The general chaos across the globe, however, continued to strengthen the Conservative order. Ultimately, though, this order has been brought to ruins in recent years, largely because of the destruction consuming Europe over the last decade. While initially indifferent to this, after seeing footage and testimony of the carnage, many in Ireland became fearful, ultimately culminating in the current situation. With the most recent election, the Centrist-Liberal Bloc has attained a great Parliamentary victory. Led by Cathal Brennan and his closest followers, and riding on the wave of paranoia and humanitarian outcry amongst the public, the Centrist-Liberals have managed to oust the long-standing Conservative dominance. This new order has already begun to issue overtures to the nations of Sol, hoping to form alliances and seek support for a new Irish Military. Secretly, many in Ireland continue to remain skeptical, but the new Liberal order’s reign is young, and perhaps Ireland will secure herself prestige and military prominence. Economy: Ireland’s economy has evolved past ‘traditional Capitalism’. Contrary to both the Government and the Military, the economic status of Ireland is quite modern. The most basic services of society have been automated nearly entirely for the past century and a half. The Ministry of Human Infrastructure quietly regulates this largely automated sector, overseeing the production of foodstuffs, the construction and maintenance of housing, infrastructure, and transportation (Essentially 100% public transport, as the rail system has basically erased personal transportation). The Ministry also oversees education. Automation is kept largely to this first ‘tier’ of Irish economics, therefore hoping to prevent inequality and poverty being caused by automated labor. This automation also allows for these crucial services and goods to remain extremely cheap (in most regards, bar the resources themselves, but I’ve an idea for that soon…). Cheap human services allow the Government to combat and eliminate poverty in places where it had persisted long before. Such innovations have also provided the opportunity for those in society to pursue higher-value work. The Middle Class thrives in the second ‘tier’ where societal priorities have greatly shifted in favor of science, engineering, medicine, the arts, administration, and design. While much more sophisticated than the traditional labor humanity once devoted its efforts to, society has taken care to provide a diverse number of career opportunities relying on many skills and intelligence (Not everyone can be a genius, but everyone can learn and everyone can serve a purpose). Great pride and prestige come to those who innovate, create, and perpetuate society. This push for the best allows for the cream of the crop to rise in the ranks (Meritocracies are kool). Importantly, while private enterprise is allowed and in certain cases encouraged, the primary functions of the economy are kept public. Monopolies are monitored closely, and smaller cooperatives and public institutions are pushed above giant mega corporations. The future is thought to be within the individual and their community, not with some abomination of corporate interests that push profit above innovation. Ireland’s economy is far from the most profitable, subsequently, but its efficiency and room for individualistic policy have helped to create a better society with technological improvement always around the corner. The emphasis on keeping the economy more independent and public has also allowed for the M.H.I. to operate without suffering as greatly from the large political issues plaguing Ireland.
Military: Ireland’s military functions on antiquated tactics; it has little defense against modern warfare’s newest technologies. While Ireland’s strong scientific base grants the potential for great military innovation and potency, the policies of Fine Gael’s conservative bloc have focused heavily on Social and Economic matters, largely neglecting the need to increase funding to the Armed Forces. This crippling issue is manifested best in Ireland’s severely aged drone and air fleets, which have been poorly maintained by increasingly apathetic recruits for the past six decades. Additionally, the Isle lacks a space presence, denying it easy access to resources and forcing its reliance on groups of smaller nations for said acquisition. The Navy is practically non-existent, although its necessity has been called into question many times. The land forces are in a similar state, with poorly trained units loosely stationed across the isle. Perhaps the greatest failure of them is the Irish high command’s refusal to shift to smaller, specialized units over larger, arguably less effective masses of men. (Sorry guys, this was kinda rushed. I hope y'all appreciate the yap) Credit to Orion for the patatoe
