We’re at risk from Covid-19 – but it’s all the more serious because of the epidemic of stupidity which is gripping the world

We have elected some eejits in this country over the years.

Thankfully, though, our Taoisigh have been sensible men – even if it’s a pity they’ve all been men.

But I do lie awake some nights, wondering just how it is that Donald Trump and Boris Johnson and Jair Bolsonaro managed to get themselves elected by the people of the United States, Britain and Brazil.

(I could give you a list of another 100 countries ruled by dangerous eejits, but I’ll just ask you to take my word for it.)

Not only are these men dangerous narcissists, they’re thick. I mean, really, really stupid.

But then I look at the news and I see and hear “ordinary” people in the States, Britain and Brazil being interviewed and I think, stupidity is alive and well and thriving in those countries.

Unfortunately, stupidity has also taken hold of many people in Ireland.

It’s an epidemic.

I know I shouldn’t but I look at the things they’re saying on social media.

“There is no virus.”

“The whole thing is fake.”

“It’s a government plot.”

“It’s a worldwide government plot.”

“Hardly anyone has died.”

“We should take to the streets.”

“The government is closing pubs because it’s corrupt.”

I actually think that Stupid-2020 is almost as harmful as Covid-19. The combination of the two certainly is deadly.

Do we really want to end up like Brazil and the United States?

Do people not realise what happened to the countries and states that opened up too soon?

The answer of course is, no, they don’t realise what happened in Germany and Portugal and what’s still happening in Sweden and Belgium and India.

And the truth is, we have no idea what is happening in Africa – other than in South Africa where they are preparing for a situation in which more than a million to die.

Almost 150,000 have died in the United States and Trump still talks about himself and only himself. Almost 50,000 dead in Britain and Boris Johnson goes to the House of Commons to crack jokes about Kier Starmer’s underwear.

I’m gumming for a pint of Guinness – despite my own health difficulties.

But I’ll obey the rules not just for myself, but for others.

And if I’m perfectly selfish about this these eejits who urge people to break the lockdown rules. I’M at risk. People like me are at risk – there are 110,000 people in Ireland with COPD. People with asthma are at risk. People with Cystic Fibrosis are at risk. Anyone over 70 is at risk.

In fact, looking at recent figures, EVERYONE is at risk.

And those who survive are left with serious lung and heart conditions.

And yet the stupid out there – including high profile thicks on radio –  still think it’s more important for pubs to open than for people to be kept safe?

And while science is trying hard to find a cure for Covid-19, sadly, there’s none for stupidity.