Floods show Government shortcomings.

THE tens of thousands of families who have been devastated by the recent floods must be living in hell.

Things have been tough enough of late for ordinary households fighting to survive in the downturn.

Now this latest turn of events must seem too much to bear for those who have lost irreplaceable belongings, their homes and possibly their livelihood.

For those who weren't insured against what has happened the future must seem grim.

But regardless of whether there is money involved or not, this sodden episode has highlighted serious shortcomings in the competency of the Government.

While no one could have predicted the sheer scale of this natural disaster, it is no secret that thousands of homes have been at risk from chronic flooding for years.

The Government knew it needed to shore up our flood defences - yet despite the breathtaking wealth we amassed in the good times we missed our chance to do the job properly.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen insisted yesterday that flood protection would now be made "a priority".

And Minister of State for the OPW Martin Mansergh said he was "confident" spending on flood defences will not be cut in the forthcoming Budget.

While failed banks are being bailed out with billions of euro of taxpayers' money, not a cent should be withheld in protecting Irish families from conditions not even acceptable in the Third World.