Aidan Regan: The state doesn’t have capacity to fix issues in housing, transport, health or crime

The far-right riot that shook the nation was another example of Ireland’s weak state capacity. Whether it is housing, healthcare, transport or policing, the Irish state does not have the administrative capacity at central or local level to effectively solve social problems.

The core components of state capacity are the ability to efficiently deliver public and social services; execute policies to meet citizens' needs; and enforce law and order. If a state loses the most ...