Star Comment: Case puts spotlight on costs
Few stories reflect the human cost of public sector pay cuts as vividly as that of Richard John Naughton.
The former retained firefighter was so concerned about plans to close his local fire station that he started setting fire to recycling skips.
He hoped that by doing so he would increase the number of call outs for his colleagues and thereby save the station.
He planned to be a modern day Robin Hood, evading the law and doing good deeds so that his local community might benefit.
His actions, of course, were terribly misguided. Though he had the best of intentions, such vigilante action is simply not acceptable in the modern era. He caused damage to property and danger to others.
His story is desperately sad. His lawyer, Colonel Tim Van Rees, captured the mood by describing it as a tragic case.
Naughton had served the fire service for seven years but has now lost his job. His efforts have come to nought and he is in a worse position now than he was when he embarked upon his flawed enterprise.
Naughton has expressed contrition and rightly so. He did not think the matter through and has had to face the consequences of his illegitimate actions.
Though Naughton was wrong, his case may encourage some to reflect. It shines a spotlight on the true cost of spending cuts. It also shows the passion and commitment that some public sector workers have for their jobs. They will go to all lengths to ensure the public receive the service to which they are accustomed and to protect their own jobs.
The timing of the case is apposite. Yesterday, many disenfranchised public sector workers went on strike to try to avoid the sort of service cuts that drove Naughton to commit his offences.
Naughton's case shines a spotlight on the human impact of such cuts.
The scenario facing him has been mirrored by millions of workers in the public and private sector during the long, hard recession and reminds us just how difficult this period has been for those who have lost their jobs during the recession.
While there could be none who would condone Naughton's actions, there will be many who understand that he set out with good intentions, however misguided they were. He has, quite rightly, learned a harsh lesson and been thoroughly defeated.