There are no shortage of self-serving politicians in plenty of other countries, including ones with excellent aviation safety records. As well as sensationalist press.
If the way Mr. Sharkey comes across in a blog or newspaper article prevents a country from improving its safety record or as you say "Despite all of the wonderful promises, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING has been done.", I think you are looking at the wrong location for blame.
Change will only come from within, when the people demand it. If they don't particularly care, then the status quo will continue....for aviation safety and so much else.