The call by the Green party for an economic treason law to tackle white collar crime, while they have propped up the most corrupt government in Irish history for the past two years, is a joke; that's according to views expressed to this blog by supporters.
The Green party insist that their proposed bill will amend our constitution to include economic treason. They have not specified whether or not this will lead to the prosecution of current government ministers who have been guilty of neglect and corruption, including Bertie Ahern, Brian Cowen and Brian Lenihan. In fact, Green leader John Gormley could also be added to that list for collaborating with these people for so long, against the obvious wishes of the Irish people.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Ahern retires before people can boot him out
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has announced that he will not seek re-election in the next General Election.
Ahern is the latest high profile FF TD to announce his retirement, leading many to believe that the Fianna Fail party is facing near extinction in the 2011 election.
Asked by reporters if he intended to run for the Presidency, Bertie replied: “I don’t know. I honestly haven’t decided that.” Asked if he was ruling out running, he said: “No, not tonight, everyone would love to be in the Áras. Only one person will end up there.”
Asked if he had any regrets, he said: “If I had seen the banking crisis coming. Nobody advised me, no economist, all those people now writing books saying ‘I told you so’ – none of them.”
On Anglo Irish Bank, he said: “I can honestly say that not once did anyone or any delegation that came in to see me ever say, ‘Watch out for Anglo’ . . . I wish they had have.”
Asked by reporters if he intended to run for the Presidency, Bertie replied: “I don’t know. I honestly haven’t decided that.” Asked if he was ruling out running, he said: “No, not tonight, everyone would love to be in the Áras. Only one person will end up there.”
Asked if he had any regrets, he said: “If I had seen the banking crisis coming. Nobody advised me, no economist, all those people now writing books saying ‘I told you so’ – none of them.”
On Anglo Irish Bank, he said: “I can honestly say that not once did anyone or any delegation that came in to see me ever say, ‘Watch out for Anglo’ . . . I wish they had have.”
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Times poll shows Sinn Féin surge holding nationwide
The surge in support for Sinn Féin is holding nationwide according to a new Irish Times survey.
The survey puts Sinn Féin on 15%, down 1% from the Suns Red C poll two weeks ago, but up 7% on the last Times poll taken last September.
The poll has Fine Gael on 30%, Labour on 25%, Fianna Fail on 17% and the Greens on 2%. It puts others, which includes independents and smaller protest parties on 11%.
This poll shows the dramatic rise in Sinn Féin support nationwide holding strong, despite a recent onslaught from the national media.
The poll has also revealed that Gerry Adams in the second most popular party leader in the nation on 28% behind Labours Eamon Gilmore, but well ahead of Fine Gaels Enda Kenny and the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
The survey puts Sinn Féin on 15%, down 1% from the Suns Red C poll two weeks ago, but up 7% on the last Times poll taken last September.
The poll has Fine Gael on 30%, Labour on 25%, Fianna Fail on 17% and the Greens on 2%. It puts others, which includes independents and smaller protest parties on 11%.
This poll shows the dramatic rise in Sinn Féin support nationwide holding strong, despite a recent onslaught from the national media.
The poll has also revealed that Gerry Adams in the second most popular party leader in the nation on 28% behind Labours Eamon Gilmore, but well ahead of Fine Gaels Enda Kenny and the Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
FG and Labour refuse to reverse cuts to students grants
Last night, the "government in waiting", Fine Gael and Labour could not make a promise to strickened students to reverse the cuts to their grants.
The Union of Students in Ireland is furious over the change which it claims will force many to drop out of college.
Anger is mounting over drastic cuts in grants for 25,000 students who will lose €1,700 each on average from next September.
The students will be forced onto lower grants because they live less than 45km from college.
Until now they got the higher 'non-adjacent' grant which kicked in at 24km from college.
The Union of Students in Ireland is furious over the change which it claims will force many to drop out of college.
Anger is mounting over drastic cuts in grants for 25,000 students who will lose €1,700 each on average from next September.
The students will be forced onto lower grants because they live less than 45km from college.
Until now they got the higher 'non-adjacent' grant which kicked in at 24km from college.
60% of Irish people believe politicians are corrupt
A new poll by Transparency International Ireland has found that six in ten people believe corruption to be rife in Ireland, with the majority blaming politicians.
Bankers and clergy are also named in the corruption list.
John Devitt, Chief Executive of T.I.I said that, "The findings are similar in other countries."
Bankers and clergy are also named in the corruption list.
John Devitt, Chief Executive of T.I.I said that, "The findings are similar in other countries."
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Irish Social groups condemn Budget of Misery
Social groups are today digesting the details of Budget 2011.
Barnardos says there is despair in many Irish households as a result of the cuts in child benefit.
The Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed says Ireland is a much colder place for those out of work.
Respond, the housing association, says cuts to social welfare and child benefit will inflict further hardship on families.
The Civil Public and Services Union, which represents lower-paid civil servants, said that the Budget fails the test of fairness, while the ICTU said that it is "utterly lacking in any sense of the common good”.
Frances Byrne from OPEN, the national network of one parent families, says the Budget is devastating.
"It makes a huge lie of protecting the vulnerable," said Byrne.
Barnardos says there is despair in many Irish households as a result of the cuts in child benefit.
The Irish National Organisation for the Unemployed says Ireland is a much colder place for those out of work.
Respond, the housing association, says cuts to social welfare and child benefit will inflict further hardship on families.
The Civil Public and Services Union, which represents lower-paid civil servants, said that the Budget fails the test of fairness, while the ICTU said that it is "utterly lacking in any sense of the common good”.
Frances Byrne from OPEN, the national network of one parent families, says the Budget is devastating.
"It makes a huge lie of protecting the vulnerable," said Byrne.
International medias reaction to Irish Budget coloured by Irish Medias censorship
International Media Articles about yesterdays budget have been widely regarded as pro government, and blamed upon a conservative national media in Ireland which is actively censoring the news.
One Irish ex pat in New York blog, "Ireland is like Burma now....you only hear what the government there wants you to hear..."
Some 1,800 articles relating to the package appeared in more than 800 publications in 41 countries in the past 24 hours. The vast majority quoted the Fianna Fail line that the budget was necessary and that stability would now be restored to the markets.
Several Left wing parties, including Sinn Féin and the United Left Alliance have criticised RTEs post budget coverage, claiming it to be pro government and anti left.
One Irish ex pat in New York blog, "Ireland is like Burma now....you only hear what the government there wants you to hear..."
Some 1,800 articles relating to the package appeared in more than 800 publications in 41 countries in the past 24 hours. The vast majority quoted the Fianna Fail line that the budget was necessary and that stability would now be restored to the markets.
Several Left wing parties, including Sinn Féin and the United Left Alliance have criticised RTEs post budget coverage, claiming it to be pro government and anti left.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
First stage of Budget of Misery passes in Leinster House
The first vote on Budget 2011, dubbed the budget of misery has been passed in Leinster House this evening.
The vote on financial motions dealing with increases in petrol and diesel along with cuts to the air travel tax have been passed.
The government won the vote by 82 votes to 78. Independent TDs Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry supported the budget despite indicating in the days leading up to it that they might not.
The Budget has been opposed by Sinn Féin, Labour, Fine Gael and a number of independents.
Several Fine Gael members had indicated that they would abstain or even vote in favour of parts of the budget had it been voted on in individual sections.
The vote on financial motions dealing with increases in petrol and diesel along with cuts to the air travel tax have been passed.
The government won the vote by 82 votes to 78. Independent TDs Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry supported the budget despite indicating in the days leading up to it that they might not.
The Budget has been opposed by Sinn Féin, Labour, Fine Gael and a number of independents.
Several Fine Gael members had indicated that they would abstain or even vote in favour of parts of the budget had it been voted on in individual sections.
Even in opposition Fianna Fail will push for painful four year plan
Last night, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said that Fianna Fail in opposition would support any government that implemented the four-year national recovery plan announced by Mr Lenihan two weeks ago.
Some commentators have said that this indicates that Fianna Fail in opposition will support Fine Gael austerity measures, which they outlined in their pre budget plan at the weekend.
This has gave more credibility to those people who say that Fianna Fail, if badly damaged in the next election, will consider merging with Fine Gael.
Some commentators have said that this indicates that Fianna Fail in opposition will support Fine Gael austerity measures, which they outlined in their pre budget plan at the weekend.
This has gave more credibility to those people who say that Fianna Fail, if badly damaged in the next election, will consider merging with Fine Gael.
Crane protestor arrested outside Leinster House
An anti Budget protester was arrested outside Leinster House earlier today, after parking a cherry picker covered in anti government slogans outside the gates.
Slogans condemning Anglo Irish bank and ministerial pensions were hastily removed by Gardai as they attempted to get the man to come down.
The man was in the cage at the top of the crane, the arm of which was fully extended, played music through loud speakers and threw a number of tennis balls at the ground below.
Slogans condemning Anglo Irish bank and ministerial pensions were hastily removed by Gardai as they attempted to get the man to come down.
The man was in the cage at the top of the crane, the arm of which was fully extended, played music through loud speakers and threw a number of tennis balls at the ground below.
Monday, December 6, 2010
"Opposition" party Fine Gael members refuse to vote against budget
Members of Ireland's main opposition party Fine Gael have ruled out voting against the extreme austerity measures in tomorrows budget.
While the Irish people cry out for someone to oppose Fianna Fails reckless budget of cuts, Fine Gael have not been able to insure the support of all their TDs to go against the measures that will be presented tomorrow.
Several Fine Gael TDs, including Lucinda Creighton, have refused to vote against the budget, saying that they agree with the principal of cuts outlined. Ms Creighton, and the other dissenters will not vote against their party in support of the budget however, instead choosing to abstain. This will give Fianna Fail a comfortable majority to pass tomorrow's budget.
While the Irish people cry out for someone to oppose Fianna Fails reckless budget of cuts, Fine Gael have not been able to insure the support of all their TDs to go against the measures that will be presented tomorrow.
Several Fine Gael TDs, including Lucinda Creighton, have refused to vote against the budget, saying that they agree with the principal of cuts outlined. Ms Creighton, and the other dissenters will not vote against their party in support of the budget however, instead choosing to abstain. This will give Fianna Fail a comfortable majority to pass tomorrow's budget.
Budget in Independents hands
The passing of Budget 2011 is now in the hands of two independents, according to government sources.
The Fianna Fail/Green coalition are facing the prospect of losing the budget vote and being forced out of office tomorrow.
Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry are both waiting on clarifications on a "number of areas" before deciding whether or not they will support the budget. Both Independent TDs have claimed that they will vote either for or against, and that they will not abstain.
The Fianna Fail/Green coalition are facing the prospect of losing the budget vote and being forced out of office tomorrow.
Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry are both waiting on clarifications on a "number of areas" before deciding whether or not they will support the budget. Both Independent TDs have claimed that they will vote either for or against, and that they will not abstain.
Sinn Féin to hold over night vigil at Leinster House
Dublin SF is to hold an over night vigil at Leinster House on the eve of the budget.
Sinn Féin are the only party represented in Leinster House standing against the consensus for cuts.
Sinn Féin are calling for a suspension of the budget and an immediate general election.
Sinn Féin are the only party represented in Leinster House standing against the consensus for cuts.
Sinn Féin are calling for a suspension of the budget and an immediate general election.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Champagne Socialist Gilmore wants €190,000 salary
Champagne Socialist Eamon Gilmore has said that he will "cut" his salary to €190,000 a year should he become the next Taoiseach.
The Labour leader has shocked much of his grassroots support by not making more radical cuts to the over paid position of Taoiseach while the rest of the country faces extreme economic hardship.
The Labour leader has shocked much of his grassroots support by not making more radical cuts to the over paid position of Taoiseach while the rest of the country faces extreme economic hardship.
58% of people support SFs plan to default on Bank debt
A new poll in todays Independent shows that 58% of Irish people support SFs plan to default on Irelands banking debt.
61% of the public believe the EU/IMF deal is a bad one for Ireland, while 71% believe the Dail should be given a chance to vote on it. 54% believe the next government should not be bound by it.
61% of the public believe the EU/IMF deal is a bad one for Ireland, while 71% believe the Dail should be given a chance to vote on it. 54% believe the next government should not be bound by it.
Irish Independent predicts Labour/Sinn Féin government
Todays Independent has sensationally predicted that the next Irish government will be comprised of Labour, Sinn Féin and left wing independents.
The Indo, a traditional bastion of the Blueshirt movement has claimed that this coalition could win 87 seats in the next election.
Independent commentators have said that the weakness of Fine Gael in opposition and the desire of the majority of Irish people for real political change has led to a massive rise in support for Sinn Féin and other left wing candidates.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has ruled out coalition with Sinn Féin, but Finance spokesperson Joan Burton has refused to rule it out.
The Indo, a traditional bastion of the Blueshirt movement has claimed that this coalition could win 87 seats in the next election.
Independent commentators have said that the weakness of Fine Gael in opposition and the desire of the majority of Irish people for real political change has led to a massive rise in support for Sinn Féin and other left wing candidates.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has ruled out coalition with Sinn Féin, but Finance spokesperson Joan Burton has refused to rule it out.
46% of people believe crisis will last a decade
A Red C poll in yesterdays News of the World paper found that 46% of Irish people believe that the current economic crisis will last up to a decade, and have little faith in either Fianna Fail or Fine Gael leading us out of it.
It also asked the public who they believed now had the most power over Ireland's destiny, it found that 41% believe the European Union now has the most power when it comes to running the country, while 36% say it is the International Monetary Fund.
When asked who had the least control, 59% said it was the Irish public.
It also asked the public who they believed now had the most power over Ireland's destiny, it found that 41% believe the European Union now has the most power when it comes to running the country, while 36% say it is the International Monetary Fund.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
politicalreform.ie says 24 seats for SF in next election
politicalreform.ie has predicted that Sinn Féin will take 24 seats in the next general election, while Fianna Fail drop to a record low of just 12 seats.
The Independent group also has Labour taking 48 seats, while the independents and other groups, such as the United Left Alliance, will take 15 seats. According to their detailed survey, the Green party will lose all their seats.
This is the second poll in a week that has Fianna Fail being annihilated in the next election, to the benefits of more left wing groups.
Predicted seats in next election from politicalreform.ie
Fine Gael - 67 seats
Labour - 48 seats
Sinn Féin - 24 seats
Fianna Fail - 12 seats
Greens - 0 seats
Others - 15 seats
The Independent group also has Labour taking 48 seats, while the independents and other groups, such as the United Left Alliance, will take 15 seats. According to their detailed survey, the Green party will lose all their seats.
This is the second poll in a week that has Fianna Fail being annihilated in the next election, to the benefits of more left wing groups.
Predicted seats in next election from politicalreform.ie
Fine Gael - 67 seats
Labour - 48 seats
Sinn Féin - 24 seats
Fianna Fail - 12 seats
Greens - 0 seats
Others - 15 seats
Fine Gael: Labour wrong about cuts
Fine Gael frontbench spokesman Leo Varadkar has claimed that Labours plan to go without major cuts in the next budget is not "credible".
Mr Varadkar added that the differences between Fine Gael and Labour were "not insurmountable", but clearly hinted that Labour would have to alter their pre budget plan.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore ruled out coalition with Sinn Féin, indicating that he was prepared to make the changes needed to accommodate Fine Gael.
Mr Varadkar added that the differences between Fine Gael and Labour were "not insurmountable", but clearly hinted that Labour would have to alter their pre budget plan.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Eamon Gilmore ruled out coalition with Sinn Féin, indicating that he was prepared to make the changes needed to accommodate Fine Gael.
Government without Fianna Fail and Fine Gael "a real possibility"
Political commentators have claimed that for the first time in the history of this state, a government without Fianna Fail or Fine Gael is a real possibility.
Leading commentators have said that a combined coalition of Sinn Féin, Labour and the Green party could now out weight the combined strength of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
Ireland has never had a government which did not include one of the two civil war giants.
Leading commentators have said that a combined coalition of Sinn Féin, Labour and the Green party could now out weight the combined strength of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
Ireland has never had a government which did not include one of the two civil war giants.
Fine Gael propose cutting dole - but no cuts to TDs wages
Enda Kenny has hinted that his party will not touch pensioners or the disabled, but over four hundred and thirty thousand people on the dole will be hit, as will loan parent families.
Government confirm record 32% deficit
The government has confirmed today that Irelands deficit for 2010 will be 32% - the highest in the eurozone. This had been stated by Sinn Féin in their pre budget plan over a month ago, but at the time was denied by Fianna Fail and the Greens.
The true deficit of 32% is the result of the governments stubborn plan to recapitalise the banks.
The true deficit of 32% is the result of the governments stubborn plan to recapitalise the banks.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Labour coalition with Fine Gael looks like unsteady partnership
Today Labour and Fine Gael released their alternative budget plans to the public in Dublin.
A third of our young people planning to emigrate
According to those carrying out the survey, this new generation of Irish emigrants are less likely to return home due to the advancement of technology, allowing people to maintain easier contact with family and friends. This would be disastrous for the future of our nation, experts say.
Red C poll puts Sinn Féin ahead of Fianna Fail
A new Red C poll in todays Irish Sun puts Sinn Féin ahead of Fianna Fail in public support.
The new poll puts Sinn Féin on 16%, while Fianna Fail fall to 13%. With the Greens on 3%, this means that Sinn Féin now has as much support as the combined government coalition!
Full Poll
Fianna Fail - 13%
Fine Gael - 32%
Labour - 24%
Sinn Féin - 16%
Greens - 3%
Independents/others - 11%
The new poll puts Sinn Féin on 16%, while Fianna Fail fall to 13%. With the Greens on 3%, this means that Sinn Féin now has as much support as the combined government coalition!
Fianna Fail - 13%
Fine Gael - 32%
Labour - 24%
Sinn Féin - 16%
Greens - 3%
Independents/others - 11%
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Dilapidated schools lose repair funding
OVERCROWDED and dilapidated primary schools will lose €62m of the money they were supposed to get for building works this year.
Education Minister Mary Coughlan said that the money would not be speant due to delays caused by difficulties in the construction industry.
Very low tender prices quoted by some builders had been part of the problem, leading to delays in bringing projects to conclusion. The minister said in some cases the department had challenged quotes because they felt that builders would not be able to deliver the job at the price.
Another difficulty the department encountered was confirming the availability of a bond prior to a contract being awarded, as a result of uncertainty in the banking sector.
She said there were also increasing examples of contractors, sub-contractors and other professionals associated with school building projects going out of business while they were engaged on school projects.
Sinn Féin has called for unemployed construction workers to be taken on by a new state construction organisation, and put to work on Irelands much damaged infrastructure.
Education Minister Mary Coughlan said that the money would not be speant due to delays caused by difficulties in the construction industry.
Very low tender prices quoted by some builders had been part of the problem, leading to delays in bringing projects to conclusion. The minister said in some cases the department had challenged quotes because they felt that builders would not be able to deliver the job at the price.
Another difficulty the department encountered was confirming the availability of a bond prior to a contract being awarded, as a result of uncertainty in the banking sector.
She said there were also increasing examples of contractors, sub-contractors and other professionals associated with school building projects going out of business while they were engaged on school projects.
Sinn Féin has called for unemployed construction workers to be taken on by a new state construction organisation, and put to work on Irelands much damaged infrastructure.
Sinn Féin "poverty" survey to be delivered to Leinster House
Sinn Féin have put together a survey of their members and supporters in the greater Dublin area to ascertain the true extent to which families are struggling financially and are being pushed into the hand of money lenders.
Sinn Féin called for the reintroduction of the Christmas Welfare Bonus to stop families being forced to go to moneylenders, and to boost the local economy. They are also the only representative party in the Dail who oppose the introductions of mass cuts in the next budget.
The party has also surveyed Dublin dole queues and post offices over the past two weeks to get a fuller picture of the hardships being endured by ordinary families this winter.
The research findings will be presented at the gates of Leinster House this morning by Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Sinn Féin called for the reintroduction of the Christmas Welfare Bonus to stop families being forced to go to moneylenders, and to boost the local economy. They are also the only representative party in the Dail who oppose the introductions of mass cuts in the next budget.
The party has also surveyed Dublin dole queues and post offices over the past two weeks to get a fuller picture of the hardships being endured by ordinary families this winter.
The research findings will be presented at the gates of Leinster House this morning by Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Social Protection Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Unimaginative Greens say no alternative to Bail out
Green party Minister for State Ciaran Cuffe has said that there was no alternative to accepting an €85 billion bail out from the EU/IMF.
The Green party attempted to pull out of government last week, but have been less than vocal with any criticism they might have of Fianna Fails four year plan.
The Green party attempted to pull out of government last week, but have been less than vocal with any criticism they might have of Fianna Fails four year plan.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Ferris slams reduction to minimum wage
Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris has condemned Fianna Fail's planned cuts to the minimum wage, and has suggested that excuses made by Brian Cowen for introducing the cuts are a "red herring"
Deputy Ferris said: "As Mark Twain once said there are ‘lies, damned lies and statistics.’ Comparing the minimum wage rate in this country to that of most EU states is a red herring. I wonder would the Taoiseach like to make a similar comparison between his salary and the salaries of most EU prime ministers or heads of state?
Cowen: Cutting minimum wage will not save country any money
Taoiseach Brian Cowen admitted in the Dail today that cuts to the minimum wage will not save any money for the Exchequer.
Mr Cowen made this startling revelation after being grilled by Eamon Gilmore. He reacted to his admission by stating that the cuts to the minimum wage might create jobs for unskilled and semi skilled workers.
Mr Cowen made this startling revelation after being grilled by Eamon Gilmore. He reacted to his admission by stating that the cuts to the minimum wage might create jobs for unskilled and semi skilled workers.
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