Jaundiced Ireland has heard that Cllr. Vincent P Martin has been approached by and has agreed to join the Green Party in advance of the forthcoming general election. Martin has been an outspoken member of Monaghan County Council, particularly on planning issues. He was an unsuccesful candidate in the 2002 General Election, but took a council seat in 2004. He has built a high profile in the County and is in a strong position to challenge for votes in South Monaghan. This will be a cause of concern to the newly chosen FF candidate Margaret Conlon.
Also doing the rounds in the rumour mill is the possibility that either Sean McCague (ex GAA president) or Dr Ilona Duffy may be persuaded to run as candidates for the Monaghan Hospital Alliance. Such a move would be likely to finish off any possibility of Paudge Connolly retaining his seat.
Should both of these candidates run, it will once again ensure that the Monaghan side of the constituency becomes a veritable bloodbath.
Another recount anybody.
Showing posts with label IrishPolitics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IrishPolitics. Show all posts
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Thursday 29 March 2007
Ides of March Comes late for Bertie
Beware the Ides of March Bertie. Well the daggers were out in the Senate yesterday for An Taoiseach. Senator Margaret Cox threatened a vote on the Finance Bill and were it not for some quick procedural footwork by FF members, she would have got it. This is an act of open warfare from the Galway Senator on her own party and one which has shocked many.
Its not clear what Cox's motives were on this. She argues that she doesn't feel Galway is getting a fair deal. Perhaps she is preparing a solo run. If so it is likely to be ill fated. Perhaps she is trying to raise her profile pre Seanad election, if so this is equally a crazy idea, considering who will be voting for her. Perhaps the only other explanation is the strangest of all, a genuine outbreak of principles on the floor of the House.
Liam Fitzgeralds attack was more straightforward and much more easy to explain, he was shafted by FF and he's gonna shaft them right back. Given the level of discord in Dublin North East and the amount of people who are supposed to have resigned or made their discontent known within the constituency organisation, this could spell trouble for the Soldiers of Destiny.
All in all, a bad day for Bertie in the Senate.
Its not clear what Cox's motives were on this. She argues that she doesn't feel Galway is getting a fair deal. Perhaps she is preparing a solo run. If so it is likely to be ill fated. Perhaps she is trying to raise her profile pre Seanad election, if so this is equally a crazy idea, considering who will be voting for her. Perhaps the only other explanation is the strangest of all, a genuine outbreak of principles on the floor of the House.
Liam Fitzgeralds attack was more straightforward and much more easy to explain, he was shafted by FF and he's gonna shaft them right back. Given the level of discord in Dublin North East and the amount of people who are supposed to have resigned or made their discontent known within the constituency organisation, this could spell trouble for the Soldiers of Destiny.
All in all, a bad day for Bertie in the Senate.
Cullen Gets it Right At Last
I'm no fan of Martin Cullens, never have been and I doubt that I ever will be, but credit where its due. The Minister has brought into play legislation which will guarantee a mimimum one years ban served on any drink driving offence. It will also reduce the remission that can be attained on longer bans.
The joke that was the system, where a one year ban meant six months and two years meant 12 months. In a country with as many road deaths as ours, this leniency was long overdue for tackling.
The joke that was the system, where a one year ban meant six months and two years meant 12 months. In a country with as many road deaths as ours, this leniency was long overdue for tackling.
Monday 26 March 2007
No Good News for FF
It is becoming increasingly apparrent that the media (or should i say MEEEJA) are not going to give FF any break in the next few months. It has been clear for some time that the Mail and Times are going to lay into the FF government at every opportunity, but this has spread to most other media outlets and there does appear to be developing a genuine anti FF bias in the media.
Now I have my issues with FF and am not averse to the notion of seeing a change in power, however its getting a bit ridiculous. Neither the Government nor FF suddenly became evil and incompetent overnight, but the media campaign is certainly ramping up in preparation for the election. (Whether you believe the Government was evil and incompetent long before this, I leave to your judgement).
It's up to others to make up their minds as to the extent of the bias, however to me it is becoming decidedly obvious. The official opposition appears to be the fourth estate. FF traditionally whinges about the media hating them, but in this case they may have a point.
Now I have my issues with FF and am not averse to the notion of seeing a change in power, however its getting a bit ridiculous. Neither the Government nor FF suddenly became evil and incompetent overnight, but the media campaign is certainly ramping up in preparation for the election. (Whether you believe the Government was evil and incompetent long before this, I leave to your judgement).
It's up to others to make up their minds as to the extent of the bias, however to me it is becoming decidedly obvious. The official opposition appears to be the fourth estate. FF traditionally whinges about the media hating them, but in this case they may have a point.
Thursday 22 March 2007
Thursday Election an FF Gerrymander
It is the Taoiseachs perogative to call the date of the General Election, however this perogative should be exercised with reference to the demands of a democratic society that people should be given every opportunity to vote. Bertie does not appear to be worried by such niceties, he has an election to win and it is likely that those nasty student types wont be voting FF, but for Greens and other socialist or hippy types. He also does not want to have the people who moved to Dublin to work going home to vote after being stuck in traffic getting out of Dublin on a Friday. Bollix to dat says Bertie.
The Thursday election should by now be an anachronism in Irish politics, we should have moved away from those days. The point should be to allow as many as possible to exercise their franchise and hang the expense of the overtime at the count.
Noise needs to be made about this. It is not a small issue, it is one which is critical. We have to many pious words about needing to increase participation from politicians. When words are matched by these actions it leaves you in no doubt what they feel about young voters.
The Thursday election should by now be an anachronism in Irish politics, we should have moved away from those days. The point should be to allow as many as possible to exercise their franchise and hang the expense of the overtime at the count.
Noise needs to be made about this. It is not a small issue, it is one which is critical. We have to many pious words about needing to increase participation from politicians. When words are matched by these actions it leaves you in no doubt what they feel about young voters.
Wednesday 21 March 2007
Minister McDowell Confirms End of Winter
In what has to be one of the strangest press releases of the year, the Minister for Justice has confirmed the end of winter by announcing that clocks will indeed go forward this weekend. The press release issued this morning brings to an end weeks of speculation that clocks would not enter into a 'going forward' agreement and that each clock would engage in individual bargaining.
It is not clear whether the Tanaiste in announcing the start of summer is actually claiming credit for it. In this country that's a tactic that could fall flat on its arse.
Below is the listed the text of the press release issued by the Minister.
"REMINDER
CLOCKS GO FORWARD WEEKEND OF 24/25 MARCH, 2007The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell, T.D., would like to remind the general public that "Summer time" will commence at 1.00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on Sunday 25 March, 2007. Clocks and watches should be put forward one hour at that time. Summer time will end at 1.00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on Sunday 28 October, 2007. 21 March 2007"
Who says he doesnt earn his keep.
It is not clear whether the Tanaiste in announcing the start of summer is actually claiming credit for it. In this country that's a tactic that could fall flat on its arse.
Below is the listed the text of the press release issued by the Minister.
"REMINDER
CLOCKS GO FORWARD WEEKEND OF 24/25 MARCH, 2007The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Michael McDowell, T.D., would like to remind the general public that "Summer time" will commence at 1.00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on Sunday 25 March, 2007. Clocks and watches should be put forward one hour at that time. Summer time will end at 1.00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time on Sunday 28 October, 2007. 21 March 2007"
Who says he doesnt earn his keep.
Sunday 18 March 2007
Viva El Presidente
Well the Soldiers of Density have gotten round to launching the posters and it comes as zero surprise that they are leading with Bertie. It was always an outside chance that Martin Cullen would be heading up their campaign I suppose.
The slogan is good stuff, Peace Prosperity etc etc and Bertie sitting behind the Taoiseachs desk. The message is very clear, "dont piss it all away - vote FF".
Leading with Bertie has been FFs strategy for so long that its hard to remember how we ever got on without the likeable auld so and so. The Bertiegate affair proved that Bertie is virtually untouchable.
It begins now. The shutting up of Cullen and Roche. From now on its about Bertie, no one else will matter at national level for Fianna Fail. Can Bertie keep persuading us as interest rates rise and jobs go left right and centre, that he's still in control.
Watch this space, El Presidente is warming up for the fight.
The slogan is good stuff, Peace Prosperity etc etc and Bertie sitting behind the Taoiseachs desk. The message is very clear, "dont piss it all away - vote FF".
Leading with Bertie has been FFs strategy for so long that its hard to remember how we ever got on without the likeable auld so and so. The Bertiegate affair proved that Bertie is virtually untouchable.
It begins now. The shutting up of Cullen and Roche. From now on its about Bertie, no one else will matter at national level for Fianna Fail. Can Bertie keep persuading us as interest rates rise and jobs go left right and centre, that he's still in control.
Watch this space, El Presidente is warming up for the fight.
Tuesday 6 March 2007
Chambers Launch Manifesto for Election
Chambers launches Election Manifesto for Growth
Chambers Ireland has today launched its election manifesto “A Manifesto for Business – A Manifesto for Growth” examining the six core themes that the Irish Chamber network believes are necessary requirements for future growth. In addition to calls for the timely delivery of a first rate infrastructure, retaining our low tax environment and unleashing more competition in the energy and public transport sectors, the document makes recommendations to assure Ireland’s continued progress.
Speaking at the launch, Chambers Ireland President David Pierce said “while Ireland has experienced an outstanding period of economic progress, the policies which have facilitated our growth, will not necessarily be the ones to maintain it in the future. Accordingly, we must build on those policies that have delivered so much in recent times, while also preparing for the inevitable adjustments that must come.”
In the context of ensuring a competitive business environment, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive John Dunne said, “the World Bank ranks Ireland 80th in terms of favourable employment regulations, this is bad for business. We call on the next government to commit to only update regulations on two set days per year. In addition, all Health & Safety and Employment legislation should be consolidated into a single act to simplify the administrative burden for companies,” he added.
In reviewing future cost commitments, Dunne stated, “the next Government should commit to publishing a statement of national liabilities—such as pensions—in the National Accounts thereby providing greater clarity on our future responsibilities.” He also called on the government to provide a redundancy option for public servants.
Regarding the ongoing debate over income taxes Dunne said “almost 40pc of the workforce does not pay any income tax at all. We believe that this number is too high and does not ensure that enough taxpayers are sensitised to Government spending. Accordingly, Chambers Ireland believes that the incoming government should ensure that 1/3 of taxpayers pay no income tax, 1/3 pay the standard rate and 1/3 pay the top rate, whatever that rate may be” he added.
Turning to the delivery of an educated flexible workforce, Dunne said “with the expansion of the school curriculum, particularly at primary level, employers are concerned that not enough time is being allocated to the basic requirements of reading, writing and arithmetic. Accordingly, we call on the next Government to lengthen the school day by one hour. This will assist in maintaining standards of education while also covering the expanded ICT and science curriculums,” he noted.
“We must also provide additional tax credits for citizens returning to education while ensuring that our third level system is incentivised to properly support part time learning via provision of the same level of capitation grant for night as for day students,” he concluded.
Chambers Ireland has today launched its election manifesto “A Manifesto for Business – A Manifesto for Growth” examining the six core themes that the Irish Chamber network believes are necessary requirements for future growth. In addition to calls for the timely delivery of a first rate infrastructure, retaining our low tax environment and unleashing more competition in the energy and public transport sectors, the document makes recommendations to assure Ireland’s continued progress.
Speaking at the launch, Chambers Ireland President David Pierce said “while Ireland has experienced an outstanding period of economic progress, the policies which have facilitated our growth, will not necessarily be the ones to maintain it in the future. Accordingly, we must build on those policies that have delivered so much in recent times, while also preparing for the inevitable adjustments that must come.”
In the context of ensuring a competitive business environment, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive John Dunne said, “the World Bank ranks Ireland 80th in terms of favourable employment regulations, this is bad for business. We call on the next government to commit to only update regulations on two set days per year. In addition, all Health & Safety and Employment legislation should be consolidated into a single act to simplify the administrative burden for companies,” he added.
In reviewing future cost commitments, Dunne stated, “the next Government should commit to publishing a statement of national liabilities—such as pensions—in the National Accounts thereby providing greater clarity on our future responsibilities.” He also called on the government to provide a redundancy option for public servants.
Regarding the ongoing debate over income taxes Dunne said “almost 40pc of the workforce does not pay any income tax at all. We believe that this number is too high and does not ensure that enough taxpayers are sensitised to Government spending. Accordingly, Chambers Ireland believes that the incoming government should ensure that 1/3 of taxpayers pay no income tax, 1/3 pay the standard rate and 1/3 pay the top rate, whatever that rate may be” he added.
Turning to the delivery of an educated flexible workforce, Dunne said “with the expansion of the school curriculum, particularly at primary level, employers are concerned that not enough time is being allocated to the basic requirements of reading, writing and arithmetic. Accordingly, we call on the next Government to lengthen the school day by one hour. This will assist in maintaining standards of education while also covering the expanded ICT and science curriculums,” he noted.
“We must also provide additional tax credits for citizens returning to education while ensuring that our third level system is incentivised to properly support part time learning via provision of the same level of capitation grant for night as for day students,” he concluded.
Thursday 1 March 2007
Fahey Slip Up or Not
The rap on the knuckles administered to Frank Fahey by the Public Accounts Committee, regarding his interpretation of the mechanisms funding of marinas on the west coast while Minister may not be as harmful as some might think.
Unless it becomes a part of a trend of mini scandals over the next few weeks, it will soon be forgotten outside of the constituencies where the money was granted. Fahey's laughable performance on Morning Ireland this morning will similarly be forgotten by all but the hacks. However in the constituencies where the projects were delivered, the deed will be remembered and it will not be a negative for FF.
Unless it becomes a part of a trend of mini scandals over the next few weeks, it will soon be forgotten outside of the constituencies where the money was granted. Fahey's laughable performance on Morning Ireland this morning will similarly be forgotten by all but the hacks. However in the constituencies where the projects were delivered, the deed will be remembered and it will not be a negative for FF.
Interest May Rise and Support May Fall
The prospect as indicated in this mornings Irish Independent of a further five rises in interest rates this year may become a feature in the coming election. With a rise due next week, it is highly likely that there will be a further rise pre - election. By May, mortgage holders will be facing further strain in paying the bills.
The reports that Irish financial institutions have begun repossessing houses will have sent a chill up the spine of anyone who remembers Thatcher's UK in the 80s. The Labour posters posing the question 'But Are You Happy?' may well find a few more negative answers. This kind of doom and gloom can spread easily in the pubs and at the watercoolers.
The reports that Irish financial institutions have begun repossessing houses will have sent a chill up the spine of anyone who remembers Thatcher's UK in the 80s. The Labour posters posing the question 'But Are You Happy?' may well find a few more negative answers. This kind of doom and gloom can spread easily in the pubs and at the watercoolers.
Wednesday 28 February 2007
Net Outflow of 35bn - We're Either Minted or The Rats Are Jumpin Ship
The latest round of EU wide statistics have been completed - where would lazy journalists be without Eurobarometer. In the last year Ireland had the third highest rate of investment in overseas countries. We've so much money at this stage, we cant spend it here any more we're sending it all overseas.
A part of the 35bn which left Irish shores was a significant repatriation of funds to the US as a result of a tax amnesty, however, there was still a very significant level of investment by Irish people in projects overseas. This is obviously in part a reflection that the days when an easy killing could be made in the Irish property market is over and now Irish investors are looking to buy houses and appartments elsewhere. It is also a sign of Irish enterprises making significant aquisitions of property and business interest overseas.
The only worry in all of this is it further demonstrates that Ireland is not the investors market it once was and if we are shipping our own cash overseas it is liklely others may do likewise.
A part of the 35bn which left Irish shores was a significant repatriation of funds to the US as a result of a tax amnesty, however, there was still a very significant level of investment by Irish people in projects overseas. This is obviously in part a reflection that the days when an easy killing could be made in the Irish property market is over and now Irish investors are looking to buy houses and appartments elsewhere. It is also a sign of Irish enterprises making significant aquisitions of property and business interest overseas.
The only worry in all of this is it further demonstrates that Ireland is not the investors market it once was and if we are shipping our own cash overseas it is liklely others may do likewise.
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Stardust Campaigner to Run in Dublin
The maths in Dublin North Central just got more complicated with the announcement that Antoinette Keegan, a survivor of the Stardust Tragedy, will seek election in the coming battle. The candidate will be seeking to raise the pressure on the government to launch an enquiry into the tragedy.
Dublin North Central is a four seater and is home to Sean Haughey, Ivor Callely, Finian McGrath and Richard Bruton. With Derek McDowell and Green Bronwen Maher also in the field plus two Sinn Fein candidates, this would already be a tricky constituency to win in. Whether Antoinette Keegan can win is debatable, but she will certainly gain profile for this issue.
Dublin North Central is a four seater and is home to Sean Haughey, Ivor Callely, Finian McGrath and Richard Bruton. With Derek McDowell and Green Bronwen Maher also in the field plus two Sinn Fein candidates, this would already be a tricky constituency to win in. Whether Antoinette Keegan can win is debatable, but she will certainly gain profile for this issue.
Monday 26 February 2007
Competition Authority Miss The Point
The Competition Authority has warned IBEC and in particular its food and drink sub group for saying that there was likely to be a rise in price due to increased costs faced by business. The Competition body appears to be saying that IBEC is attempting to lead prices.
The purpose of the IBEC statement and statements which have been made by a number of other groups such as Chambers and ISME, is that increased costs faced by business, many of which have been levied by government agencies, make our prices higher and our economy uncompetitive. Food price inflation has for a number of years been below the real inflation rate.
If the Competition Authority wants to see a competitive market it would do well to look at the Governments role.
The purpose of the IBEC statement and statements which have been made by a number of other groups such as Chambers and ISME, is that increased costs faced by business, many of which have been levied by government agencies, make our prices higher and our economy uncompetitive. Food price inflation has for a number of years been below the real inflation rate.
If the Competition Authority wants to see a competitive market it would do well to look at the Governments role.
Sunday 25 February 2007
Connolly In talks
Fianna Fails attempts to tempt Hugh Mohan to stand in Cavan Monaghan have run into problems again and Paudge Connolly appears to be keen on offering them a plan B. Cavan Monaghan remains a problem constituency for FF strategists.
There has been some suggestion that FF had nearly landed Mohan, but that he was somewhat spooked by the level of media coverage which surrounded his possible selection. It is not clear that Mohan is ready to do the deal.
If Mohan does not step up to the mark, Connolly might see the FF ticket as his one chance to hold on to his seat. There is a fairly wide spread belief that Connolly is vulnerable, not only from other candidates but also from the lack of endorsement from the respected Hospital Alliance in Monaghan. Connolly was the self selected hospital candidate in 2002 - that ruffled many feathers - and there are definitely those who would like to see him beaten. The Alliance running their own candidate is not beyond the realms of possibility.
To add a little more flavour to the stew, former FF councillor Ray Aughey is now threatening to run. His intention not to win, but to cause as much harm as possible to any parachute candidate that head office would impose.
Ah Monaghan, never a dull moment.
There has been some suggestion that FF had nearly landed Mohan, but that he was somewhat spooked by the level of media coverage which surrounded his possible selection. It is not clear that Mohan is ready to do the deal.
If Mohan does not step up to the mark, Connolly might see the FF ticket as his one chance to hold on to his seat. There is a fairly wide spread belief that Connolly is vulnerable, not only from other candidates but also from the lack of endorsement from the respected Hospital Alliance in Monaghan. Connolly was the self selected hospital candidate in 2002 - that ruffled many feathers - and there are definitely those who would like to see him beaten. The Alliance running their own candidate is not beyond the realms of possibility.
To add a little more flavour to the stew, former FF councillor Ray Aughey is now threatening to run. His intention not to win, but to cause as much harm as possible to any parachute candidate that head office would impose.
Ah Monaghan, never a dull moment.
SBP Poll Results
Well it was always a possibility. After weeks of relatively minor foul ups, the government took a hit in the Red C poll. The only major surprise was the extent of the slide, 4% being fairly substantial, and the fact that the PDs did not suffer a hit as well, indeed the junior partner took a small bounce in the polls, something which may calm down an increasingly erratic Tanaiste.
The poll gives some good news to Fine Gael, although their one per cent gain is not exactly the kind of earth shattering performance that will get the pundits ready to crown Enda as the new king. They have succeeded in arresting their slide in the polls, something that had to happen, but they will need a big bump from their coming Ard Fheis to make people think they are serious challengers.
Pats performance at the Ard Fheis and the tax cut package obviously did the trick and Labours increase in the polls will help to boost the party faithful. At 14% they now have the certainty that they could form a majority govt with FF or otherwise hold real clout and bargaining power in a rainbow coalition.
The big winners in this poll and in this year are the Greens. The Greens may get a bit of a bump from the Ard Fheis, although Trevors performance was the poorest by far of any leader to date. The Greens are now in a position of great strength and judging by the comments of delegates yesterday, they know it. Conservatively they were predicting double figure returns in May. On the strength of these figures that is certainly not beyond the bounds of possibility.
The Shinners, despite getting good coverage via the Assembley elections are not making the breakthrough yet. If they dont keep up with the Greens it is conceivable that a number of their target seats in Dublin will not come off. However there remain gains for the party to take, particularly in the Donegal constituencies. But not all existing seats are safe and the Shinners will face a battle to make sizeable gains.
The Numbers were...
FF: 38% (-4) FG: 22% (+1) LAB: 14% (+2) GP: 8% (+1) SF: 7% (-) Ind (7% (-1) PD: 4% (+1) Coalitions: FF/PD: 42% (-3) FG/LAB: 36% (+3) FG/LAB/GP: 44% (+4)
Now the question that begins to emerge is has Bertie waited too long.
The poll gives some good news to Fine Gael, although their one per cent gain is not exactly the kind of earth shattering performance that will get the pundits ready to crown Enda as the new king. They have succeeded in arresting their slide in the polls, something that had to happen, but they will need a big bump from their coming Ard Fheis to make people think they are serious challengers.
Pats performance at the Ard Fheis and the tax cut package obviously did the trick and Labours increase in the polls will help to boost the party faithful. At 14% they now have the certainty that they could form a majority govt with FF or otherwise hold real clout and bargaining power in a rainbow coalition.
The big winners in this poll and in this year are the Greens. The Greens may get a bit of a bump from the Ard Fheis, although Trevors performance was the poorest by far of any leader to date. The Greens are now in a position of great strength and judging by the comments of delegates yesterday, they know it. Conservatively they were predicting double figure returns in May. On the strength of these figures that is certainly not beyond the bounds of possibility.
The Shinners, despite getting good coverage via the Assembley elections are not making the breakthrough yet. If they dont keep up with the Greens it is conceivable that a number of their target seats in Dublin will not come off. However there remain gains for the party to take, particularly in the Donegal constituencies. But not all existing seats are safe and the Shinners will face a battle to make sizeable gains.
The Numbers were...
FF: 38% (-4) FG: 22% (+1) LAB: 14% (+2) GP: 8% (+1) SF: 7% (-) Ind (7% (-1) PD: 4% (+1) Coalitions: FF/PD: 42% (-3) FG/LAB: 36% (+3) FG/LAB/GP: 44% (+4)
Now the question that begins to emerge is has Bertie waited too long.
Wednesday 14 February 2007
Where is the Opposition????
Messing with the criminal justice system three months before an election, playing politics with the law, abandoning all our rights for the sake of a few cheap headlines. Words cannot express how low an act I feel that An Tanaiste is perpetrating on the Irish people in his latest reaction to gangland crime.
4 years we waited for the Minister to start recruiting the extra Garda he promised and his first step in this was a Garda reserve that as of yet numbers about 100. He promised resources and he didn't deliver. He made claims about criminals being dying wasps on their last sting. Yesterday the same guff was splurted, these new laws marked the end of gangland crime.
Minister McDowell's period in office has been marked by such knee jerk reactions to crime. It is unfortunate that as he prepares to launch the largest single assault on civil liberties in Ireland, by giving additional and unjustifiable powers to a police force desperately in need of institutional reform and proper resourcing, that the opposition has gone AWOL. Where is the voice of reason on the opposition benches to point out that this is political chicanary. Undoubtedly the shinners will scream, but their credentials will do little to help the argument. Who else will stand up and be counted.
Hard cases make bad law, and Minister McDowell was rarely anything but a hard case.
4 years we waited for the Minister to start recruiting the extra Garda he promised and his first step in this was a Garda reserve that as of yet numbers about 100. He promised resources and he didn't deliver. He made claims about criminals being dying wasps on their last sting. Yesterday the same guff was splurted, these new laws marked the end of gangland crime.
Minister McDowell's period in office has been marked by such knee jerk reactions to crime. It is unfortunate that as he prepares to launch the largest single assault on civil liberties in Ireland, by giving additional and unjustifiable powers to a police force desperately in need of institutional reform and proper resourcing, that the opposition has gone AWOL. Where is the voice of reason on the opposition benches to point out that this is political chicanary. Undoubtedly the shinners will scream, but their credentials will do little to help the argument. Who else will stand up and be counted.
Hard cases make bad law, and Minister McDowell was rarely anything but a hard case.
Tuesday 13 February 2007
McDowell Runs to the Left
It appears that Pat's 18% stunt on Saturday has so completely confused Der Fuhrer, that he is now running full tilt to the left. Morning Ireland this morning had an irate Tanaiste claiming that the PDs when returned to the Reichstag would implement a 3oo euro a week pension. He claimed that in saying this that he was not trying to buy the election. Hmmmmm.
His rant also included the side swipe that while the PDs have form in increasing pensions, (remember those PD Ministers for Social Welfare) that Labour have always opposed tax cuts. Now what this of course means in reality is that the PDs have allowed the FF boys a few hand outs to the pensioners and Labour have always opposed tax cuts to the top rate - such is their want as a left wing(ish) party.
McDowell will calm down soon and hopefully in the meantime he will stay out of the way of microphones and unsuspecting opposition spokes people. In terms of guaging the success of any opposition policy announcement, how crazy Michael goes is a good rule of thumb. In this case he not only went crazy, but started abandoning his right wing credo. This round goes to the smug faced boy wearing the off-red rose.
His rant also included the side swipe that while the PDs have form in increasing pensions, (remember those PD Ministers for Social Welfare) that Labour have always opposed tax cuts. Now what this of course means in reality is that the PDs have allowed the FF boys a few hand outs to the pensioners and Labour have always opposed tax cuts to the top rate - such is their want as a left wing(ish) party.
McDowell will calm down soon and hopefully in the meantime he will stay out of the way of microphones and unsuspecting opposition spokes people. In terms of guaging the success of any opposition policy announcement, how crazy Michael goes is a good rule of thumb. In this case he not only went crazy, but started abandoning his right wing credo. This round goes to the smug faced boy wearing the off-red rose.
Monday 12 February 2007
Rabbitte Pulls Coalition From the Hat
What a difference a day can make. The bold Pat has been a bit jittery of late, struggling to stay on message in the face of repeated questioning on his level of commitment to Inda. After his conference speech on Saturday night, the media focus will surely shift back to the politics and the policy, at least for a few days.
The pledge to cut the bottom rate of tax was a master stroke its brilliance exceeded only by its obviousness. Where the shock value is coming from is beyond me. This is reputedly a left wing party, it must try to outflank FF and the PAYE worker on low to medium money is not a bad place to start. Biffos statement that he would continue cutting tax at the top rate next year helps Rabbittes pledge even more, he is addressing the ordinary Joe while FF is looking after the rich man.
The eagerness with which FG grasped hold of the idea was a bit unseemly and me tooish, but it may just be the first step in turning things back round for the alternative coalition, Rabbitte may indeed have pulled it out of the hat.
The pledge to cut the bottom rate of tax was a master stroke its brilliance exceeded only by its obviousness. Where the shock value is coming from is beyond me. This is reputedly a left wing party, it must try to outflank FF and the PAYE worker on low to medium money is not a bad place to start. Biffos statement that he would continue cutting tax at the top rate next year helps Rabbittes pledge even more, he is addressing the ordinary Joe while FF is looking after the rich man.
The eagerness with which FG grasped hold of the idea was a bit unseemly and me tooish, but it may just be the first step in turning things back round for the alternative coalition, Rabbitte may indeed have pulled it out of the hat.
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