I could kick myself. About a year ago I got a man to come and fix things so I could see TV3. It worked for a while and then it stopped. Last night at about 8.00pm, wonder of wonders, I was fiddling with the TV and must have pressed the right button by accident – it was working again! TV3, RTEI , RTE2 – channels I didn’t even know about. I went to bed flushed with success.
And now this morning what do I discover? There was a programme on TV3 at 10.00 pm last night called Sinn Fein: Who Are They? Furious with myself, I went to the TV3 iplayer thingy on my computer. ‘We are sorry. Currently this video can only be streamed within the Republic of Ireland’. Gaaaa. So they’re implementing one policy south of the border and another north of the border, eh? (I’m talking about TV3, Virginia. Do try to keep up.)
But while I couldn’t get last night’s programme on the iplayer thingy, I did get a replay of a morning programme slot where Ursula Halligan explained what yesterday evening’s programme would be like.
They were doing the programme, Ursula said, because people “down here” aren’t as familiar with Sinn Féin as other parties, so this will be the first television documentary to “shine a spotlight on Sinn Féin”. (Virginia, take that cat outside – it seems to be having some sort of fit.). Sinn Féin is also unique, Ursula went on, because it “straddles two countries”. Bet you didn’t know Ireland is really two countries. Anyway, in Ursula’s view Sinn Féin are “overdue a change of leader”. And it’s not just that Gerry Adams has been leading his party for too long. It’s because he is so bad. Which is why Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be delighted if he leads them into the next election. Ball and chain, he is. Remember, said Ursula, when Sinn Féin were hitting 21% in the opinion polls? They’re back to 15% now – and the reason for that “is due to Gerry Adams”. As distinct from when they were at 21%, which presumably was due to someone else.
Besides, Adams got shown up on economic policy a couple of elections back, the time Michael McDowell devoured him on that TV debate. (Hands up who remembers what McDowell said and what Adams said? Hint: McDowell was in favour of the Celtic Tiger which was roaring at the time, Adams was saying we should be thinking about people and not big pay-packets).
Anyway, Ursula says “it’s between the two of them”. Who – McDowell and Adams? No, Virginia – forget Adams. Adams is yesterday’s man. Ursula was talking about Mary Lou McDonald and Pearse Doherty, and which of them will lead Sinn Féin.
I’m glad I got the little TV3 morning clip. But I’m still kicking myself about missing last night’s programme. Considering what I learnt from Ursula in the morning clip, I’d be a world authority on the Shinners if I’d caught her full programme last night.
Do keep up with events Jude as Part1 went out last week in which Mary Lou let the cat outta the bag. When asked about replacing Gerry she began frantically searching for a packet of Cheerios.I can get TV3 in North Antrim so perhaps you’re a little too close to the border for their comfort. What’s the story with you and gambling anyway? Last week it was a bet with Colm Eastwood and today it’s the whole country or even two countries.I do remember though Gerry having a Darragh McIntyre moment during an election debate a while back but I wouldn’t gamble on it. I recorded Part2 so just sitting down to watch it now. If I see Mary Lou with Cheerios I’ll let you know.
Really, TV3Receiver? Ursula was saying on the morning slot piece that Mary Lou made no bones about it whereas Pearse was more evasive. Can’t rely on anyone these days, it appears. As to TV3 – do try to keep up – I explain above that I’m now getting it loud and clear. My fault rather than theirs. As to gambling: I like money. Especially if I’m taking it off people with differing political views from me. Ask Eoghan Harris if you don’t believe me. Anyway, DID you know Ireland was two countries? I didn’t but maybe I’m not as well-informed as you. Besides, Eastwood hasn’t been in touch so I’m assuming he’s kicking himself for getting seriously carried away and saying Alex Attwood would be in Europe after May…Oh dear, I’ll give myself a hernia if I think of that too much. What’s a Darragh McIntyre moment? Is that a clip from the famous anti-Catholic Church, anti-republican film-maker who was going to use me in one of his documentaries until he found out I didn’t think the way he wanted me to? …What are Cheerios anyway? Crisps? Sweets? Semtex?
Dear me! Seems you got out of the wrong side of the border this morning. And Jude steady up with the questions or we’re in danger of turning this into a Pointless Jude Collins special.Cheerios don’t really exist, except in the Freudian sense. Hope that helps.
Ah no – not to worry – I always get out on the right side…I was just imitating Socrates but maybe he didn’t know about Cheerios either.
Jude,
You did not miss much, it was, let’s just say, the same ole shyte just a different day. You can actually pick up any current newspaper and read the tabloid lines written about Sinn Féin’s purported horrendous past. It is quite obvious the establishment is on the run, they are scared……Oh My God Sinn Féin is growing in strength and numbers what do we do? Ah right………… Hatchet job is exactly what they did all in the name of great journalism but what can one expect from TV3? Words such as ‘integrity’ is not a meaning that ‘gang’ can digest.
Cheerios is a breakfast cereal made of wheat I believe, not sweet yet is rather crispy. You should try a bowl, I personally prefer grits! Now that is the breakfast made for champions.
It was part 1 to which I was referring in my post last week, Jude. I assumed that you folk had access to all channels and that you would have seen it.
Glad to see there’s an area in which I can contribute. Cheerios is made with wholesome OATS. Need to let them soak in the milk for a while, or they’re too crispy.
stranger
In regard to cheerios,would you say they are a ‘good buy’?
Second video here Jude: http://goo.gl/QyHlZd
Thanks Mick- already have it but have yet to (find time to) watch it…
There have always been orchestrated attacks and the media and governmental demonisation of republicans because they are threat to the state but also to the staus quo and thus pose a real threat to the those who run the show in the background the corporations capitalists bankers and the ruling elite. if this is media led then its just filling newspaer columns and dead air space on tv. adams should continue to lead the party to 1916 before considering his next move. if this is being led fed and directed by the british government then thats a different story because by sidelining adams they are trying to manipulate not just fein but there support base and the forward strategy of the party by getting someone who suits them better into positions of influence which they will then redirect.either way adams should stay. on the principle that sinn fein is now a wholly constitutional nationalist party akin to the sdlp perhaps its time for a new generation to take on the mantle or atleast time for a few new faces but then who keeps sinn fein oncourse for a sociallist irish republic? or has that ship already sailed?
The reason TV3 is not shown north of the border is actually more down to UTV, who would freak, since TV3, for the most part is just ITV 1 Ireland.
Virginia, who of course lives in Virginia, uses skill to get around those nasty country bound broadcast issues. UK or ROI, both require manipulation.