Picture by International Transport Forum Picture by electrapix
They’re under starter’s orders – or at least that’s what RTÉ’s most recent blonde bombshell, Claire Byrne, says: there’s going to be an election in the south in November. I think she may be right. It has to happen by March. December would be bad, with the distraction of Christmas. January would be very bad, with people weeping over their credit cards. February would be the cruelest month, with filthy weather and people feeling very bloody-minded as they wonder if Winter will ever end. As for March – cheesh, are you kidding? That close to the centenary of the Easter Rising?
So the lovely Claire may well be talking sense. Certainly Labour seems to be taking steps to strap as many lifebelts to the party as possible. They’ve engineered a deal with Fine Gael, in the hope that the public will be so impressed by their dancing routine over the past four years, they’ll give them the thumbs-up again. And I note where Labour has got the services of alleged rape victim, current columnist in the Sindo, Mairia Cahill: she’s going to run for the Seanad in Donegal or somewhere under the Labour banner. I suppose it’s one way of getting the anti-Shinner vote out.
What will be the outcome? I have no idea. I’ve just come from watching Angry Alan Kelly, Labour’s Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government trying to explain why, after four or is it five years of Fine Gael- Labour government, homeless people are still dying on the streets of Dublin, over 600 families are homeless, and the solution being offered is – maybe – some prefab accommodation. Last week Enda Kenny was lecturing Barry Cowen in the Dail, explaining how any present problems are the fault of the previous government.
With that sort of public blustering, you’d say that surely the people of the south would put two and two together and toss Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fail to the electoral wolves. But hold. Remember what the Tory-Lib Dem government did to the British people? And remember how the British people reacted by giving the Tories an overall majority? Next month Irish people in the south may well have a chance to break the stick of austerity across their knee – or carve out an even bigger one and hand it to Enda, Alan and their gang.
My belief, and I fervently hope I am wrong is the it will be FG & Labour again. My reasons for believing that is I have concluded that said government have decided to leave behind a certain section of the population i.e. the homeless, unemployed, single parent families, the new poor, mentally ill or anyone ill for that matter, & anyone who does not vote for them. They will, and are appealing to the middle class & super rich, relying on the oft stated case that it was the fault of the previous government who created above mentioned. No accountability, no responsibility but huge authority.
Jude, your disdainful reference to Mairia Cahill as an `alleged rape victim’ is bad enough but your suggestion that `she’s going to run for the Seanad in Donegal or somewhere’ betrays a complete ignorance of the Irish political system. Senators are either nominated or elected by special panels, so they do not represent individual constituencies. Your claim that Ms Cahill is involved in `getting the anti-Shinner vote out’ is therefore total nonsense. Is it too much to ask that you might check some of this before offering your distasteful comments ?
Sorry if I’ve upset you, Kevin. Is Mairia not an alleged rape victim? I kept her precise running details vague because I don’t know them and can’t be bothered looking them up. I did hear Donegal and Labour mentioned on the radio and that she would be a candidate for the Seanad. I’m aware that people are elected to the Seanad by elite groups – e.g., graduates of the NUU (of which I am one). You don’t think the idea is to use her to get the anti-Shinner vote out?Mmm. Maybe ignorance isn’t confined to me, Kevin, if you don’t. I see nothing distasteful in my imprecision regarding her voting centre of gravity and/or her alleged rape victim status. Please explain.
Jude
Kevin is right.That reference is dripping with disdain.
Here is your comment about the Ballymurphy families not so long ago,in regard to an Indo story:
“In their ‘child soldiers’ story, they make reference to “the so-called Ballymurphy Massacre”. Ask the relatives of those killed whether they think it was a “so-called” massacre.”
Can you see the difference in attitude to the two stories of alleged victims?
Oh yes, certainly, gio. In one case there were corpses.
Jude
In both cases there is compelling evidence of wrongdoing. Even Gerry and Martin believe that Mairia Cahill was raped.
Yet you take a very different approach to the two cases. It is not surprising but it is disappointing
Why do you mention what others believe? She may well have been raped; then again she may not. Until her case is dealt with in court and her claims verified, wouldn’t it be fairer to everyone to suspend judgement? Otherwise we can all say whatever we feel like about someone, and if we get enough people to believe us, the person is guilty. I don’t think I like that system. Why are you ‘not surprised’? Are you implying something? Spit it out, gio.
Jude
You are making my point. Strong evidence in both cases. In one case your emphasis is on not rushing to judgement, let the courts decide. I n the other you emphasise compassion and respect for the victims I’m afraid your loyalty to Sinn Fein strongly influence how you interpret events
And what others think is relevant if they are in a position to speak with authority as Gerry Adams clearly was.
Kevin, what exactly is disdainful about what Jude wrote? Isn’t Mairia Cahill an alleged rape victim? Last time I looked the man she is accusing of assaulting her was acquitted in a court of law, therefore her claims were not proven and a man remains innocent until proven guilty. If you believe her claims then you obviously believe a man acquitted in a court of law is guilty….all on the word of one woman.
I’m not saying Mairia Cahill is lying but its not exactly unheard of that some women lie about being sexually assaulted. In fact, it happens quite a lot. Is Mairia Cahill lying? I don’t know. But her claims were certainly not proven in a court of law. That’s not “disdainful” Kevin, that’s just fact.
Also to suggest that Mairia Cahill isn’t anti-SF is ridiculous. Of course she is. When her story on spotlight came out it was 75% or more about Sinn Fein rather than the individual who allegedly assaulted her. Sinn Fein has denied her claims of a cover up and again her claims have not been proven in a court of law.
I agree with Jude that installing Maria Cahill in the Senate for the few weeks left of this Dail is a cynical election ploy. Labour should be ashamed of itself. They used to be the liberal, idealistic party – ineffective but blameless. Now they’re a shameless Fine Gael rump.
As far as I know Mairia Cahill (elevated from RNU supporter to member of the Labour party) does not have to be elected to the Seanad. In common with the British House of Lords you can be appointed to the second chamber by political preferment. Does away with that ould nonsense of being elected by the citizens of the state whose lives will be affected by the legislation you are scrutinizing.
Of course the bold Enda and Joan will be running on their record; like the rich being fantastically richer, and the huge hike in the numbers of people who do not have a home of their own, but of course they will be backed all the way by their good friends in what passes as a free press.
“King Richard looked… at the Nubian and his dog; but the former moved not, nor did the latter strain at the leash.”
Perhaps An Taoiseach has a talisman up his sleeve to confound us all? The dogs in the street do not have all the answers. A November election could result in a hung Dáil and the need for another election. The current administration will certainly promote the ‘feel good’ factor aboard the LE Good Times Are Coming, stow the lifeboats is the order of the day. The Labour crew may well have to walk the gang plank being surplus to requirements as Independents study basic navigation and the Captain steers the ship through stormy seas into 2016. Some passengers may choose not to embark on this particular vessel given the lack of clarity about its ultimate destination and the cost of the fare.
One can only hope that those at the crossroads in the three green fields will strive to create the circumstances that will ensure older people are cared for and feel safe in their own homes, public services are funded properly, job creation is a priority and homeless people do not have to die on the streets. Parochial politics will continue to offer pie in sky. An integrated road and rail network from Kerry to Derry with water purification plants would create sustainable jobs and avoid the need for the conflict and strife associated with stealth taxes. We are long overdue a man bites dog development in Irish politics.
Mairia Cahill, alleged rape victim, current Sindo ‘columnist’ is now about to be used/abused by the Labour party who are desperate ti grab on any lifeline.
I suppose its not such a long journey for her to travel from dissident republican to what used to be Official IRA, not that she would admit it in her column – by the way, I wonder does she write any of it herself or does her aunt Eilis O’Hanlon give her a ‘helping hand’.
You think it may get the anti-Sinn Fein vote out, but conversely it may also get the pro-Sinn Fein vote out.
And from she tearfully burst to prominence, telling her sad story and pointing the finger at every SF body she could think of, they have had their hands tied behind their backs, because you cannot attack a victim, even if the victimhood has never been established.
But now that she is to be an election candidate standing for the Labour party, she will have to stand on her own feet like any other candidate, unable to play the victim any further.
It will be interesting to see how she stands up to the rough and tumble of Irish politics.
Should a ‘rape’ victim expose herself to such likely robust questioning and comment, or should a responsible political party put her in that situation where she may be re-traumatised, psychologically upset and publicly reduced to tears?
maria will be able to name names in the seanad i dont think libel laws apply there,she should be in her element,
Hail, Cahilligua !
The tone of your comments about Mairia Cahill was obvious but it was the factual side which was even more telling. You said, ‘she’s going to run for the Seanad in Donegal or somewhere,’ indicating a basic misunderstanding of the Irish electoral system. When challenged, you replied ‘ I kept her precise running details vague because I don’t know them and can’t be bothered looking them up.’ That sums up your approach nicely.
” That sums up your approach nicely.” Really? Sounds a bit cryptic to me. Because I don’t think Mairia Cahill’s selection by the desperately not-waving-but-drowning Labour Party is worth spending time on, that shows I’ve “a basic misunderstanding of the electoral system”. I’d call that arguing from the particular to the general, Kevin. Or even a non sequitur. But sure if you’ve your mind made up, who am I to try to interfere with it?
I think the next Irish Government will be Fine Gael led (it helps having the media on your side to brainwash and lie for your benefit) with a coalition partner. I think Labour will suffer heavy losses and Sinn Fein will do very well and increase their share of TD’s. I really do think SF will be part of the Irish Government in 2021, Gerry Adams as Taoiseach?? Stranger things have happened! The chuckle brothers proved that!
Imagine Taoiseach Gerry Adams in the South, First Minister Martin McGuinness in the North (strictly speaking MMG already is Joint FM and has the FM’s powers) and Jeremy Corbyn as British Prime Minister in 2021. That’s totally possible and could happen. A recipe for Irish Unity?
Mairia Cahill could be a Senator in the South? An interesting choice by the Labour party but not exactly surprising. They need someone to fend off those pesky Shinners stealing their TD seats due to all those broken promises they made to their electorate. I cant think of anyone better, there’s very few people more anti-Sinn Fein than Mairia Cahill….well apart from Ruth Dudley Edwards. Ruth’s the undisputed Champion of the Anti-Shinner, her obsession with the shinners has no rival and her fan base consists of some of the lowest dregs of northern society, including UPRG/UDA and Loyalist “fleg” protestors.
Imagine Taoiseach Gerry Adams in the South, First Minister Martin McGuinness in the North (strictly speaking MMG already is Joint FM and has the FM’s powers) and Jeremy Corbyn as British Prime Minister in 2021. That’s totally possible and could happen. A recipe for Irish Unity?
Deluded
Nice to have you back, Neill…
What’s deluded about it Neill, please do tell. Last time I looked Jeremy Corbyn is leader of the opposition in Britain, are you saying he cant become British PM? Gerry Adams is in the opposition in the South and SF is riding high the polls, he cant be part of the Irish Government? Yes, I agree its unlikely in 2016 but in 2021? It could happen. And are you saying Martin McGuinness isn’t already the Joint First Minister?
Please share your wisdom Neill on how this isn’t possible. Now, put down that crystal ball of yours, we’re not interested in that. If we were in the year, say, 1990, and I said the Good Friday Agreement and everything it involved was signed, that Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley would work together as the Joint First Ministers, etc what would you call me Neill? Yes “Deluded” but guess what? It happened.
Ok Ryan I will humour you does anybody on here believe that Labour can win the election first of all they will have to win back all the seats they lost in Scotland then win back seats that were marginal last time now fairly safe seats in the Midlands and then of course you have to look at their leader who very few labour mps wish to be their leader so if they don’t want him why would the electorate and by the time of the next election the economy will be booming
As for the Republic well the chances of them putting in a leader who covered up sexual abuse was involved in terrorism and lies freely well don’t overestimate people’s gullibility as for his economic abilities just ask the good people of West Belfast…
You initially wrote that Mairia Cahill was running for the Seanad `in Donegal’, which you now know to be nonsense. You then suggested her intervention was all part of `getting the anti-Sinn Fein vote out’, although you now know that her nomination is almost certain to go through unopposed. This is all hugely entertaining, so please keep offering your unique insights into the Irish electoral system.
Why thanks, Kevin – I’m happy to oblige. I think I said ‘Donegal or somewhere’ – no? And yes, I did say her nomination would be likely to get the anti-Sinn Fein vote out. So now she just gets nominated by Labour and it’s a shoo-in, none of that auld tiresome democracy stuff…OK, foolish me thinking there’d be voting involved. Where are the stocks so you can put me in them and throw rotten tomatoes, Kevin? What puzzles me is why you’d bother reading such a patent ignoramus as me. Maybe – right, that’d be the answer – best censor me, so I don’t waste the time of upright citizens such as yourself. But if you should decide to keep reading, Kevin, I will be delighted. I welcome all views on this blogsite. Including yours.
Maybe he likes the ravings of an angry older man just guessing!
Well of course Neill, since you choose to remain anonymous, none of us can tell if you’re five-and-a-half or ninety-one…
Very pithy Jude if I told you more about me you may pay me a late night visit which would be scary for me!
Deluded, Neill , not as deluded a thought as us thinking that somehow Unionists could accept the concept of equality,The prospect of our re-unified country is getting closer every day. As I have said before , Unionism can move with the times and the rest of the Irish people or they can wallow in their own bitterness and self-pity…..that’s up to them but we’re moving quickly forwards , maybe sometimes, temporarily , delayed , but we will assuredly reach our destination.
Seamus in your heart of hearts you must realise unity is years away at best. As a matter of interest though what inequalities do nationalists and republicans face in N Ireland today?
Scotland is moving perceptibly towards the door marked exit and this will be an undoubted game-changer for the existence of the political entity called the UK in the very near future. With rapidly changing demographics and social change in the north of Ireland, the prospects for Irish unity are actually improving rather than diminishing. But unionists have no plan B to counter this, only the same sterile game-plan that they have been following down the years. Threats, bluster and co-habitation with loyalist terrorists seem to be the order of the day for them.
So that’s that then Gearoid back to the old lets bred the protestants out argument thought you had moved on from that
Not exactly as political events beyond our shores may help speed things along i.e. the reality that Scotland may hold another Independence referendum in the very near future which could be the catalyst for the breakup of the UK as we know it. Demographic change certainly is a factor that will help decide the future of the north of Ireland but not on the crude basis of Catholics outbreeding Protestants. No future stable United Ireland could be guaranteed with that mindset. Unity must be achieved on the basis of equality, mutual respect and fairness. My point is that these trends should make the unionist parties think deeply about the futility of the previous and present attitudes/strategies to preserve their link with GB
Not only are the high-minded folk in high political places straining at the leash to go all bare-knuckled the better to X their ballot papers, Esteemed Blogmeister, but the Yawnaiste in particular more so than the rest
Having added the C initial as a political fashion accessory to her already existing initials JB, Joan C. Burton (for it is she !) is already showing all the gung-ho capabilities of an above average Mother Earth Mover to make her mark on the fallow-lying fellows and females of the low-lying electorate.
Nowhere was this more evident that JCB’s nomination of a spokesperson for the voiceless for the Senate, which is the upper house of the Irish Parliament. And just as the middle initial of course stands for Cahilligula so also does the upper house rise for only the highest minded of members.
And of this latest protege there can be not the remotest doubt of the chivalry of her considered cogitations: ‘ I have no intention of being defined by my abuse’.
(Sound of violins, maestro: ‘Say it loud and it’s like music playing; say it soft and it’s almost like praying’).
This ringing personifesto already marks the first majorette fault-line between the two major intuition-fuelled parties of the Coalition Parties : JCB of Labour and F.F. of Fine Gael.
Sadly, it was left to the latter to be the first to lower the tone of the putative election by referencing the slaughter on the spent cartridge avenue of an Oregon campus. The Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald (for it was she !) did full justice to this tone-lowering by fairly walloping the big bass drum and beating out ‘Umpqua ! Umpqua !’ to make it rhyme with PIRA ! PIRA !
Thankfully, it was left to JCB and her senatorial protege to restore the equilibrium by striking the note ethical in tandem with the note ungetatable. By declaring that ‘she refuses to be defined by her own abuse’ Cahilligula’s protege made clear in no uncertain t’s that she has made the first two letters her own: C and A. That would be, of course, Child Abuse.
Looking at the bigger picture as befits her assumption into headline heaven Cahilligua’s protege is clearly poised to take up the bagels on behalf of the forgotten 97 %. Up to this it has been the 3% of child abusers who have hogged 97% of the unbiased media attention.
The 3% represented the Romanist Clergy but now that has been all but hoovered up into exitnction the vacuum has been filled – the deities of the disclosure industry abhorring same ! – has be filled double quick by the PIRA pervs (alleged).
For far too long the 97% have been shunned: it is high time all those family members, neighbours, door to door hail-fellow well met met, lay teachers, lay preachers were given their fair share of the slimelight which they have been so unfairly denied.
In a curious way the issue of mass shootings in the USA is remarkably similar to the issue of child polluting on the island of Ireland. Not least, where the emphasis gets laid. In the first case it is on events like that in Umpqua, Oregon.
An article in the current issue of Newsweek, reveals that the five deadliest US mass shootings in the 21st century resulted in 101 deaths combined. In in 2012, (the latest year such figures are available) 32, 288 died from gunshot wounds.
Who fears to speak of the 98%?
Not, Maria.
(Cue violins, maestro: ‘Say it loud and it’s music playing; say if soft and it’s almost like praying’.)
Neill we are 50% of the Population…the breakdown of the PSNI is;
Police Officers; Protestant 67.2%…Catholic 30.97% …Other 2.01%
Police Staff…….. ” 77.39% ” 19.46%…. ” 3.15%
No inequality there then !
The Prison Service is almost exclusively Protestant and the prison population echoes this inequality….if you’re a Catholic you’re 1.75 times more likely to be jailed…and that is for ALL offences.If you are a Catholic inmate the disciplinary rate is 70% compared to 22% Protestant
Then we’ve The Irish Language Act ,promised in the GFA….The ubiquitous Orange Order ,completely racist in outlook and sectarian in nature…..I could go on …but it would end up like Tolstoy’s War and Peace.
Neill we are 50% of the Population…the breakdown of the PSNI is;
No you are not get your facts right before you make rash statements it takes away from the credibility of your argument