Last Seanad?

Picture from NIALL O LOUGHLIN

It is looking very likely that this election will be the last ever for the Seanad.  Now the big question, should we actually get rid of it?  Short answer at the moment is yes.  The House has failed in its role.  It is nothing more than a talking shop.  Some legislation does originate their but that could just as easily have been originated by the larger house down the corridor.  It is full of wannabe TD’s and retiring politicians who lost their seats but liked sitting about Leinster House.

 I was always in favour of reforming it, but let’s see what the people want.  It is about time a vote was taken on the issue.  I do think that if there is a desire for an upper house then by all means reintroduce a reformed Seanad in 5 or 10 years’ time following the Constitutional Referendum or at election time but first chuck it out and see how we get on without it.  Give stronger powers to the Dail Committees to balance any democratic deficit.  Along with that give local government back some authority but ensure any power entrusted to them is still subordinate to Dail Eireann.  Might not be a bad idea to allow Councils pass recommendations to the Dail that they could attach to specific Bills affecting the Councils area.  An idea though that would need to be developed further.

The Constitutional Convention expected next year should debate the issue of an Upper House as part of its overall agenda but be directed to not to take any decisions.  Or worse still publish a report on it.  We have had enough of them!  The recommendations have been there on the issue of reform since DeValera first passed the 1936 Constitution.  What we need is a decision.  Annoying me at the moment is the Fianna Fail hacks jumping aboard the campaign to save the Seanad.  Why with they in power for 14 years and the last major report published did they not decide to change it then?  And wasn’t it DeValera who got rid of the Free State Senate when it disagreed with him.

In my view the date of the Presidential Election, a Friday in October, will play host to the Seanad Referendum too.  Expect it to be a campaign issue of the Presidential Election as Norris, a hopeful (no nomination yet though) is a current Senator.

Further Reading: 

http://polaver.wordpress.com/2011/04/16/95/

http://www.oireachtas.ie/documents/committees29thdail/subcomonseanadreform/Report_on_Reform_of_the_Seanad.pdf

A very Royal Wedding

Very hard to avoid today, RTE One and TV3 having live coverage, Sky News is being avoided at all costs!  In all fairness even though I loathe the Royal Family at times, the whole idea of monarchy and all things associated they do put on a nice show.  Monarchy still works for the British and sure let them at it.  Although what would have happened if Blair had put it to a vote in 1997? One does wonder!  

Most importantly about today though, it’s worth £600 million pounds to the British Economy, Jesus if wed known that then we should have told the Queen shove them into Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin! (Joke, obviously).  We wouldn’t have enough Royal doylies to keep all those guests happy.  What I find amusing about today is the calling of Kate, a commoner, a lowly commoner marrying the heir to the throne, Queen in waiting.  She is no commoner, I mean I don’t think she grew up in a semi-d on a council estate in Manchester or wherever.  

Also as a point of note, I spotted a Tricolour in the sea of Union Jacks in Hyde Park, must the D4 contingent offering their undying congrats to their Will and Kate loike.  Should we be proud William decided to wear his Irish Guards Uniform? Doesn’t make a difference, still the British Army!   But I’m not going to go on condemning the Irish Gaurds, well the older type, many Irish joined that Regiment to seek some form of employment, fought and died, indeed it’s the Regiment that was always sent to the frontline, the expendable class of soldiers as officers would view.

University of Limerick Young Fine Gael supports the cut in the Late Fee for Nightclubs

Release by the UL Branch of Young Fine Gael, of which I Chair and had a part in the writing of

University of Limerick Young Fine Gael supports the call from the Irish Nightclub Industry Association for the cut in the Late Opening Fees.  At present Night Clubs are required to pay €410 per night of late night opening and we agree for a cut to €200 would be sustainable as this would encourage the creation of jobs in the Entertainment Industry.

Clubs are being forced to charge excessive entrance fees to customers due declining revenue owing to the economic recession.  A reduction in the Late Fee will not have a significant effect on clubs that are prospering at present but will be a boost for clubs, especially in rural areas that are on the brink of closing down at present.

Late night opening by clubs is not the primary cause of excessive youth drinking anymore.  Indeed many clubs have shut their doors because of a complete fall in revenue from drink sales. The problems of excessive drinking by youths are not solved by targeting the Clubs with excessive fees and charges.

Most drinking by youths is done outside of the licenced venues now.  We as nation need to reduce the amount we consume in general but an attitude shift is required.  This can only be achieved by starting in our schools educating teenagers of the effects excessive drinking can cause.  Investment needs to be made available for encouraging involvement in youth and sport programmes which give the youth of today other options instead of alcohol consumption.

Near the University of Limerick the Kilmurry Lodge Nightclub closed permanently last February which resulted in the loss of 20 full and part time jobs including those of students who were part of the staff throughout its 15 year existence.  Its closure was due to a serious trend towards off-licence sales and a decrease in revenues as customers were arriving from house parties and no longer spending in the club.

Students now who wish to go to a Nightclub have no other choice but pay for taxis into the city.  With significant reductions in the amount students can spend while at University this becomes a significant expense.  This impacts the overwhelming majority of UL Students who drink in moderation and going to a club is part of socialising on a night out.

An immediate cut in the Late Fee will cost the Government in excess of €12 million in loss of the tax revenue but this will be recouped by the boosting the late night economy.  We agree with the comments by Justice Minister Alan Shatter that this will enhance job creation in the Entertainment Industry.  The Irish Nightclub Industry Association estimates that a reduction will create 330 jobs in the industry.


See the edited Editors Letter version published in today (Firday 29th April) Irish Independent: 
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/targeting-clubs-wont-solve-binge-drinking-2632816.html


Further reading on the subject:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0427/breaking45.html
http://www.businessandleadership.com/life/item/29759-wheres-the-craic-ireland/

Royal Wedding Day IRA Attack Threat

While it is well known I have my differences with the Royals the threat of an attack on the day of the Royal Wedding shows a sign of desperation by these extremist Republican splinter groups

From the Mirror

MI5 has warned senior Government figures that an attack by Irish terror groups is “highly likely” on the day of the royal wedding.

The intelligence service believes a bomb attack may occur in Belfast or Londonderry in a bid to disrupt the celebrations.

It is thought resurgent dissident republican groups – which include the Real IRA, the Oglaigh na hEireann and “the IRA” – are not ready to launch an attack on London.

But latest intelligence reports from MI5 to the Home Office suggest an attack could take place elsewhere on Friday.

A source said: “Recent intelligence points to a terror attack in Northern Ireland on the day of the wedding. This is a very real threat and described as being highly likely.

“It is not believed the groups yet have the capability to launch an attack on London, which on Friday would cause chaos.

“However an attack would send out a clear message that there is a gathering and substantial threat from dissident republican groups in Northern Ireland and Ireland.”

On Friday the dissident group styling itself “the IRA” issued a statement claiming responsibility for the murder of PC Ronan Kerr in Omagh this month.

MI5 understands that the group, which has also vowed to embark on a bombing campaign, includes veteran paramilitary figures who have the know-how to carry out such attacks. Dissident groups have recently deployed command-wire explosive devices, van-mounted weaponry, car bombs and vehicle booby traps. Several suspected terrorists are thought to be under surveillance by MI5.

More Reading:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royal-wedding/2011/04/25/irish-terror-attack-likely-on-day-of-royal-wedding-115875-23085014/
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/terror-group-targets-wedding-and-olympics-2626094.html

Disused Rail Line Tourist Treks

Disused Rail Lines to become Tourist Bike Trail’s (Waterford, West Clare, Valencia), Allow tourists to carry 

bicycles to destinations and disembark with them along the Trails

Disused and closed rail lines make excellent Bike trails because of the flat gradient of the former railway and the disused infrastructure in place.

Just to give an example, the former Great Southern and Western Rail line between Faranfore and Valencia was one of the most scenic in Ireland.  It is a prime trail for a bike trail.

Problems will be encountered though as much of some of the former Rail lines like the Valencia line have been taken over by the farmers and returned to Agricultural use and thus squatter’s rights can now be claimed.

In order to circumvent any problems a statutory system of compulsory acquisition should be put in place, overseen by a judge of course.

Cost of Repeating in Third Level

Many young people now go through Third Level Education here in Ireland and an increasing number are going back to education.  The free tuition frees make this a possibility for many.  The government and governments past must be commended for its introduction and retention.  What concerns me though is that students repeating a year are liable for upfront payment of the necessary fees.  I agree that a student should pay for any repeated year, but asking a student to pay upfront and straight away before the repeated year starts is a huge barrier for many students who may not have done well in a certain year and wish to back to try the year again.  As the state normally pays for a four year degree for any person who enters into such a program a student should not have to pay any fees until they have finished their fourth year of their time in college.  A student who repeats second year for example should not be liable to pay any fees until that student enters the fourth year of their degree program but would be their fifth year in college.  I call on the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn to consider this as a pressing issue and to ease the burden on students who wish to repeat a year without being prevented due to financial constraints.  Also I would ask of the Minister to make efforts to make financial institutions give loans to students wishing to repeat, even if it means adding some degree of Government Guarantee to any such loans.  

Young Fine Gaels Role in Power

(My designation of Young Fine Gaels role, not speaking for the organisation as a whole)

Young Fine Gael is a Government supporting organisation but we are by no means in coalition with anyone ourselves.  In YFG we have our own policies and views.   We are here to be as constructive as possible to the government in these tough economic times.  Young people, out of college, out of school, out of a job are the worst affected by this recession.  In YFG we want to help them as much as possible by having clear and effective policies to deal with the issues of youth unemployment, youth emigration and being able to secure as many jobs as possible in Ireland.  Enda Kenny like John Bruton will be calling upon us for advice on formation and implementation of Youth Policy and we are here to give him the best possible help and advice.  We are not afraid to have our own opinions on certain issues though; we are and always have been an autonomous organisation.


See yfg.ie to join and all other news

Real IRA threats to target more Policemen and the Queen

The announcement of a splinter republican group the “Real IRA” that they will target more police officers and indeed target the Queen during her visit can only provoke nothing but disgust and anger. There will always be some opposition but these threats of violent terrorist action are not representative of Irish Society here.  The legacy of British rule in Ireland is by no means forgotten but we have moved on as a nation and a people.  The visit by the Queen does provoke thoughts back to Irish Independence and the rule of the British but that was a time 80 years ago.  

They should never be forgotten but we must strive to move on remember the fallen but lead our nation in a democratic way and that means forming and maintaining good relations with our neighbour.  The actives in Northern Ireland were the responsibility of the Protestant dominated Stormont Government and the Saville Report did show that the UK was able somehow to put right some degree of wrong.  More work needed there though.  While many including myself would like to see a United Ireland, no innocent blood should ever be spilt for it, and by innocent blood I mean every citizen north and south of the border including the security services of both states.  

A Unification of the island can only come through the democratic will and ballot box opinion of people at both sides of the border.  These splinter groups both republican and loyalist need to be brought to justice and their attempts to derail the continuing peace process are nothing short of disgraceful.  The warm relationship between the Republic of Ireland and the UK is important to both countries.  There are many trade links between the UK and Ireland.  Indeed the UK has more bilateral trade with our country then the markets of China, India Brazil and Russia combined.  

Issues of Northern Ireland are also regularly consulted with between Dublin and London which shows the strength of resolve from both Governments to have an effective approach to the constant threats occurring.  The air route between Dublin and London is the busiest in Europe while also Irish and British tourists regularly make up a significant amount of revenue in their visits across to each other’s countries.  Indeed the visit by the Queen is being used to showcase Dublin and my own county of Cork.  

See RTE News site:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2011/0425/rira.html

1916 Commemoration

From the Irish Examiner

3,000 attend 1916 commemoration in Dublin

Sunday, April 24, 2011 - 01:06 PM

A commemoration has been held in Dublin to mark the 95th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.


President Mary McAleese led the wreath-laying ceremony outside the GPO, attended by approximately 3,000 people.


Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Justice Minister Alan Shatter were also in attendance, along with relatives of those who fought in 1916.


The Irish flag was lowered, the 1916 Proclamation was read, and a minute's silence was observed.


Traffic restrictions were in place in the city centre for a time, but they will be lifted shortly.


However there are restrictions around Croke Park, where the Allianz Football League finals are taking place this afternoon.

Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/breakingnews/ireland/3000-attend-1916-commemoration-in-dublin-502577.html#ixzz1KRx25fpM

NRA's Road Tolling plans

The announcement by the National Roads Authority that more roads in the country need to be tolled, but more specifically the N20 near Mallow is bordering on ludicrous.  The N20 is one of the country’s national arteries that was was abandoned by the previous government in the Motorway splurge of the Celtic Tiger.  The road, particularly south of Buttevant is not even up to the standard of some Regional Roads.  There is not a road of the standard to warrant a toll.  If a full Motorway linking Cork and Limerick was constructed then a single toll at Mallow would be sustainable, but not at present.   Indeed an M20 Motorway would take traffic from the towns of Charleville, Buttevant and Mallow.   The NRA has no right to toll a road that they have overlooked.  Lives are lost because of the state of some our countries roads.  The NRA proposes to profit from work not yet done and take advantage of motorists forced to use these clogged up routes.  Other routes such as the M50 where there is a proposed toll have some justification because of the standard of the infrastructure but has anyone from the NRA even driven along the N20?  Not everyone in the country has access to alternative modes of transport such as the Luas Green Line which passes a stone’s throw from the NRA’s HQ in Dublin 4.  Indeed it makes someone question why we pay tax on our cars, on fuel and in our personal taxes and yet still be asked to pay for roads that are already built.  One of the worst National Primary Roads in the country would be tolled twice under the NRA plan, with additional tolls for people coming from either the Jack Lynch or Shannon Tunnels as many inter-city commuters now do.  The proposal to toll the Jack Lynch Tunnel also strives from desperation, the Tunnel would drive regular commuters back into the city to avoid it and thus recreate the problems £105 million was spend to alleviate.  Some might argue that Limerick has a tolled tunnel now in operation but the Shannon Tunnel deals with mostly transit traffic that would be traversing the city for Galway or Cork.  The Jack Lynch deals with Cork City commuters on a daily basis.  I tell the NRA thus to build us a proper road infrastructure between Cork and Limerick, and then consider tolling that.


Further Reading:
http://www.eveningecho.ie/news/ireland/nra-suggests-doubling-number-of-tolled-roads-501759.html
http://www.corkrdo.ie/preview.php?fileName=m20_cork_limerick_motorway_scheme_introduction&id=0&end=html

See videos of Computer Generated Overlays of the proposed M20:

http://www.corkrdo.ie/m20_cork_limerick_motorway_scheme_videos.php

Enda visits 10 Downing Street

Our Taoiseach Enda Kenny on his first official visit to 10 Downing Street remarked that “how serious he is about Ireland economic problems”.  Indeed the new government here in Ireland have prioritised on economic matters since taking office, from recent Bank recapitalisation to the Jobs Budget next month.  Some in the United Kingdom have questioned the loan by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of 4 billion pounds to Ireland as ill advised.  It should be reminded that the loan is after all a loan, if it is fully written down the repayments will earn the UK Exchequer 240 million over time.  We as a country find it hard to fully accept the fact that we will be repaying in excess of 100 billion euro due to recklessness by banks but it is the legacy we are left by the previous failed Fianna Fail - Green administration.  There was non-existent regulation in the banking sector, how Brian Lenihan can stand across the house and hurl any type of attack at Michael Noonan is beyond me. There are many trade links with our two countries.  Indeed the UK has more bilateral trade with the Irish Republic then the emerging markets of China, India Brazil and Russia combined.  While there is a difference in opinion over the approaches to Agricultural Policy, most other EU matters are approached from a common basis with both countries.  Issues of Northern Ireland are regularly consulted with between Dublin and London which shows the strength of resolve from both Governments to have an effective approach to the constant threats occurring.  The air route between Dublin and London is the busiest in Europe while also Irish and British tourists regularly make up a significant amount of revenue in their visits across to each other’s countries.  David Cameron praised our government’s tough but necessary decisions on the economy, he himself has to make difficult choices and also enter into a coalition with a party that had some significant differences in policy.  Enda Kenny had numerous engagements in the City Monday with an aim to restore our reputation that has been tarnished in many ways since 2008. We now are revitalised but face significant challenges both home and abroad.  The other pressing matter visit of the Queen to Ireland is a hot topic here, with most viewing it as a chance to showcase the good will and modernity of the Irish People.  There will be some opposition but that is not representative of Irish Society here.  The legacy of British rule in Ireland is by no means forgotten but we have moved on as a nation and a people.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/driven-enda-easily-shifts-gears-in-trio-of-meetings-2622897.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2011/0419/1224294978673.html