Posts Tagged ‘Fine Gael’
#Right2Water , Civil Disobedience and #PeoplePower in Ireland 2015
Yesterday on Twitter I received the following Tweet ….
What needs to be done to topple the #Irish Government? #Election2015 @LegalEagleStar @ballyhea14 @Glenna_lynch @Revolution_IRL @gazzahead
I replied ….
@thesecondgoing Mass Civil Disobedience !
As a lawyer, I have been criticised by many, in particular fellow lawyers, regarding the stance I’ve taken with regard to the Right2Water Campaign. This is a Citizen led Movement which has arisen as a result of the Irish Governments attempt to privatize our water, regardless of how hollow the rejection of this claim is, by the Elites who run this country. I have taken to the streets and marched Shoulder to Shoulder with my fellow Citizens and am proud to do so. While many people cannot afford to pay the proposed charges being imposed on us, a lot can. Luckily I am one of those that can. There is a principle at stake here. Austerity measures dictated by the IMF, the European Central Bank and others and imposed on the Irish People in order to pay the gambling debts of the Elites, their Bankers and Speculators are, in my opinion, immoral. Can’t Pay, Won’t Pay are what the banners say. They could read Can Pay, Won’t Pay and they would be as correct. People have said ‘Enough is enough’. The question is, am I correct in advocating a Don’t Pay policy?
I have read a lot about Civil Disobedience. Is it morally, if not legally correct? I came across the following…
I am inclined to agree with Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the American Declaration of Independence (1776). Justice, surely has to play a role in our thinking. As lawyers we are trained to use the law to benefit our fellow citizens. When the law is unjust, we try to use the legal system to protect our clients. Our Courts on a regular basis try to mitigate the harshness of the law and find an interpretation which protects the citizen. What about when one political ideology in power attempts to subjugate the citizens to their point of view? We are told that we live in a democracy and the will of the people is demonstrated by the Ballot Box. In 2011 the Irish People Voted for Change. They ousted the Fianna Fail Government and replaced them with the two parties that advocated change, namely Fine Gael and The Irish Labour Party. While in opposition and prior to the General Election, both of these Parties talked the talk but as it turned out, they did not walk the walk and indeed the Irish People were subjected to the same policies that the previous hated Government had implemented. Sadly, even more austerity was heaped on the citizen. The most vulnerable in society, the young, the old, sick and the poor were particularly targeted by the ruthless implementation of austerity. People suffered as a result and indeed are still suffering to this very day. The new government claim that they were given a mandate by the people and are refusing to relinquish power. They say they intend to stay the full course. Is this democracy in action?
Democracy… government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system. So in theory that is what we have.
While we’re deemed a Democratic State why are people in Ireland today so discontent? Something is wrong. They are not being listen to. Despite marching on the streets to demonstrate their opposition they are being fobbed off with our Government playing politics. Those in power are, in my opinion, not following an agenda on behalf of the citizens who voted them in. Instead they are following the dictates of the EU and other like-minded institutions whose agenda is somewhat different. Perhaps something is fundamentally wrong ….
While I have quoted from a Justice of the American Supreme Court, I feel that the same is equally relevant in the Irish context. The Irish Government panders to the will of those with great wealth to the detriment of the citizen, thus sadly creating a sub-class in our society, to which the vast majority now belong.
Photograph: Matthew Cooper/PA
It’s to be noted that lawyers have headed protest against injustice in many countries throughout the world. They have led the people. In Ireland today, it appears that we only hit the headlines when huge fees are concerned. This is unfair. I recognise those firms who act for the Elites but the vast majority of the legal profession are of the people and stand up for their rights. Individually, lawyers do have a moral conscience. Unfortunately that is not reflected in the media nor indeed, in my opinion, in the representative bodies who I feel should be questioning the legality of bailing out bondholders and banks and suchlike. True leadership should be shown. It has been left to #Ballyhea and other protest groups to continue the fight against Government Austerity policies which go to bail out the rich at the expense of the poor. In the past the Trade Union Movement lead the citizen in protesting injustice. Sadly today the major Union #SIPTU are so closely associated with the Labour Party that their silence is deafening. Without the likes of Ballyhea, this whole sorry chapter in Irish society would not have a voice of protest.
So, as a lawyer am I advocating breaking the law by supporting a No Pay to Water Charges? Well, you’ll have to be the judge of that. I will continue to support my fellow citizens in their fight against an unjust law. I am proud to be associated with such good people.
Finally, I think it worthwhile watching Matt Damon, a lifelong friend of Howard Zinn and his family, read excerpts from a speech Howard Zinn gave in 1970 as part of a debate on civil disobedience.
Poster courtesy of Arcturus Blackhorn
LegalEagleStar , Tuesday , 6th. January , 2015.
Ireland in Ruins
English: Anglo Irish Bank, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, October 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
During the week I Retweeted the following from KSat News in San Antonio, Texas….
I wonder how many of these guys made money from Irish Citizens? Bondholders ? Ask #Enda World’s richest billionaires http://www.ksat.com/-/478556/9259712/-/wvv8urz/-/index.html#.UTT3ocxeiUo.twitter …
If we go to the List we see Warren Buffett, the 82-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is worth an estimated $53.5 billion. Bill Gates, chairman and co-founder of Microsoft Corp., is also co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. His net worth is more than $67 billion. I ask the hypothetical question whether any of these made money on the back of the Irish Citizen? The answer is that I don’t know and our Government is making sure that I cannot find the answer as they refuse to disclose the identity of the Bondholders of Anglo Irish Bank and other Bank Bondholders who have been handed money by our Tax Payers. Our Government has, and is paying back every cent due to these same anonymous bondholders. The Citizen on the other hand, those that invested their redundancy or inheritances, if they were lucky enough to have the money in the first place, have taken huge loses in whatever Funds they were advised to invest in. No bailout for the Citizen, only those who claim Elite status.
The Citizen in Ireland now faces a life devoid of hope. They face the serious prospect of their homes being repossessed by these same Banks and Financial Institutions who they have in fact bailed out. My point is that Billionaires small change would rescue Ireland. But our Government prefers to be the Good Boy in the Euro Class and instead bleed their citizens dry. I’m sure that Billionaires have reaped the rewards from their Bonds, many of which were purchased, I’m told, at a great markdown. I’m sure they were laughing at the incompetent Irish all the way to their banks.
We’re told we are in a recession. I’m not an economist but have listened carefully to our Economists over the past number of years. Their diverse opinions are at times illuminating but it seems most just base their opinions and comments on what is in the media at any given time. Some, who I believe should know better give us little hope and just side with Government strategy in advising more austerity and pain for Citizens who already have been cut to the bone. It seems they reside in a parallel universe where people count for little or nothing and all that is important is the survival of the multinational conglomerates and their bankers. Tune in to Vincent Browne’s Show Monday to Thursday at 11pm on TV3 and listen to their endless diatribe. To be fair to Vincent he does tend to show them up for what they are and in an entertaining fashion.
Historically, Irish People have trusted their politicians and for that matter, their local friendly bank manager. If advised to purchase a home they will follow the advice, take whatever mortgage is offered and complete the purchase. They are fed media hype concerning what they should buy and most if not all media handed out advise on a weekly basis with glossy inserts in the daily papers. People are trusting and believe what they are told. Naive many would say, but I for one have seen what motivates people. As a solicitor in practise for over thirty years, I see the ‘little guy’ spending his/her hard-earned cash in ways that they are ‘urged’ to do by their ‘leaders’, whether politicians, bank managers, investment brokers, Thursday’s Irish Independent Property Supplement, Friday’s Irish Times Property Supplement or indeed the Sunday Papers with their advice regarding the queues outside housing developments to get a bargain. People cannot be expected to discriminate against such pressure from those they have come to trust. Their Friday Irish Times has in fact become the ‘Bible’ for such people. Can we honestly blame people for being taken in by such propaganda? The media, our politicians etc. were forcing an agenda. Those behind the newspapers, advisers and yes sadly, our politicians were making a fortune for themselves, I believe, on the back of the citizen. The money our people spent ended up in already rich coffers.
Now politicians change their mind and continue our previous Government’s austerity measures. People threw out Fianna Fail as they believed them corrupt and voted for change. Now they feel betrayed by those they trusted, again naively some might say, who now claim their hands are tied by previous the Government. So while politicians change their minds and continue to trade cheap shots with one another, the Citizen is driven to bankruptcy, lose their family homes and family silver and are told its their own fault. ‘We partied during the Celtic Tiger’ we have been told. No we didn’t. Yes, most did their part as they were told and spent money on property, if the funds were handed to them. To say people partied is an insult. The Citizen is now driven to despair and sadly many lives have been lost due primarily to the helpless situation they find themselves in. Families have been broken up, many, too many suicides have occurred and yet the Government ignores their pleas for help.
Yesterday we saw our leaders Enda Kenny, Fine Gael and Eamonn Gilmore, Labour Party ‘glorify’ in the success of the first two years of their Government. They told us that we are doing well. The reality is somewhat different on the streets where the level of poverty has arisen to greater heights than ever before in my lifetime. This without the upcoming property tax, water metering and whatever other schemes they dream up to fleece the citizen. Remember all those that bought their homes paid an enormous amount of Stamp Duty and to ask them to now pay Property Tax is an absolute travesty of justice. Those ‘economists’ who favour this charge citing other countries property taxes, simply ignore this injustice. Shame on them ! There seems a major disconnect from what politicians are saying and what the reality is. While citizens are awakening in a new era of poverty and austerity, corporations, who are not even pursued for the meagre corporation tax, continue to prosper. Who are the Government working for? The citizen or the multinationals who continue to prosper?
Are we in a recession or is it the implementation of all those Euro Treaties that we were told would bring jobs, prosperity etc. The United States of Europe, which no Irish Citizen ever voted openly for, but is the culmination of said Treaties, is now a reality and its imposition is being forced upon us. Be careful for what you wish for as all those Yes to Europe Votes have indeed come back to haunt us. We Irish are now a small poor Statelet within a huge capitalist entity. How did we ever think we’d be a player enjoying equality and fraternity with the likes of Germany? That is what we were sold by our politicians and we believed them. Recently on RTE Pat Rabbitte, a prominent member of the Labour Party said that you say some things before elections. He was justifying a change of mind when parties take power…
Video: Pat Rabbitte admits to breaking election promises http://www.joe.ie/news-politics/current-affairs/video-pat-rabbitte-admits-to-breaking-election-promises-0031538-1 … via @JOEdotie …And We continue to believe them..
Enda Kenny changed his mind on taxing the family home. I tweeted on this…Tom Baldwin @LegalEagleStar
‘It is morally wrong. unjust+unfair to tax a person’s home.’ EndaKenny 1994.’Don’t ever trust a politician.’ Me, 2013 pic.twitter.com/0P05G6vxY1
When I was in College we were taught about Capitalism, that you were ‘Never too big to fail’ What utter nonsense. Whosoever controls the capital calls the tune. Billionaires who continue to prosper, their bankers and suchlike, many under the guise of Anglo Irish bank Bondholders control this new United States of Europe. I wonder as to where the old Nazis are now because Hitler has indeed realised his ultimate goal of a United States of Europe under German control and with an ‘Elite’ firmly in charge of our destiny. Whatever will the German people think when they discover what is really happening to the Irish Citizen?
LegalEagleStar , Thursday , 7th. March , 2013.
Referendum in Ireland, 31st.May 2012, the End of the Journey
English: James Larkin Statue and The Monument of Light The Monument of Light is 120m of stainless steel. The Larkin statue was erected in 1981. James Larkin was leader of the general strike in 1913. The building on the left is the General Post Office which was seized on Easter Monday, 1916 by members of the Irish Volunteers and Irish Citizen Army. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In a democracy, such as ours, we elect politicians for a term of years to look after the Rights of Citizens and to, as it were, ‘run’ the country in their best interests. That is the theory. The practice has been somewhat different, unfortunately. For years Fianna Fail were the champions of business and in particular, the construction industry. Over time, mainly due to corrupt practices, in my opinion, the interests of the citizen became somewhat overlooked. Fianna Fail became too close to the Bankers and the European Elites and began to strive to promote themselves to be rubbing shoulders with these people who were to become their Masters.
There were meetings, before meetings, if you get my drift and the power shifted to unelected Bankers and Businessmen whose sole concern was profit. The control of the Country was in effect handed over to these people with no regard whatsoever to the interests of the Irish Citizens. We became a land of would-be elites and the policies pursued by Government lost sight of what really mattered. The interests of the citizen took second place and so upon the advice of the Bankers and their fellow travellers decisions were made on another agenda altogether. Dishonestly so, in my opinion.
Fianna Fail were not alone in pursuing their agenda. Both Fine Gael and Labour played their part in this deception. So in effect, all parties in the Dail, who each made their policies clear come election time, had no intention of carrying out their promises once elected. When a Fine Gael/Labour coalition took power, the emphasis shifted in a small way to their own people who took over jobs previously held by Fianna Fail. The construction industry, while primarily Fianna Fail people, lost out to some degree. Fine Gael looked after their more rural supporters in the alternative. That is the way Ireland has been ruled for decades.
So, come the proposal to join in with Europe and the European Economic Community, all of the parties enthusiastically joined forces and urged the Irish Citizen to Vote Yes as it would be good for jobs, among other often repeated slogans. Ireland entered on its European journey and while some disagree, we have certainly developed as a nation to a degree of prosperity as a result. This is probably a good thing as when I was young, the abject poverty of some was shocking. A walk around Dublin’s inner city was an eye-opener. Today a walk around Dublin is a somewhat different experience. The horrible slums have been replaced by modern buildings which by and large, have improved the living conditions of the citizens. So our journey into Europe, encouraged by almost all of the political parties has not been such a bad experience. Yes, but at what cost? We joined an economic community based on open border trade. The citizen worked hard to bring about this change but as time has gone on, those that prospered were primarily the multinationals and the banks. Peoples lives were becoming controlled, not by themselves but by institutions whose agenda was solely based on profit. The trade unions, once a powerful force in looking after the rights and working conditions of their members, began to take up seats on the boards of companies. There was an age of new industrial relations. No longer had you the James Larkin types running the unions. They were a training ground for future politicians who slowly but surely positioned themselves into positions of power.
From an e economic union we have been steamrolled into the European Community. Sovereignty, while once a powerful emotive term is now a dirty word. We are, after Maastricht, on the slippery slope to what we didn’t vote for i.e. The United States of Europe. When did that happen? Well, over time the Irish Citizen have voted for a little change here, a little change there and now it is past the time to turn back. Still the three major political parties are singing from the same hymn sheet. Vote Yes for Jobs, is still their mantra. Yes, there is now a slight change in the makeup of the Dail. Independents and Sinn Fein have emerged onto the scene but as yet cannot exercise any real power in their arguments. Their time will be another day, somewhat into the future. By then it’ll be too late to undo the wrongs perpetrated on the citizens of Ireland by unscrupulous individuals, both elected but in the main unelected, who have imposed dreadful austerity on the citizen in pursuit of their own selfish agenda.
On Thursday the Citizen has the opportunity to Vote. That is their right. But is it just an exercise in democracy for the sake of it, or is it an opportunity to try to stop the runaway train which is delivering us to a destination that we know not where? The United States of Europe is upon us. It will be a brave man or woman who stands on the line to try to stop this train. Sadly, it appears we cannot stop this train regardless of where it’s true destination lies.
As I’ve stated in a previous Blog, I encourage all citizens to exercise their right to vote. Sadly it may be the only chance you have for some time as in the last General Election the citizen voted for change which has clearly been denied them. The present Fine Gael/Labour Coalition has continued to implement the same policies as Fianna Fail despite the citizens mainly anti-Fianna Fail Vote. I believe it was not a vote for Fine Gael and Labour but primarily anti-Fianna Fail , a point which seems to be lost on current Government politicians. The importance of steering us into the United States of Europe now takes on a greater urgency as to slow the process now would only allow the Irish Citizen to say No, enough is enough. Now, you couldn’t have the Citizen daring to change direction, could you? No, clearly that would be disastrous to the bankers whose interests we are now told, come first. Bail out the banks, not the citizens. That way you keep the citizen powerless in this New Europe. Irish citizens have lost their individual identity. They are now only citizens of a country called Europe.
LegalEagleStar , Tuesday , 29th. May , 2012
Phil Hogan, his Household Tax and Abuse of the Elderly.
Eamon Gilmore, leader of the Irish Labour Party, at the party's 2010 conference. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Well, the Fine Gael – Labour Coalition Government which was to bring in sweeping changes and provide the Irish Citizens with a new fresh pro-people Agenda, is this week engaged in terrorising the most vulnerable in our Society, the elderly. The days of get rid of Fianna Fail, those corrupt politicians, seems a long way away, now that Enda Kenny and Eamon Gilmore have taken power. Election promises are out the window while statements by Labour Chief Gilmore such as ‘Labours Way Not Frankfurts Way’ now seem laughable. This Government is a carbon-copy of what preceded it and are solely concerned with implementing the dictates of The Troika to the detriment of the Citizen.
While in the Post Office last week, I witnessed a distraught pensioner enquiring if she could pay the Household Tax at the counter. She was informed that she could buy a Postal Order and then post it in. She seemed confused and asked how much a Postal Order would cost and I think she was told Two Euro. She said she’d have to think about it as she was confused. Later I came across the same lady with some of her friends in a local shop as she searched for bargain cuts of beef to take home to her invalid husband. She was near to tears.
I visit my mother in Nazareth House whenever possible. My mother has a short-term memory problem as do a lot of other residents. Some spoke with me regarding the tax, clearly distraught. Others seemed really angry at the threats being made by Government politicians on the radio and were determined that they would not be paying the tax. They said they’d go to Jail before they would pay. Some residents still own their homes. One American lady told me that she paid Property Taxes when she had her own home in California. She said they were to fund the local school as well as other local amenities. She was happy to pay these as she felt she was contributing to her local community. I asked her would she pay the Household Tax here and she replied in a stong voice NO! She told me that she had paid Thousands of Euro in Stamp Duty when she moved back to Ireland. ‘I never paid Stamp Duty in California’ she told me. She had been advised that in Ireland we had no household tax but that the vast amount of stamp duty she had paid would be the Irish Equivalent to the Household Tax. She was furious that she was now being asked to pay both. She became distressed and I decided it prudent to leave her in the care of the helpers. I must say she was a lovely woman. Fair to all she met and now was suffering unnecessary stress by being Threatened with this new Tax. I might add that I only know of one resident who has a computer and that is an old IBM type, which she uses to maintain links with her family in Austria, by email.
Elderly abuse is horrific and one which has come to the forefront in recent years. I’m told that in Emmerdale, on the TV, that Ashley, the vicar, is abusing his father and that the story will run for the next while. In the course of my business I have many an occasion to deal with elderly people. They are great, amusing, sad, happy, in fact you witness a wide range of emotions. The one thing you do is to try to put their mind at rest. Deal with their problems and anxieties in a caring manner. They are vulnerable and society does not always deal them a fair hand. You can imagine my frustration and indeed anger while listening to Phil Hogan and his lackies threatening people to pay up or they will be charged extra and indeed will be prosecuted. Someone mentioned Jail. Well it was in the context that people would not be sent to Jail. Well, what did the elderly hear? They heard Court and add one and one together to get two, which means they’ll be sent to jail. I do not know Phil Hogan personally, but wonder whether in his previous incarnation as a school teacher and auctioneer that he developed an arrogance about him which is now coming to the fore. Let’s look up what Fine Gael have to say about him… ”He is the tallest person in the Dáil at 6 feet 5 inches. He rarely misses a G.A.A. match where Kilkenny are playing. He is good card player which is an essential requirement in politics.” Well, need I say more !
LegalEagleStar , Tuesday , 27th. March , 2012
The Ireland of 2016 as told in The Papers
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
Top Story
Today in Smithfield, The Rebels launched an attack to the south of the Four Courts where the Government Storm Troopers have been garrisoned since the suspension of the Law Courts last month. A source close to the Rebel command informs us that they have this morning, occupied the Jameson Buildings. It would appear that the attack on the Walkinstown Headquarters of the Rebels last Thursday, when Government militias summarily executed the hundred plus occupants, has prompted this current occupation. A Government spokesman said that such actions will not be tolerated and promises to put down this current attempt to defy the democratically elected Government of the People. A total of over 800 rebels have been killed over the past week.
In the Dail , The Leader of the House claimed that the actions of the Government Militias has been justified as the Rebels and their spurious campaign to reinstate Social Welfare Benefits are totally unjustified and Un-European in nature and will not be tolerated. The Opposition, now in hiding, have claimed that since European Forces were invited to patrol the streets of the capital, that a shoot to kill policy was in operation in the State. They claim that since the Dail was usurped by The Troika last December their lives have been in danger. To date some 20 elected TDs have been summarily executed. A Government spokesman denies these claims and blames the Rebels for all deaths that have occurred.
Other News
The American President has shown concern for what is happening in Korea. Since China invaded both North and South, the island has been annexed to China. The United Nations said they were delighted with the progress in the region but noted the concerns of the President.
In Manchester, England there was another night of rioting. A Conservative Party spokesman said that people unhappy with living in Council Estates should either leave the country or else buy better housing. The fact that these people have decided, as a career choice, to leave their secure jobs is no excuse to act in such an undignified manner.
Outside of Dublin it’s reported that since the abolition of the Garda Siochana by the Minister for Justice, the Drug Gangs continue to fight for control of strategic areas. Our Reporter has witnessed the wholesale slaughter of citizens who stand up against these ruthless individuals. In Derry, the Republican Movement have reinstated Free Derry and is actively patrolling the area to protect the citizen again the Drug Dealers who have menaced the New Euro -Province of Ireland since its inception last July. The Fine Gael Government has denounced the Republicans as unruly terrorists who have not learnt the lessons from the Civil War in the 1920s. ‘We won the War’, stated Enda Kenny ‘and how dare they have ideas above their station’. He went on.. ‘Such nonsense as introducing a Socialist Republic will be fought at every crossroads in this United Country of ours’…’Long Live The Troika’ he concluded as he gave a single-handed salute to admirers in Parliament.
The whereabouts of Vincent Browne is unknown after the collapse of TV3. His show was denounced by The Troika after he refused to be quiet at their Press Conference last January. TV3 executives have refused to comment on the assertion that it was his nightly ‘Tonight with Vincent Browne‘ programme that caused the demise of the station.
Troika News
Since the imposition of Single Party Government by the Troika following the refusal of the Opposition to agree to the many changes ‘suggested’ some twelve months ago, their Report issued today congratulates both Enda Kenny and his Fine Gael Party for implementing the necessary changes needed to support the Euro and the Central Banks. It would appear that the remaining Labour Party deputies, that had refused to change allegiance to Fine Gael have now been sacked. The Labour Party has now officially been added to the list of Proscribed Organisations. They join Joe Higgin’s Socialist Party and Mary Lou’s McDonald’s Sinn Fein. Independents have been listed individually.
Financial News
Good News for Citibank as they confirm that the austerity measures imposed in the Euro Zone and in particular in the Euro-Provence of Ireland has substantially improved their balance sheet. The Chief Executive proclaimed at a lunch in The Four Seasons in Boston that they are delighted with the success of the Troika and confirmed that they will continue to support their actions.
Fashion
The Annual Euro Fashion Awards have been held for a second year in the Four Seasons Hotel in Ballsbridge. It was felt that such secure surroundings would be beneficial to promote the image of Ireland as an open economy and promote Jobs. Government leaders and Militia were present to enjoy an outstanding event which was viewed live throughout the Euro Zone. The latest fashions from Germany, Italy and France were on display and a fabulous night was had by all.
Breaking News …
The Occupation in Smithfield has been stamped out. According to Government sources all those involved were killed but the Dail has been informed by General Kohn that no property was damaged.
You may consider the above pure fiction. But beware. The path the Irish Citizen is being led down in the shadow of a ‘Democratic’ New Euro Zone may have dire consequences.
LegalEagleStar , Wednesday , 1 st. February , 2012 .
Fascism+Euro Federalism here we come. Did Hitler actually die in that Bunker?
Image via Wikipedia
Over the past few days I have been somewhat taken aback by the blatant disregard of the Citizen by our political establishment. Anyone who knows me would be aware of my lack of respect for those who govern us. This has been brought about by the almost daily degradation of the rights of the Citizen by those they elected to govern and protect them.
I listened the other morning to an interview with Michael Noonan TD, our Minister for Finance. I respect his right to talk about his family and those he may personally know concerning emigration for career purposes but take grave exception to him passing off the current wave of young people and some not so young, having to leave these shores in search of employment abroad. How dare he. I have met with so many families over the last few years who are devastated and heartbroken as their loved ones depart. Does Minister Noonan really believe what he said or has he no idea of the suffering of the citizen in these obscene times.
While Pat Rabitt dreams up yet another scheme to further fleece the citizen by way of a revamped TV Licence supposedly to assist with public broadcasting, Minister Howlin tells us that The Troika have agreed to the use of monies from the sell off of our family silver to enable some employment initiatives. Surprisingly, or maybe not, The Troika did not mirror what our esteemed Labour Party Minister had said.
So it was left to journalist Vincent Browne to ask the Troika at their press conference yesterday as to their awareness of the plight of the beleaguered Citizen and the insistence by the ECB on our Government paying unsecured junior Anglo Bondholders next week an obscene sum of circa Euro 1.2 Billion. After an evasive answer by the ECB Representative Mr Browne asked him to answer the question. On viewing a video of the press conference I was appalled with the attitude displayed by the Troika and was fearful that Mr Browne was going to be ejected from the Press Conference. Isn’t it sad that we have to rely on a small band of journalists to put the real issues to the Troika while our elected politicians appear to be tipping their caps to these inhumane bankers. The arrogance displayed reminded me of The Third Reich and the domination of the citizenry. Quite clearly the Elites are insisting on their banks being stacked up with the assets of the Citizen with absolutely no regard to the hardship this is causing. To think that our politicians and most noticeably Minister Noonan, are quite happy with ‘our progress’, shows how removed they are from what is actually happening to our little country.
On top of all these attacks on the Irish Citizen the same Minister Noonan has declared that he and his Fine Gael Government do not want to refer any matter regarding the proposed Euro Zone changes to the Citizens for a decision. He and his Government know better. Sure wouldn’t it only divide the people and he doesn’t want that. Maybe he fears a backlash from the Irish people who may well say enough is enough. Of course, he knows the possibility of civil unrest is much lesser now as those who would take to the streets have had to take action already to survive. They emigrated ! Does the junior partner in Government, the Labour Party, really support their Fine Gael partners in the rape of the Citizen ? While hard to comprehend, it would sadly appear so. God help Ireland !
LegalEagleStar Friday, 20th. January, 2012.
Waiting for a Phone Call, Listening to Enda, my Grandson Toes and a Red HairDryer
Image by Tom Szustek via Flickr
Today has been a frustrating day. Started off fairly well, as well as could be expected. Yet another sleepless night worrying about the kids, the dog, my mother and a couple of clients who I feel really sorry for. Then the phone call I’m awaiting, well hoping for really.
The day started with me listening to Newstalk Morning News. Maybe it was just the sound of Enda Kenny’s voice declaring that he hadn’t lied to the electorate when he said he was going to protect and maintain the services of a Hospital prior to the General Election. He hasn’t, and has now ‘seen the light’ and realised he can’t fulfil his election promises. Nothing new there you might say. Well, what was the purpose of the original statement? If it was to ensure that he and his Party got elected then things would make sense. Because now, we’re told that Hospitals are unsafe and we need to go to the Major Hospitals for care. The problem is compounded as we’re now told by the Doctors that the major hospitals are unsafe. I’m sure, like me, you are fed up with Spin and the absolute nonsense we’re expected to believe. On the facts today it seems that all the Medical Negligence cases we have Must Succeed as quite clearly today… all hospitals are unsafe, according to Enda Kenny, our Fine Gael Taoiseach. If only life was as straight forward as that. Listen, Enda lied to get elected. That’s the story. No more, no less.
So, angry and frustrated I head into the shower. Lovely moments alone, with the sound of the water caressing you for those few minutes. Maybe after Enda’s Government start rationing water, charging us enormous amounts to actually use the water.. I’ll have to take a quick shower. To think that we’re a small island surrounded by water ! The loss of my only morning pleasure will be a sad day. Maybe I could give the dogs half a bowl of water instead of two. That would conserve some water… or maybe that would be cruel. Will the Minister make a Doggies allowance for us? Will he hell.
It’s now mid morning. All my calls, bar one, have rung out. I’ve left message after message but so far, nobody has phoned me back. No, after checking, it is indeed A.M. not P.M. and it is a weekday, not the weekend or indeed a Public Holiday. What to do. Sure maybe I’ll write this weeks Blog. Yes I’ll do that.. Wait, a phone call for me. Great, ‘Hello Tom Baldwin, who am I speaking to?’ Oh no, ‘I don’t want to talk to you ! No, my computer is fine. No, no …’ While I try to be civil to this foreign gentleman, I end up telling him to ‘Feck Off’ and slam the phone down. Maybe that will have the effect of me being deleted from their database. Wait, was that the guy or was that in fact my Bank? Now, I’m not sure. After some moments I decide that it could have been the Bank. Well, if so, I gave them the right answer.
Nearing lunchtime, I’m home and sitting down working on research for my Blog. Then, at the door I hear a shriek.., ‘Aarsse’. I know that sound. It’s Toes, my grandson, coming to visit me. So, off to play then. After lunch it’s clear said Grandson is getting narky. I ask him if he wants to go to bed? Shake of the head indicates No. I’m not convinced. Are you sure I ask him. Same response. After some time playing with the Dogs and the Parrots I ask again, as I’m unconvinced that he is sufficiently alert to last the afternoon. So, upstairs to bed, turn on Daughter No.2’s Red Hairdryer and put Toes to bed. As I lay on the single bed beside him I start to feel guilty as I wave to him. Hold on, he’s dropping off. Yes, result ! Problem is that I’m doing the same. OK, back to the computer. I wonder will any of those gentlemen and ladies of my esteemed profession actually return any of my calls ?? Well, I suppose, I can only live in hope…..
LegalEagleStar Tuesday , 12th. July , 2011.
LegalEagleStar 