Tragic - Comic

Clerical Sex Abuse

In the past clergy in Ireland could expect blind loyalty from the faithful. It was taken for granted that priests were free from criticism, they were untouchable. Men of the cloth could do no wrong and to question their venerable status was unthinkable.

However we now know better. The mask of saintliness has slipped and those under the ‘care’ of the Christian brothers are now vindicated. A litany of abuses has shamed the religious in Ireland and it is a disgrace that those members of the clergy were allowed to take advantage of vulnerable young children.

The rumours were true and we are now moving into an era of disbelief rather than deference – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has been badly let down by his predecessors, who have implicated themselves in the abuse by not co-operating with the relevant authorities.

These days sniggering has replaced worship and moving statues are scoffed at. Our young are sceptical of the church. Canon law is no longer a sufficient reason to excuse what we now call paedophilia and those who were abused are now taken seriously.

The Catholic Church has much to answer for, hopefully we can start anew. But maybe it’s too late. It is certainly too late for the hundreds, if not thousands who have had their childhood callously stolen.

The lessons are there for us to learn - life may never be the same in the land of saints and scholars. The word ‘reverend’ will never be as closely associated with priests as it was so in the past.

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Val Falvey TD

In this new RTE comedy series Ardal O’Hanlon plays TD, Val Falvey where he comes off as a sort of superhero. At one point, in the first episode, the TD says ‘Feck Bodenstown’ when reminded of his duty to the party he represents, before being told of the importance of the event. “Linda Martin beat the British, unlike Wolf Tone”, sighs Falvey.

Slapstick comedy, Irish style, is what we get as Val is being persuaded to hop out of his chauffer-driven car and take up cycling, to look good for the voters. Falvey gets everything done for him and in one scene even has his sidekick (Owen Roe), tying his laces.

This half-hour show is full of clichés. However all successful sit-coms need strong material and VFTD is thin on this score. At times it is even slightly cringy. There could be plenty of scope for satirical expression but fails miserably. O’Hanlon has a good track record in television comedies, alas it stops short with this disappointing attempt.

After viewing the second episode I have come to the conclusion that VFTD is more trouble than it’s worth. Sure, it sends up politicians (check the juvenile behaviour of Falvey’s colleagues) but is that enough? I have experience of the silliness of our politicians: the posh meals, the tailored suits and the untouchable attitude. This, needs to be ridiculed, but is sadly ineffective here.

Everything is blown out of proportion and the humour is not as piercing as ‘Father Ted’. The latter also starred Ardal O’Hanlon and one of the writers of the clerical comedy is also involved in VFTD.

The best thing about this wheeze is the 7.30pm time slot – it will undoubtedly turn any young person off politics (very few would have those aspirations anyway), but hopefully they won’t be turned off comedy.

Africa is invisible to us

It’s 6.30pm and I’m in Wynn’s Hotel, central Dublin, for an evening of talks organised by the Congolese Anti Poverty Network (CAPN). Earlier I had been up the street, in the Irish Aid centre, at an exhibition of human rights defenders for the Amnesty International/Irish Section/Zimbabwe Group. My knowledge of Africa was broadening by the hour.

People are gathering, the chatter is getting louder and there’s plenty of flesh being pressed – networking is in full swing. Food has been laid on by a lovely lady by the name of Deirdre. She explains her culinary skills as I munch away and those attending tonight’s talk are in high spirits.

Well dressed men and elegantly style women permeate the upstairs room in Wynn’s. Clearly much effort has gone into the organising of this event. Now all we have to do is wait for proceedings to begin…

Without warning we are addressed by the first speaker, Pierrot Ngadi, who is a Human Rights Activist and a member of Amnesty International. He tells us of the terrible treatment of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), his homeland. Prevention of gender violence is his theme. “Men have lost sense of their obligations” he says and criticises the Congolese government’s bad record on human rights.

Current Lord Mayor of Dublin, Emer Costello, is positive about the CAPN’s formation and is “happy to lend (her) support.” She goes on to describe what women, in the DRC, have to face as “harrowing” and “particularly horrific” and emphasises her strong encouragement for the work being done by Mr Ngadi. She also praises Cllr Eric Byrne, who is also present, for his good work in relation to Africa.

The next to speak, to the audience of roughly 50, is a locally based businessman, Logan Raju. Mr Raju is an avuncular figure and is mightily impressive. He speaks clearly and held my attention for the duration. He tells us of his experiences in Ireland and has an extremely pleasant manner. He describes himself as “a Chinaman with a tan”. Much of what he has to say concerns racial integration and how to create a better society. His contribution is warm-hearted and intelligent.

Juno McEnroe, a journalist with considerable experience of Africa, follows Mr Raju and wastes no time terrifying us with the awful reality women have to endure in the DRC: The constant fear of rape, “a cancer”. Despite the ongoing corruption in the country, he says there are people working for positive change. We are informed of the vast size of the nation – the journey from the east to the west is about the same distance from London to Moscow. McEnroe finishes by saying that support is vital to those suffering from sexual violence and other human rights abuses in the DRC.

The craggy features of veteran Irish journalist and broadcaster, Vincent Browne come into view and he addresses us, telling of the scale of the problems in the DRC. He says they are enormous compared to Ireland’s recession. The only country that cares about the DRC is China. The world doesn’t care, Africa is “invisible” to the west, Browne tells those assembled. He goes on to say that we in Ireland “live in a different stratosphere” to the DRC and paints a bleak picture of the human rights problems there. However Browne ends by urging the CAPN to continue its good work.

Following the last speaker there were contributions from the floor and I made my way out of the room, slightly saddened about what I’d heard the speakers say about the DRC, but happy in the knowledge that I had learned more about that huge African nation. I’m glad I went to this meeting and extend my thanks to the organisers.

Further information on the CAPN can be got by logging on to: www.congoapn.com or info@congoapn.com

As good as Churchill?

On television, a few weeks ago, Michael Portillo (former British cabinet minister) said that Margaret Thatcher was the best prime minister the British had since Churchill. Mmm I wondered, can this be true? So I thought it would be worth examining those who held the office over the last 30 years.

James Callaghan became prime minister in 1976 following the retirement, on health grounds, of Harold Wilson. Callaghan (nicknamed ‘Sunny Jim’) was, to the casual observer, avuncular and one could not imagine him in a foul temper.

Callaghan led his Labour government until Margaret Thatcher won her first general election as Conservative leader in 1979. The British had to endure her condescending and uncompromising nature for over a decade as PM and, unsurprisingly, ‘Thatch’ divided political opinion, both inside and outside the UK. Politics was once again ideologically driven and, in turn, quite exciting.

In 1990, after being deposed as leader of her party, John Major succeeded Thatcher and also became PM. A nice man, he had virtually no charisma and this hung around his neck for the duration of his premiership. Even though everyone thought him dull, Major was far more accommodating in his attitude than ‘the grocer’s daughter’. But he never got the British media on his side and this contributed to the Conservatives losing the general election of 1997.

Labour had been out of power for over 18 years and Tony Blair was made PM (one of the youngest ever at 43). These days he’s now linked to the Iraq war, but his early years at the top, 1997-2001, were relatively trouble-free. However there was a ‘big beast’ waiting, impatiently, in the wings to replace Blair. Gordon Brown.

Brown had wanted to succeed John Smith following the latter’s death in May 1994. However Blair was chosen by the Labour party as leader and this angered Brown, who had expected the leadership come his way rather than Blair. This anger ran and ran for years. Finally in 2007 the one-eyed Chancellor of the Exchequer was crowned Labour leader and simultaneously prime minister.

Although not as heavily implicated in the Iraq war, as Blair, Brown had, indeed still has, little to offer as a communicator and this is a problem he’s never been able to resolve. However as British prime minister, despite an impressive start, Brown has become more and more unpopular. It’s doubtful that he’ll lead his party to a victorious fourth term in office (a general election is scheduled for next May) and his time as PM can only be described as disastrous. Despite his sincerity you could never say that Gordon Brown had the people on his side. He doesn’t seem to have time on his side either.

Each of the British political leaders had their advantages and disadvantages but I would struggle to say which of them was the best:

Callaghan – gentle but weak as a leader

Thatcher – right wing and uncompromising

Major – dull, though moderate in style

Blair – modern but too supine to right wing opinion

Brown – sincere, poor communicator and fails to inspire

The truth is that none of the five leaders, mentioned above, are fit to be compared to Churchill. Each of them has been divisive in some form. This differs sharply with the wartime leader, who brought people together and, that is why Michael Portillo is incorrect in his analysis.

Prostitution - My Experience

When women speak of prostitution they usually describe the oldest profession in the world as 'sordid', 'sad' and the men that visit, termed 'vile'.

Last July I visited one of these ladies in a last ditch attempt to gain some sexual experience. Over the years I have had problems making friends, sexually, with girls and now women. I never knew, or indeed know, how to approach someone I like and want to be with and each year, near to my birthday, I was increasingly anxious about my total lack of experience.

It is clear that I'd never become sexually active unless I visited a prostitute. I'm glad to say that that serious problem in my life has ended. If prostitution never existed it is doubtful that I could resolve this issue in my life. I am a firm believer that sex should be consensual and any sort of coercion towards a woman would be unthinkable for me, therefore having sex with an escort was my only option.

Many believe that prostitution is wrong and I don't disagree - it's a disgrace that women should be forced into doing something that can feel degrading. Also men should think carefully about using such 'services' - betraying a girlfriend or wife in this way is unforgivable. But what of single men, like me?

In one sense it felt uncomfortable having sex with a woman I didn't know and there was a smattering of guilt, but my mind is now clear and I no longer dwell as much on the facts of my former virginity. Many mentally ill men may have similar feelings and it never gets mentioned.

Men are not all using their economic power to use such ladies - I have a tiny bank balance. There's probably plenty of men who are unhappy, possibly suicidal over their absence of sexual experience. If going to a prostitute helps these men then why shouldn't they be permitted to engage in activity that, after all, many others are engaging in on a daily basis.

A couple of years ago, several sex workers were brutally murdered in Ipswich (UK), and it thrusts the safety and security of prostitution under the spotlight. But I'm not a murderer, nor am I a rapist,or unfaithful,or violent or even disrespectful. I simply needed to have sexual experience. I can't lead all the women I fancy into bed and therefore it is legitimate, especially in my circumstances, to pay for sex. However everyone from clients to police to our legislaters need to give maximum protection to women who get involved in this sort of business. We owe it to them that conditions should be safe and away from harms way.

I don't doubt a level of immorality is present, but not all men who use these women are evil. So in the future my mind will be clearer regarding sex, but I am even more firmly convinced than ever before that being in a relationship is far preferrable to visiting a prostitute. Loving someone is much more rewarding than half an hour of carnal knowledge with someone you don't know. Of that I am certain.

An Education

Set in 1960s London, this film is based on the memoirs of veteran journalist, Lynn Barber and is full of the lifestyle of those times. Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is studying for exams, which her parents are hoping will enable her to get into Oxford University.

On a miserably wet day the girl is returning from Cello class when a middle aged man, David (Peter Sarsgaard), in an attractive car, asks if she needs a lift, but puts the Cello in the car while Jenny walks alongside. In the pouring rain! This chance encounter tees us up for the rest of the film.

David eventually brings the 16 year old with him to a concert of classical music in Smith Square, but only before parental approval is granted. Later in the film, after having sweetened Jenny’s father (Alfred Molina), David takes her to Paris, where life is a little looser.

Through scene after scene of this pleasant, but quite plain, film the relationship between David and Jenny grows. One senses sex is on the agenda, despite Jenny informing her older companion that she’s not ready yet. Further fun follows and eventually David lays his cards on the table and proposes to the secondary school pupil. When the school principal (Emma Thompson) is informed of the impending nuptials, there is no going back to study, or is there?

But Jenny’s delight quickly turns sour when she discovers that her fiancé is already married. This presents considerable difficulties: how does she tell her parents of the break – up? What about her studies? In the end everything is resolved and young woman (the actor is really 24) decides she wants to go to Oxford, abandoning her earlier plans to marry a man much older than her.

The film finishes with scenes of Jenny cycling around the environs of Oxford University. By this stage she has become more in control of her life. Most of those at this cinema seemed to be elderly and female and this the best audience for a film of this kind.

An Education is a nice, easygoing way to spend an afternoon, even if it’s a little sanitised. Definitely worth a view, though. By the way doesn’t Peter Sarsgaard look the image of British cabinet minister, Ed Balls? Maybe the latter was an actor all along.

David McWilliams

David McWilliams was educated, first in Dublin’s Blackrock College and then Trinity College Dublin (University). He has worked in the field of economics and spent time in London where he worked for Banque Nationale de Paris, among others.

When he returned to Ireland in 2002 he moved into broadcasting and fronted a programme on TV3, ‘Agenda’ in which he interviewed various figures in public life. With the founding of Newstalk, a Dublin based radio station specialising in news, McWilliams became the presenter of the breakfast show until 2004 when he was succeeded by Eamon Dunphy.

Not one to let the grass grow under him, McWilliams swiftly returned to broadcasting with a lunchtime debate programme, The Big Bite, on RTE television. In 2006 the Killiney based economist had his first book published, ‘The Pope’s Children’, and this kept him in the public eye, despite not having a regular television slot. However the book was criticised in the Ireland on Sunday newspaper, who claimed it had been based on a book by a writer, David Brooks.

In September 2007, McWilliams’ second book, ‘The Generation Game’, came out and spawned a three part television series. He has also hosted a satirical/discussion event ‘Leviathan’ which moves from venue to venue, but is not broadcast. It has even been taken to festival events such as ‘The Electric Picnic’.

Recently McWilliams has used his economic expertise to advise finance minister, Brian Lenihan TD. Mr Lenihan’s penchant for chewing garlic cloves was revealed to the public in the process.

In his latest tome, ‘Follow the Money’, McWilliams courts controversy by making saucy comments about a fellow broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, which he says he now regrets. In an interview with the Sunday Tribune he rues the remarks: “I’m very sorry Miriam was upset by what I wrote…I never meant to suggest that she in any way used her sexuality in pursuing her career…I’m very sorry about that.”

McWilliams enjoys a high profile, courtesy of the media, and his opinions on the economy are frequently sought. He has been installed as the new host on RTE’s The Panel television show, which features some of Ireland’s top comedians. Pat Stacey, writing in the Evening Herald, says of McWilliams’ foray into the realm of entertainment: “Whoever thought it would be a good idea to make McWilliams the permanent host of ‘The Panel’ was not being very clever, but very dumb.”

Despite the criticism however, viewers can expect to see McWilliams on television screens regularly. Having brought characters such as ‘Miss Pencil Skirt’ and ‘Breakfast Roll Man’ to national prominence in the past, who knows what’s next from this red headed celebrity.

African culture and Irish life

"Are you bi? are you gay?what gender were you born?…."

The above questions were bowled my way by a charming African lady of my aquaintance. I meet her occasionally and we always have a congenial chat, but after our last chance encounter I felt a bit taken aback. My sexual experience is rather limited, it must be said, but at 37 years of age I am a confirmed hetrosexual man – no doubt about it! Being quizzed about it felt quite unusual but I always try and answer any questions put my way. Heart on sleeve.

My Kenyan friend cannot understand why I do not have a partner, despite making it clear that I don’t want to remain single. Celibacy is not for me and the frustration in finding a partner is tough. However it is only one part of life and I try not to let it get me down.

My conversation with the nice lady made me think about the cultural differences between African and Irish people. I am fortunate to have a number of African friends and some are religious, some are not, but all are fiercely intelligent. I am living in a country where cynicism co-exists with friendly banter and this doesn’t always fit the average African person.

In my experience you know where you stand with Africans and they are not given to gossip or slanderous comments. The Irish are not as gentle, though, and the emerald isle is now home to many African people. I feel that they will have to (like many of the Irish diaspora worldwide) learn to fit in to our way of life.To assimilate.

Yes we should accomodate different cultures and people but they will have to make an effort to understand Irish life. We, of course, must learn about the culture surrounding imigrants as well. If no effort is made we will end up in an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and that spells disaster.

I am fascinated by the traditions of the African diaspora in Ireland but we cannot pretend that we are a nation in the equatorial continent. Understanding each other is the key to progressing and sometimes that is missed here. My Kenyan friend, I feel, is not relaxed enough with the Irish lifestyle.

I would love to have an African girlfriend and next time I converse with my aquaintance I will ask her to assist me in this regard rather than go down the road of gender and sexual orientation, which is not really relevant to me.

The idea of showing my way of life to an African lover would be a pleasure and then, correspondingly, I can allow myself to learn more about her culture. That is the best way to grow in life and for us all to understand each other in the new, multicultural Ireland.

What’s on the telly?

Television is no longer a medium I crave; however there is a small selection of programmes that interest me and maybe you:

Merlin (Saturdays, BBC1). This fulfils my love of adventure and history. From ‘Robin Hood’ to ‘Star Wars’ every boy/man has a fondness for action and Merlin never disappoints. Starring Colin Morgan, Merlin is a friendly young sorcerer who works under the tutelage of Gaius (a long haired Richard Wilson) and uses his magical powers to dispose of the enemies of Camelot and John Hurt’s unmistakable voice is in full effect as the Dragon. This series is gaining viewers and can be viewed by adults as well as children and it’s easy to get caught up in its web of charm. Already over half way through the current series, my television will be tuned in to the remainder of this mediaeval feast.

Dating in the dark (Wednesdays, Living). A little like a Blind Date – with less light. It works by having six contestants (3 men, 3 women) and if any couples from the six decide to meet they go into a room shrouded in darkness. I’ve been watching it lately and find it to be quite a turn on. The surreal nature of what goes on is a unique feature of this show. Couples can meet in total darkness and, once they are allowed a glimpse of their chosen partner, they can get an opportunity to date. It’s not a perfect process and some contestants can be stung by the cruel way the programme is devised. However the participants deserve a medal for bravery. Enjoyable, if a little trashy.

Tonight with Vincent Browne (Monday-Thursday, TV3). Despite the title this is not a show like Conan O’Brien or David Letterman. This is a sober programme and Vincent doesn’t have a selection of jokes or celebrity guests (unless you count Arthur Scargill, one of the guests last week) and it’s not filmed in front of an audience. Browne is a veteran, weather-beaten media man and runs his nightly discussion show like a ringmaster in a circus. Thankfully he doesn’t bring a whip. Each evening he has a range of panellists and topical discussion is the order of proceedings. Having left RTE to stagnate, Browne’s insatiable desire to rib politicians never fades and the programme may win TV3 new viewers. For someone with an interest in current news the show works well. Print ‘journos’ are frequently featured and one wonders if some of them would get the same profile elsewhere. Anyhow it’s essential viewing and wraps up the day well. We Irish love to talk and that’s possibly why Browne’s show is so good. Probably the most stimulating programme on Irish television right now.

Peep Show (Fridays, Channel Four). This is quite a unique comedy series based on the conscious thoughts of the two central characters, Jeremy (Robert Webb) and Mark (David Mitchell). Their various romantic difficulties are played out and supported by characters such as ‘Dobby’, ‘Big Suze’ and ‘Super Hans’. Webb’s acting skills and facial expressions are great fun to witness. Mitchell, on the other hand is more of a comedian and a writer than an actor. Both are seen on other television programmes but it is with Peep Show that the two British stars are best known.

The Inbetweeners (Fridays, Channel Four). This comedy series is now off our screens. Hopefully this will be temporary. It features four teenagers and their exploits as they go through the latter stages of puberty. Drinking, sex and bad language are constants and the clever bonding of the characters is uplifting and humorous. The Inbetweeners is a realistic portrayal of what any group of male adolescents get up to when they are away from the parental gaze. Looks like there’ll be another series in the pipeline so stay watching.

The Thick of it (Saturdays, BBC2). I’ve just finished watching the second episode of the new series and it’s a hoot. Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) is a version of Alistair Campbell (Tony Blair’s former Press Secretary). Tucker curses his way through each episode making Gordon Ramsay sound like an Altar boy. The series is based on a government department where chaos reigns. Sheer incompetence is the central theme and provides plenty of expletive laden rants, mainly from the mouth of the ferocious Tucker. Written by Armando Iannucci, it is perhaps the best satirically styled series currently running on television and is truly unmissable.

In the desert of ‘telly land’ there are, at last, some fine pickings amongst the trash. But the above programmes are sadly the exception to the rule and one wonders if this medium will be around in the years to come. Watch this box.