27 May 2010

Amnesty Ireland says reform of the HSE needed

Amnesty Ireland have slammed the "excess of legalism" surrounding the HSE, at the launch of the human rights group's annual report in Dublin this morning. Colm O'Gorman, Amnesty's chief executive, also said that reform was needed in relation to the HSE.

The Ombudsman and Information Commissioner, Emily O'Reilly, launching the report outlined the inadequacies of Irish life: the banking crisis and the general lack of accountablility that exists. She echoed much of what is documented in the annual report. Ms O'Reilly's speech is widespread in targeting the human rights deficincies that exist.

The theme of this year's report is the obligation of the state and making governments accountable for their actions. Gender based violence, extraordinary rendition and ongoing human rights breaches in countries, such as Sudan and Chad are mentioned as is the failure of UN action in other parts of the world.

Amnesty's committment to challenging human rights abuses in the Middle East and Zimbabwe was reiterated. Poverty, scarcity of food and the energy crisis were cited as areas of concern as many continue to suffer. Mr O'Gorman said the "law must be applied equally" and he repeatedly stressed the duty of governments to challenge these inequalities.

The report also criticises the state of mental healthcare in Ireland. The Ombudsman says she is "unsure" of the role of the HSE when caring for unnacompanied minors. According to Amnesty Ireland, Over 400 children have "vanished" and the government's responsiblility in tackling the trafficking of children is another obligation which is highlighted.

The launch of this year's report,in Buswell's Hotel, was attended by about 50 journalists and activists and a number of those present showed little or no confidence in the HSE. Winding up proceedings, Noeleen Hartigan, Amnesty Programme Director, told those present that torture and rendition were a continuing difficulty for human rights in 2010 and she praised the Ombudsman for her "forensic analysis".

25 May 2010

DJ Ram - Part 2

Comparing the recession in the 1980s with the current recession:

“In the first recession (1980s) I wasn’t a shop owner but now as a shop owner I feel differently about the current recession. Life went full circle for me. When I first came to Ireland there was no ‘Tiger’ economy. The country was moving forward, one step at a time. A lot of people I knew in Ireland, back then had to emigrate as there were no options left to them.

The difference with the current recession is that over the last 20 years so many people made so much money in that time. Despite the recession there are a lot of people who have money. There’s people lost money and a lot that made a fortune from investments. This recession is like the one in the 1980s except this time we have more people here. Four million now, in the 1980s the population was around three million. Many people have returned to the country and there is peace in the north. All these things have made a difference. I mention the north because in the ‘80s we used to up north for bargains and then when the economy improved we started going to New York to do our shopping. But now, things have gone full circle, people are going back again to the north to shop.

This recession is a big lesson to a lot of people that do not deserve to be in business – they are chancers. The country was awash with money. Builders became developers and they hadn’t a clue about being a developer. The banks played a big part in helping those idiots to become developers and that is why we’re in this situation. But the big businesses are the worst hit. The smaller traders are less badly affected as they have been much more careful in their investments.

Four or five years ago, when I was trying to find a location for my shop, it was impossible but the location doesn’t matter anymore. It is the rent that has made it difficult for everybody. The rent ten years ago is not like the rent today. It has to go up every couple of years after a review. So if you were making money you could afford the rent. The rents are still the same but there’s less money around. Ten years ago I used to tell my friends and customers: ‘yeah ten years from now my shop will be as big as Tower Records.’ I am glad it didn’t go like that or I’d be closed now.”


My take on Immigrants:

“There will always be immigrants, whether it’s going abroad or other people coming here. It depends on the economy or the laws in a country. If people knew that Ireland was a fortress, nobody would bother coming here. But because people know that in Ireland’s history there was some hardship, immigrants will get a sympathetic hearing.

Ireland’s economy was going really well and this is part of the reason for immigrants coming here. Because people will go to a country where there is money around. But these people should get the protection they need when they come here. Wherever people go they should get protection. But immigration becomes a problem when you see women trafficked. No African guy is going to load a bus with African women and then land in Ireland. There are gangsters here that are doing this business: organised child trafficking. So immigration is happening here, it just needs too be dealt with properly.

It is now much harder for people to come here compared with ten years ago, seven years ago or even five years ago. The rules are now tougher and that’s part of the reason. Coming from Libya, as people would know, has got harder and the government there have to bargain with the European authorities. They won’t allow refugees unless they get what they want from Libya. So now Europe has a deal stopping people departing from Libya. Most European countries now have tightened their borders and it means if people travel to France it is impossible to go any further.

It is sad to see people being exploited by smugglers, some are Libyans or from other African countries. What immigrants need is a Passport, the key to a better life. I think that refugees are deliberately mistreated. An African person, for example, could work for you for nothing. It is easier for an employer to get someone to work for nothing rather than go and get their employee a Visa and organise things legitimately for them. But with no documentation this allows the boss to avoid paying someone who is undocumented.

One of the reasons why immigration to Europe has gone down is because of the recession. There’s no money and there’ll be more genuine applications here from people abroad as the ‘Celtic Tiger’ has disappeared. I am now an Irish citizen. After living here for 23 years I got my Passport. Some have come here from abroad and got their Passport after three or four years.”

Next week in the final installment of my interview with DJ Ram: 'If I was Taoiseach' where our hero brings us up to date as he is given the honour of being Ireland's first black leader!!

24 May 2010

We need agony uncles as well as agony aunts

Sheana Keane, the well known thirtysomething broadcaster, is now acting as an ‘Agony Aunt’ on The Irish Independent (each Saturday). This week she had to advise a ‘doctor’ whose complaint was his inability to find a suitor. Even though the ‘doctor’ had enough money and good prospects, he was unhappy on his own. Being single was not what he wanted.

Sheana hits the nail on the head in her response: “Take your friend’s advice and stop actively looking for love. Instead, focus on building a life that excites and stimulates you.” That’s all well and good, Sheana, you’re a female. Many women dislike sex. They only go through the ‘act’ in the hope of becoming pregnant. Men are different. Sex is hardwired into the male psyche, it’s part of daily life.

Further proof of Keane’s ignorance regarding men’s desires comes in the penultimate paragraph of her rather longwinded lecture: “Take away the self-imposed pressure of finding love and this approach will help you feel and radiate a quiet internal confidence. No deep life analysis, no pressure, just pure life enjoyment.” - This from a married woman! “No pressure” is fine coming from an agony aunt but from a male perspective the ‘advice’ offered is pretty weak, perhaps useless.

It would give a better insight if an ‘agony uncle’ gave his advice on a case such as this. Women are wonderful in so many ways but in any case of male sexual inadequacy the ‘agony aunt’ needs to take a back seat. Sheana did say, however, that a single man should not become desperate and this is, indeed, sound advice. The enduring aspect, to men’s lives now surrounds love and sex and that’s difficult to avoid.

I’ve just finished my two-year course in journalism. I found one of the women in my class quite attractive and I genuinely cared for her. But my interest was not reciprocated and I had to accept, with great difficulty, this sad reality. Men should have the sensibility to realise this ‘roadblock’ and navigate around it. Sheana’s ‘advice’ does not take on board the passion that lies at the heart of every man. This can be better articulated by an ‘agony uncle’ and would provide a more rounded piece of ‘advice’ for the likes of our ‘doctor’.

This, though, is no negative assessment on Sheana Keane who, I’m sure, can deliver well intentioned words on many thorny questions. But advice sought by a man, on the subject of sexual relations, needs to be given by a man, not in this case, by a woman. Last time I checked we had two genders and both deserve our respect and attention.

20 May 2010

Zimbabwe: "the future is bleak"




A former Zimbabwean politician gave a negative assessment on the future of Zimbabwe, at a lecture in central Dublin last night.Michael Auret was speaking at a lecture in the Catholic Library, Merrion Square and told his audience of how he was "struck by the intellect" of Robert Mugabe when he met the Zimbabwean President for the first time in the late 1970s. However this was tempered by subsequent events and the white Zimbabwean says "the future is bleak indeed."

Auret cites the seizure of property, owned by white farmers, and political violence for the collapse of Zimbabwe. Another problem was the destruction of the irrigation system in the farms. This has, he said, resulted in high rates of unemployment. Zimbabwe is in desperate need of skilled labour to overcome these problems and the many exiled professionals must return if there is to be any respite.

When questioned by the audience, Auret said it was hard to explain the wealth Mugabe and his supporters have accumulated but is certain of the inequality that pervades. In order to change this, and many other forms of injustice, there must be constitutional and electoral reform. Auret mentioned several figures who have tied themselves to the Mugabe regime.

When asked about Morgan Tsvangirai, Auret says the MDC leader has made a mistake in participating in the unity government, formed in 2009. He is not positive on the subject of reconciliation in Zimbabwe and expresses great sadness at the country he has left.

One speaker,describing himself as a 'Colonialist', told of the torture and intimidation experienced in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia). He went on to criticise the Thatcher government and its handling of the Lancaster House agreement which paved the way for the formation of Zimbabwe in 1980.

Auret wound up the meeting by pointing out the increasing strength of Chinese investment in Africa. He spoke of the Chinese as being "the next colonisers" in Africa's future. "Africa is a prize" and this explained the level of colonial interest in the continent.

Michael Auret is the author of 'From Liberator to Dictator: An Insider's Account of Robert Mugabe's Descent into Tyranny'

19 May 2010

Brothers in arms



The brothers Grimm ...sorry... Miliband have both thrown their hats into the ring for the contest to decide the next leader of the British Labour party. It will be an exciting time for a party once led by Michael Foot and of course, latterly, Gordon Brown.What sort of leader will triumph? and can they reclaim the support, lost over the years, of the left in British politics.

But the two Milibands are not unique as being siblings in politics. Here in Ireland we have a long tradition of relatives being involved in political life. Former Foreign Minister, David Andrews and his late brother, Niall were colleagues in Fianna Fail. Fine Gael MEP Gay Mitchell and his brother, Jim (also sadly deceased) are and were prominent in Irish politics. Indeed our own former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern has several brothers who are dotted around the place in Kildare Street.

Even in Ulster brotherly love exists. Michael and Chris McGimpsey are both connected to the Ulster Unionists and, despite differing over the link with the Conservatives at Westminster, both are highly regarded, throughout Ireland.

As has been well documented elsewhere, a good portion of Irish political life revolves around relatives succeeding relatives and this tradition will continue through the coming generations.

As odd as a coalition between Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives, the brothers Miliband are a novelty for both Westminster and the Labour party. Ed Balls, today, has announced his intention to stand for the vacancy at the top of his party. But all the attention will be fixed upon David and Ed.

In a recent Newsnight report a panel of voters were asked who would be their choice to lead Labour. The overwhelming majority backed David, although a female panellist said some of her friends 'fancied' Ed. He is a gorgeous looking bloke but has not got, one guesses,the correct attitude required to lead.

After a tough time campaigning, Labour, and the media,will continue to interest and excite us over the summer. Just when you thought it was all over we have possibly the most interesting leadership race in quite a while and the Miliband brothers will be centre stage.

One thing they must do, though, is to put the people first and only then can they return to government. But not before doing something that traditionally Labour does best - debating the issues that matter.

18 May 2010

DJ Ram - Part 1

Last February (2010), I conducted an interview with an interesting character from Libya. Ramadan Bettamer, better known as DJ Ram,is the owner of Dublin's only Reggae shop and his rise to success has been long but fruitful. The FD has decided to post the entire script of the interview for viewers.

I believe that Ram encapsulates the new, multicultural Ireland and his story is of an African entreprenuer who has triumphed against the odds. The interview will be posted in three parts over the coming weeks. Hopefully you'll find it of interest. Best of all though, it might get your asses down to the Crow Street Bazar where you'll find Ram's shop. It's a must for all Reggae fans......


How Ireland has changed my life since arrival:

“My name is Ramadan Bettamer and my nick-name is Ram. That is why I’m known as DJ Ram. I come from Libya, a place called Benghazi which is the second city in Libya. When I was in Libya I got a high level of education and had just started in college when we were sent to study abroad. That led to me coming to Ireland.

When I left Libya I first travelled to England, where I studied English. I knew some English but it wasn’t great. I stayed in school there for six months and I stayed with an English family to prepare myself for my project as an aircraft engineer.

Before I started training I had to learn English first at the Anglo-Continental school in Bournemouth so everything could be understood, as all the lectures were given in English. The original plan was for me to study in Canada but I couldn’t get any school available to take me so I went to England. I spent six months (1983) studying in England having great fun. Bournemouth is a great city and my English really improved. Up till then I didn’t know that I’d be going to Ireland. Ireland wasn’t on the map. The choice was either stay in England or go to Canada.

When I left college in Libya I got an opportunity to go abroad and study as an aircraft engineer and wanted to take it, just like everyone else. It’s a great job to have as an aircraft engineer. I have a brother who is a pilot but my Dad, at the time said: ‘what’s the point of having two pilots in the family? Why don’t you study engineering?’ So the opportunity came with Arab Airlines, who were looking to recruit Libyans as they were relying, at the time, on foreign labour. A lot of people would take an opportunity like that because it would improve their lives immensely lifestyle-wise, salary-wise and lead to a more prestigious life.

After Bournemouth I came over to Ireland where Aer Lingus had classes available to train me, based at Dublin airport at classrooms set up there. The classes were put into three different groups: (1) instruments, (2) electrical, (3) radio and radar. The radio and radar group is what I qualified and specialised in. For four years I studied theory and practice in aircraft engineering and every three weeks we would have exams. The funding for my training was provided by the Libyan government because they needed people to go abroad and study and return with skills to be used to help the Libyan economy.


I continued my training until 1987 but the US bombing of Libya made it difficult to go home. The longer I spent abroad the less funding I was getting from the Libyan authorities. At this time the political situation in Libya was changing dramatically and that made it impossible for a lot of people like me to go back and contribute to the country.

At that point I had to make harsh decisions. Now I had to rely on my own resources in a foreign country. After spending four years here I made a lot of friends, almost like a family to me. I found myself working in a Take Away restaurant only two weeks after I finished at Dublin airport. In this country it’s who you know that helps and that’s what kept me going.

Back then I lived in Santry and I knew all the neighbours, even the kids knew me and getting involved in the local Karate club helped me increase my contacts. It was, at the time, a novelty to know a black person in Dublin. We were looked upon in a positive light because we weren’t refugees or asylum seekers – we had real qualifications to offer and we had money.

Initially coming from Libya to England there was a big change in my life, a culture shock. In England the standard of living was great. But going back to Ireland was different. Britain was, still is, more advanced than Ireland. Some of my colleagues went back to England at that stage because they couldn’t hack it here. This was at a time when Ireland was poor. Fewer people were buying cars – even second hand cars!”

From 1987 I worked as a Chef in a few places including The Cedar Tree Lebanese restaurant and then in Wolfman Jack’s in Rathmines, which was the same style of restaurant as Captain America’s. I know the owner, Jay Bourke (proprietor of several hostelries around Dublin). I started as a kitchen porter and then worked my way up from there. One of the most famous customers, while I was at The Cedar Tree, was Mick Hucknall from Simply Red.

As well as my work as a Chef I had started doing some work as a film extra. I worked with some famous actors such as Dennis Hopper, Craig Charles and Daniel Day Lewis. When they were looking for extras to work in In The Name Of the Father, I was chosen because of my Rastafarian appearance. Getting to know people in the film business such as Jim Sheridan was another good result of getting involved in movies here. All of this time I was building up my contacts which has gone on to help me here. This was through working with a large group of over 400 on the set of In The Name Of the Father. It was like a big family. Following my involvement in that film led to working, three years later on The Boxer. It was an honour to work with Daniel Day Lewis.”

Next week:
Comparing the recession of the 1980's with post Celtic Tiger Ireland; the treatment of immigrants.

17 May 2010

Africa Day 2010




Melvyn Bragg’s In our time programme goes out on Thursday mornings on BBC Radio 4. Each week Bragg analyses a subject with historical relevance. For those that want a little more context the programme has a newsletter sent by email to all who subscribe. I’ve been subscribing for several years and find Melvyn’s informed knowledge quite inspirational.

In the course of an average posting he describes walking around London and the marvellous landmarks that city has to offer. The South Bank Show presenter has long been chronicling cultural delights. I always feel he translates the intellectual discussions so that scatter-brains like me can appreciate all that is covered on what I believe to be most insightful broadcasting.

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Another city with a fine tradition of culture and arts is Dublin. Today’s fun surrounds the beautiful environs of the Iveagh Gardens. The event I speak of is Africa Day. Sponsored by Irish Aid, this is about celebrating all things African. There is plenty to feed the senses and I will endeavour to bring some of these pleasures to you, my very own subscriber.

I’m sitting in a ring while drummers beat out intricate rthyms. Children seem to be everywhere – Ireland’s maternity units must be working overtime. Looking around the gardens, in Dublin’s leafy south city centre, there is a myriad of food and other cultural items being displayed.

The big worry of course is the weather. A Zimbabwean friend texted yesterday to convince me the weather would be good but, though I don’t wish to be disrespectful to the gentleman, you can never trust the Irish weather. Sorry Ashley.

However I needn’t have worried. There’s no rain and I’m down to my African T- Shirt (well I regard it as being African anyway) and while it’s not quite African skies, we have some rather nice sunshine to accompany the colourful occasion.

I’m sitting on my raincoat (knew it would come in handy) while the established and unestablished ramble around. I have my digital camera and intend putting it to good use. A group of about four Dublin girls/women are sitting on their rug drinking cans of Bulmers and bottles of Buckfast. Are they looking for action, I wonder? They’ll not have to look far.

Glamour and style are at every turn as various sounds bounce around the place. I’m hearing some cool Reggae sounds and feel compelled to investigate what’s going on. One could be forgiven for a sense of delirium – this is truly wonderful fun. Why people resort to drugs for enjoyment I’ll never know.

Well I have made it to the Africa Centre tent and there’s drumming lessons being taught. Should I get involved? Why the hell not. Everyone’s trying to attain a level of skill on the bongos and it’s happening in a lovely atmosphere. Soon there are Irish and native Africans belting away on what seem indestructible African drums. Anyway here goes.....

.....Ten minutes later I emerge from the drumming class with hands red from whacking the animal skin and am thoroughly rewarded for getting involved – no one should pass off the opportunity to sample other cultures.

Right now comedian, Fabu D, is working a crowd of roughly 100 with his unique hybrid of Nigerian/Irish humour. I’ve come across him before and he always gets laughs wherever he goes. Fabu you probably need more piercing material but your attitude is bang on.

Here I am surrounded by beautiful African women (sadly that description cannot be applied to the native Irish females here today). One wonders how Rosanna Davison won Miss World – no justice!! Trophy wives/girlfriends populate this annual event. What a pity Sinead elected not to accept my invitation to join me here. Well one thing is clear; I’d rather be here than stuck in a Chemist any day of the week. She’s the loser on this one, not me.

We’re listening to what sounds like a gospel performance and it’s going well considering the din from a nearby stage with what sounds like a Hip Hop act. How the choir are audible is anyone’s guess. The gospel group do the ‘hit’ ‘Oh Happy Day’, staple of supermarkets all over the land. Packing shelves brings tortuous memories – hell on earth. This though is heavenly in sight, sound, taste, smell and in spirit.

At times I get the feeling I’m encroaching – this is a family event. Not ideal for singletons such as me. Stunning women are all over the gardens. I’ve been on the look out for an African girlfriend for some time and if everyday was Africa Day, I’d be halfway towards achieving that ambition. Can you imagine growing up in this environment?

Today’s youth maybe rejected by our government but this city, my city, has now plenty of cultural routes to choose from. At nearly 38 years of age it is hard to recall anything filling my heart with such an amount of excitement. It’s special. Bubbles are now raining on me, as I write. The tones of Bob Marley’s ‘Stir it up’ are ringing out through the sunny air and, for the first time this year, my arms are starting to burn.

Leaving the Iveagh Gardens is almost heart-wrenching. The day has opened my eyes and ears to further knowledge of African culture. Harcourt Street is solid as I exit and I’m really glad I arrived early as the queue snakes for a good distance and one wonders will those waiting ever get into the garden before it closes. A larger venue may have to be chosen for next year’s event.

At least it’s not raining, of that we can all be merciful. I’m sat in my favourite city centre pub, The Hairy Lemon, finishing this scribbling and look back on what was a genuine cultural highlight. It is an alternative to the bleak economic and wider problems affecting Dubliners and an opportunity for some much needed social integration. Long live Africa!

10 May 2010

Gerry Ryan: 1956 - 2010



It was roughly 1985 and I had just got a Transistor for the first time. Night time radio was getting off the ground and I found myself listening to what was then RTE radio 2. Gerry Ryan presented a late night show called 'Lights Out'. He was loud and brash but it was good entertainment and brought considerable humour to the national airwaves. This was before he moved to the mid-morning slot that would make him a star.

In 1988 Ryan started on the 9am show and at once became an alternative to Gay Byrne’s show on RTE radio 1. I had got fed up with Byrne’s show that my mother’s generation were besotted with. Listening to Ryan was wonderful fun. The characters that featured, such as Mrs Vile and Terence from Cork (with gay overtones), were priceless and helped listeners warm to the north Dublin born DJ. RTE’s stuffy, conservative style was changing.

After a while there was a split in listeners between Byrne’s oldsters and the generally younger Ryan fan club. For RTE this was a win-win situation as both national stations kept a significant listenership, despite the rivalry of the top two presenters. Ryan had revolutionised Irish radio, so much so that British DJ Chris Evans borrowed some of the Irish radio star’s irreverence.

Television was not so kind to Ryan: Secrets and School around the Corner didn’t really set the country alight. Years later however, Ryan Confidential and Operation Transformation were more popular. The 2FM DJ also managed to present The Late Late Show when presenter Pat Kenny was unavailable on one occasion. This added to his prestige as a broadcaster.

Ryan had indeed reached a level of success but his personal life was more problematic. Splitting from his gorgeous wife, Morah, must have been tough for both sides. In recent years he had put on a lot of weight. Gone was the handsome, youthful look as Ryan moved into middle age. But the deep, masculine burr of his voice did not desert him. The DJ stayed in the national conscience and it was remarkable that he presented a three hour show five days a week for over 20 years.

As I write I cannot quite accept that he’s gone. The top RTE man was only 53 when he died in late April 2010. If it was too young for Malcolm McLaren to die at 64, just a few weeks ago, then it applies even more to Gerry Ryan’s death. It reinforces the fragility of life, especially in this fast paced time. Thank God for letting me listen to such a phenomenon, as indeed Ryan was. He was Ireland’s first ‘shock jock’ and radio here will be a far duller place as the air goes from live to dead. Thanks Gerry, it was great fun while you lasted.

08 May 2010

Unsatisfying results




Following a bruising campaign for all parties concerned, there is no clear winner. The spectre of a ‘hung’ parliament is now a reality and it seems no one has emerged in outright victory. The result, at time of writing, is now almost fully clear and it has led to political stalemate - something British voters are unaccustomed to. We have to go back to 1974 to get some idea of how the politicians will negotiate themselves around this difficult predicament.

One thing is certain: Gordon Brown will not lead a new government and he’ll have to yield to David Cameron in any agreement that is reached. Indeed the Labour party will itself be out of the picture.

The Conservatives have the upper hand and any deal or arrangement must centre on their leadership in any government that is formed out of this chaos. The ‘narrative’ the Tories will use in the media will be that the voters have rejected the Labour government. But this does not automatically give Cameron a mandate to lead the country – his party has fallen way short of the magic 326 seats to command a Common’s majority.

The most disappointed leader will not be Brown or Cameron. It will, in fact, be Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrat leader). He and his party had hoped to bring in 100 plus in MP’s and this has not occurred. Instead they have lost seats – dropping from roughly 60 (since 2005) to now just over 50. The sad reality is that they have failed to achieve much of what was expected.

Clegg impressed many with his performances in all three television debates, however, we now know this supposed steely strength to have been built on clay. The Lib Dems couldn’t make the necessary breakthrough but, perversely, they may be involved in supporting a Cameron led administration. Joining in a coalition may not be such a good idea as this would tie them too closely to Tory policy. The ‘hung’ parliament may be a blessing in disguise and give Clegg an edge. It would be a big consolation prize for his party losing seats.

What everyone will be wanting to know is can there be a way out of this political thicket? Brown will remain prime minister for the moment. But, as Clegg has stated, it will fall to the largest party, in this case the Conservatives, which the Lib Dems will negotiate with.

In these uncertain times the only solution may be another general election to try and get a more decisive result. Until then much ‘horse-trading’ will ensue. The British voters may, by that stage, reach consensus on which shade of government they want to lead them in the second decade of the 21st century.

06 May 2010

The Last Hurrah

He should have been doing more speeches like this...


04 May 2010

The ‘tipping point’ is nearly here




A few weeks ago the FD talked about the ‘tipping point’ that the British Conservatives needed to get in order to win next Thursday’s general election. Up to now they were only five or six points ahead of Labour in the opinion polls, but this has changed. Excluding Gordon Brown’s monumental lack of judgement over the Gillian Duffy catastrophe, Labour are in a significant position of weakness. Not only are they trailing the Tories in all the polls but in some they are behind the Liberal Democrats.

Unlike some, I felt that Nick Clegg won the final television debate (BBC) by some distance. I cannot understand the general view that David Cameron was the victor. True he did improve considerably, but Clegg seems to be closer to public opinion than either the prime minister or the main opposition leader. He’s more of a natural performer and, regardless of the outcome on 6 May, Clegg has now got a fan base not previously evident.

At the last general election (2005), Charles Kennedy brought the Liberal Democrat tally to over 60 MPs and this was seen as being exceptionally strong. Could they repeat that performance? Conventional thinking said a firm no, but Clegg seems to have bucked that and surprisingly his party may breach 100 seats in the early hours of next Friday. ‘Oh to be a Lib Dem’ many must be thinking.

The party with most to gain are the Conservatives. Some polls are, at time of writing, putting them up to ten points ahead of Labour. This is big news because lately there has been a lot of talk about a hung parliament. The ‘tipping point’ is finally being applied by the public and will, most probably, lead to a Tory victory. The exit polls, I believe, will confirm this. Far from being a disaster, this is democracy in good health and if that means the Cameron family moving into Downing Street, next week, then so be it. Not a natural fan of Conservative thinking, the FD is of the view that a new chapter in British political history can be written on 6 May 2010.

Gordon Brown has no right to coerce voters to flock to Labour. His party, and the government he leads, will be humbled (as John Major was in 1997) by mass public opinion. True he was a good chancellor of the exchequer, but he has been less successful as pm. The incident with Mrs Duffy, in Rochdale last week, was shameful and Brown’s rather odd grinning demonstrated how out of touch he and his colleagues in government are with the wider population.

So British citizens and foreign observers, such as me, will now have to prepare for a new Conservative led administration. However David Cameron will soon have to feel the heat on the many issues facing Britain: the economy, Afghanistan, international relations, the EU, civil liberties etc. We wait with interest the new, unfolding era in UK politics. Plenty of scrutiny will be eying everything the Conservatives do when they, almost certainly, take the reins of power next Friday morn. Then there will be someone else to blame for the problems facing the British people. Gordon Brown will be a distant memory.

01 May 2010

A wet weekend in Dublin

My penis is stiffening as I go through the city. Beautiful women are now all over the place. I start the day at an event in Bushy Park (near Terenure) and it's a mini world cup in aid of the Africa Centre. Arriving, the park is not particularly busy however I soon see plenty of people playing football, and well too. Earlier this morning I had pains in my chest and therefore decided not to get involved in playing. Nervously I approached Eric Yao one of the organisers. Eric had kindly invited me along and he was most accomodating when I cried off from the sporting activity.

Plenty of people of all races were present in Bushy and I have to say some were looking really, really good on the ball. How Ireland is not further up the FIFA rankings I don't know. Or maybe I am judging by my own crap standard. DJ Nigel Wood was playing some cool African music and, despite some very heavy rain, food was being prepared.

When I enquired as to the fish on the gridle it was revealed to be Sea Bass. The chef also explained his tolerance for fish and I'd nearly say he could be in advertising. Not being a mad fish fan, my attitude was starting to change. Apparently this type of sea food has very few bones, thus improving its selling points.

However, the rain was now pouring down heavily and my patience running out. Did I want to languish in the saturating conditions? The answer was in the negative and I quickly hopped on a number 15 back to the city centre.

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Of course the sad and unbelievable news, from yesterday,was the death of top Irish broadcaster Gerry Ryan. He was only 53 and in truth, despite being considerably overweight, he really shouldn't have gone this soon. I've drafted a tribute to him and, unless I succomb too,it should be posted next week sometime.

In the meantime go and get some shelter, it's bloody wet out there - and this is the start of the summer!

26 April 2010

'Persepolis' - A reveiw



Why is it that so many foreign films have to be made with American accents? Persepolis, an animated film that’s based in Iran, is no exception. As it gently moves along my anger is seething at the complete inappropriate use of American accents. All through the film! No I never knew Iranians all spoke like they were from Yanksville. An insult to all people from the Persian nation – even if the characters were all animated.

However this is not a moanathon (sic). Persepolis is full of charm and appeals to adults, despite its animation. The film’s central character is Marji. She grows up in Iran and lives through the Islamic revolution, in which the Shah was deposed. The underscore is melancholy and there is a depressing undercurrent to much of this film. It depicts a nation where ordinary people live under a cloud of oppression. Religious fanaticism is never far away.

The usual Hollywood routine is played out with plenty of clichés seen in many American productions. Everything is portrayed to the satisfaction of American stereotyping and the humour is geared up for the US market. This dilutes the film’s message. But it has much more to offer the viewer than that. Iranian life is obviously the main story – the burkha, the war (Iran v Iraq) and the overwhelming lack of human rights is a constant.

The teenage Marji leaves Iran and moves to Austria where she continues her studies in Vienna. Along the way she discovers boys, drugs and loud music – things she would never have experienced if she’d stayed in her homeland. Marji eventually falls into a depressed state and returns to Iran.

It’s the end of the war and Tehran is like a graveyard. She has returned to a place that is increasingly westernised. Head scarves are eschewed. This is, we are told, 1992 but Marji is unhappy. She goes to a ‘shrink’ (psychiatrist) to improve her mental health.

Soon it is time for radical Islam to take hold. Not wearing a headscarf is seen as being rebellious and the country is, once more, repressive. Persepolis is a film which shows up the scarcity of civil liberties. In one scene people are partying in an apartment. The fun is punctured by the state police who break up the social gathering.

Marji, it seems, is unable to put up with this restrictive lifestyle and emigrates to France after getting her visa. The animation is mainly in black and white and this helps to convey the sad, poignant life in a country where human rights are rationed to suit religious extremism. It’s amazing how emotional animation can be.

The film ends with Marji learning of her grandmother’s death and it is rounded out with the old lady’s voice. A charming yet sad film, it’s not surprising that it was nominated for an Oscar. When I finished watching it I wanted more. An unexpected pleasure.

19 April 2010

The Burkha Debate



A few years ago it was reported that Jack Straw MP (a government minister) had objected when a woman presented herself at one of his regular surgeries in his Blackburn constituency. Not because he dislikes Muslims or that he is unfriendly. It was what the lady was wearing, a Burkha (a gown covering the body from head to toe). Reuters quoted Straw as saying the clothing was a “visible statement of separation and difference.”

French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, was similarly ill at ease on the issue of the religious camouflage: “In our country, we cannot accept women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life deprived of all identity.” Indeed Sarkozy has the support of many in France since it is now illegal to wear Islamic symbols in public schools. However there is also strong opposition to his policy on what is a woman’s dress. The largest number of Muslims in Europe resides in France (5 million) and one can see there is plenty of potential for debate.

But despite the criticisms of Messrs Straw and Sarkozy, Muslim women will continue to don the garment. The Burkha originated back in the time of the Prophet Mohammed. To stop men leering at his wives, he would request they cover themselves top to toe. This soon led to many other women following suit. Sadi Mehmood (Director, Noble Khan) says: “Why would we cover a precious stone? To keep it safe, dust free, so it doesn’t get hurt or damaged by others. A similar metaphor can be seen to have been used in this case.”

However, Suzanne Evans, on her blog, says: “Jack Straw is right when he says it is a visible statement of separation and difference that makes positive relations between communities more difficult.” She goes on to say that talking when someone’s features are obscured by a veil of some sort becomes more problematic.

Despite Evans’ objections she makes an important point: “There is tremendous pressure on women to be slim, attractive, young-looking and always well-dressed. The success of Trinny and Susannah, a million women’s magazines and a handful of lad-mags depends upon it. I don’t like it and welcome anything that aims to stop objectifying women in this way.” Maybe Katie and Peter would still be together if the large chested lady was forced to wear a Burkha and didn’t flaunt her sexuality so publicly.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has this to say on the matter of dress: “The MCB echoes US president Barack Obama’s caution that it is important for western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practising religion as they see fit – for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear.”

In The Observer, last August, Jason Burke says of the Islamic dress: “The Qur’an enjoins women to dress modestly and to hide their beauty.” Further into his piece, he tells readers that “the debate over women’s dress is as cultural and political as it is theological. The Taliban’s attempt to make women in Kabul wear the Burkha (worn throughout most of Afghanistan’s rural areas) was part of a bid to roll back westernisation and control urban populations.”

It certainly seems women in some countries are treated unfairly, badly even. Human rights are clearly an issue and it is essential that women are not deprived of these rights. After all without the female gender we wouldn’t exist. The choice of what a woman wears should be an individual decision. Moving out of less enlightened times needs to be a priority for everyone in nations such as Afghanistan.

Moving closer to home, The Irish Post (www.irishpost.ie) says: “It may eventually become a subject for debate in Ireland and burying heads in the sand is not a solution. There may be more pressing problems for Brian Cowen right now, such as the country fast disappearing down the pan, but he could do worse than keep an eye on the French regarding developments on this issue.” Or perhaps Mr Cowen should wear a Burkha himself. It would hide the flab – better than buying a ‘slim-fit’ T-shirt in Primark, Brian!

15 April 2010

The Greens have failed us




A spate of resignations have occurred in Irish politics since the end of last year. John O’Donoghue, George Lee, Deirdre deBurca and, most recently, Trevor Sargent have all departed their positions for a variety of reasons.

Ms dB has left the Green Party to follow another, as yet unknown, path in life. She has made known her disgust at the way the Greens have behaved since getting hitched to Fianna Fail. But this has done nothing to upset party leader John Gormley who clings to power like a limpet on a rock.

There has been an exodus from Ireland’s chief environmental political party and this may continue. The Greens in government have become ‘window dressing’ for Fianna Fail. Backbenchers from the senior government party must be livid with the way their leadership have contorted themselves to accept Monsignor (sic) Gormley’s every whim.

Indeed the Greens have really pushed their luck since entering government and at times this can be nauseating. Gormley and fellow Green minister Eamonn Ryan are in turn arrogant and star struck about their new-found power. While Brian Cowen and his party colleagues are working overtime to sort out economic matters, the Greens are concentrating on rotating ministerial jobs between them. Well, wouldn’t you manipulate the system too if you could?

So viewers, while you are juggling your daily problems: childcare, losing your job, paying a mortgage, getting credit for your business, laying off staff etc, spare a thought for the Greens and their problems. These guys are clearly more concerned with remaining in office and are happy to let FF take the heat. You see it’s taxpayers money that keeps our Greens where they are today. They love the trappings associated with high office and are determined not to relinquish them.

In the UK the Labour government look certain to be prised out of power by the voters in a few weeks time. The same may be true of Ireland’s Greens when the time comes for a general election here. They have frittered away any credibility they had and are now firmly part of the establishment.

The FD has never been a great fan of Patricia McKenna (former Green MEP), but she and her fellow Green dissidents have done the country a great service by resigning from the party. They’ve displayed far more sincerity in leaving than her former colleagues who are now ensconced in office.

John, Eamonn and co will continue to get their long holiday breaks and be paid well while all our hard workers (what’s left of them) struggle to stay afloat. Hopefully the voters will punish Gormley and his bunch of upstarts when they next ask the voters to keep them in splendour. Just like the PD’s before them, the Greens are living on borrowed time. Political oblivion beckons and it can’t come quickly enough.

12 April 2010

A lesson in living

I became redundant from my job in June of 2002. Getting acquainted with the job seeking and welfare system was intimidating and I can understand, to some degree, the plight of many who have lost their jobs in this recession. My life has not adhered to a ‘work ethic’ and consequently I have a tiny bank balance. However doing something is better than nothing, even if voluntary work is what you choose.

In January 2003 I enrolled with FAS and did a three month Computer course. This equipped me with skills I had not previously possessed. Over the years, despite not returning to full time employment, I took it upon myself to ‘up-skill’. Currently there are people up and down the country who have a low level of skills. Maybe some of these people can benefit through re-education or training. It can be of immense importance in returning to the world of work.

2004 came into view and I put my retail knowledge to good use by doing a CE Scheme. A Charity shop in Dun Laoghaire was recruiting staff and, after applying, I was given a position. Roughly a year after joining the shop closed down - “not meeting targets”. I then decided not to work in the retail sector again as I felt it was generally un-skilled.

By 2005 I’d taken the opportunity to complete ECDL (European Community Driving Licence) over two years. However, despite learning much, this didn’t lead me into a job. One talent that I worked on intensely was typing and, at this stage, it had improved to 30 WPM. In October of 2007 a course, Receptionist Skills, was suggested to me. I duly attended and gained further skills. Unfortunately, though, this too failed to generate an income for me and after finishing it I felt quite despondent.

Over the last two years I have, quite by chance, become aware of the benefits of self-expression. This led me to attempt a career in journalism. I’m putting all my energy into this and am ready for a long, hard journey in this direction. Hopefully my efforts will bear fruit as I am dole-weary.

But why, viewers, am I getting up close and personal today? The answer is that many of us are losing livelihoods and getting mired in debt. Add mortgages and children to this cauldron of problems and things become toxic. I want to say that my experience may help my struggling brethren.

Yes the dole is an awful pain but it is not the only solution. Taking up one of a range of courses can give you the confidence and ability to get work, meaningful work. Up-skilling is well worth aiming at and no one should overlook the possibilities of further learning. Notwithstanding the pressures of daily living, especially losing employment, there is more than one way to skin a cat.

So don’t get depressed or go into a panic – there’s help available and re-education can prove to be a great liberator. Talents can be added to and new skills acquired. Through this, one’s experience grows. The only way is up!

08 April 2010

The momentum is with Cameron



So they’re off! The British will go to the polls on 6 May 2010 and by that date, almost certainly, Gordon Brown will not be warming his toes in Downing Street. Since becoming prime minister, Brown has had to grapple with an international credit crisis. His record on the economy has been damaged and you would think the Conservatives would be miles ahead of Labour in the polls. This is not the case and many in the blue corner must be feeling unnerved.

The only reason the Conservatives are not further ahead in the opinion polls is that voters have not made up their minds yet. Despite the disastrous leadership of Brown, David Cameron’s party may not be sufficiently in front to win outright according to the latest polling. I sense that there will be a tipping point in the next few weeks that will boost the Conservatives and gain them a comfortable majority.

Interviewed on Channel 4 News, last night, the British PM seemed extremely relaxed. Facing a belting from the voters, one would not think he’d be feeling as easy. One reason for this may be that he feels he’s the underdog. Brown must sense that this election will be an opportunity to reflect on his time in power and what he has been largely responsible for. He may be secretly comforted with the thought that Cameron will soon have to answer to the people. This is real pressure cooker politics and one only has to look at Tony Blair’s visage to understand the stress that comes with leading a government.

Regardless of how Brown feels, the Conservatives have the momentum behind them. As the election campaign progresses it will become apparent that any thoughts of a ‘hung parliament’ will begin to fade. This election will, after 13 years in office, be Labour’s swansong and that is the reality of democratic politics. The forthcoming campaign will test everyone’s endurance (yes, even the observer!) and when it comes to an end there will, undoubtedly, be a huge relief as the dust finally settles.

Whilst not one for betting, the FD is almost certain that when the British vote, this year, they’ll be electing the first Conservative government since the general election of 1992. Until this is confirmed we’ll all have to experience an intensive campaign with everything being promised to the voters. Does this remind you of anywhere else?

06 April 2010

African Fashion Weekend

Job losses, businesses closing and terrible problems besetting the national finances are all over the news. We need something to get away from the depression. The African Fashion Weekend allows us the chance to do exactly that.

This Saturday evening couldn’t be more unlike Africa. The weather outside is cold and wet, but inside it’s nearly tropical. The focus is on the ladies, African ladies. Lights are shining brightly as people are flashing cameras. Tonight’s venue (Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge) is hot and it, hopefully, will get even hotter as the evening progresses. This is what bachelors like me describe as heaven.

Urban chic is the style tonight. You simply cannot ignore the glamour (am I still in Dublin?). French music permeates the hall as dazzling models swan down the catwalk. My jaw drops as the models pass my way and it confirms my view that African women are in a league of their own when it comes to beauty.

We are introduced to some belly dancing with a solo performance from an Irish woman, Roisin. She wiggles her stomach, shakes her hips and shows off her wonderfully exotic tattoos. Jewels seem to hang from all over her body. There are more jingling sounds than an average rattlesnake, while the excitement grows. The poor girl is near to expiring as our host, an outgoing lady with a London accent, asks about Roisin’s belly dancing classes. My belly never felt fatter!

“Are we ready for the next designer?” asks the host and I’m beginning to think this is what a classy Hen night must be like. The material tonight is truly exotic, another example of the wonderful dress sense Africans are blessed with. You’d think all the outfits are touched by God – they’re immaculate.

The models continue to pummel the catwalk and, even though not a designer, I feel like Karl Lagerfeld. There are a number of breaks to proceedings but there is seldom a quiet moment here in the Thomas Prior Hall. A young fellow is doing break dancing, the girls are going wild and the drinks are flowing.

But the main reason for African Fashion Weekend is the outfits which fit perfectly and are mesmerising to look at. One can scarcely guess how much they all cost. Confidence and extravagance come to the fore as the designers pitch their skills to us all.

The night goes well and, as far as I can tell, everything runs without a hitch. This is another opportunity to learn more about African culture and provides a showcase to some of the best fashion the continent has to offer. Hopefully this event will be an annual fixture, it bristles with plenty of positive energy. Truly delightful.

This article is dedicated to Toyosi Shittabey (15 years) R I P

29 March 2010

Amnesty Annual Conference 2010



I’m in D’Olier Street, this morning for Amnesty’s Annual Conference. Paul Cunningham (RTE’s environment reporter, sans funny hat!) is chairing proceedings for the last time as he, like several Amnesty organisers, is “moving on”.

The subject of mental health is first up for discussion this morn. Colm O’Gorman introduces us to the speakers: Hugh Kane (Mental Health Commission), Diarmuid Ring (UCC) and Karol Balfe (Amnesty Ireland).

Hugh Kane points out that little has been achieved since 1984. Service users and carers should be at the core of all campaigning. He also tells members that promises of funding in mental health, by government, had not been kept. Listening to this speaker, I can't help feeling that Amnesty never looks at the specific, tangible difficulties faced by service users. The terminology is well aired, despite Kane’s undeniable sincerity.

Diarmuid Ring talks frankly about his feelings on mental health. As a former service user he tries to contextualise and explain to members his experience of the system. However this soon gets dragged back to Amnesty speak. The stigma of mental illness remains intact: Schizophrenia is hardly ever referred to by commentators while Depression is talked about freely.

Karol Balfe outlines Amnesty’s role. She reiterates the problems that service users endure. Amnesty are calling for a review of the Mental Health Act. Again the talk is in generalities which are all rather vague to have to listen to. An emotional response comes from a member who relates her feelings on the state of mental health care in Ireland. This is a painful moment for her. My eyes are moistening as I remember my own experiences.

Diarmuid says that education, housing and employment are priorities for service users, who are, he says, “struggling, screaming for help.” He articulates the anomalies of the system in a clear, cogent manner and admits that he feels emotional. Ring ends by singing a few lines of a Joan Baez song. It is followed by thunderous applause.

At lunch break, I leave the building and have a pint in a nearby pub. A mistake, as alcohol affects my attention. Back at the conference the various workshops are in full swing. I attend one on human rights law. I can feel my eyes closing over and my concentration is waning.

The Zimbabwe group are holding a small workshop and we are now listening to the wonderful Tendai Madondo. She makes a great contribution telling us of the way Mugabe has run that African country. Everyone appreciates what she has to say.

Sunday is here and the clocks go forward. I’m at the mental health workshop and it seems that lobbying is the main form of campaigning that Amnesty has towards mental health. This, it occurs to me, is a little one dimensional. Stigma gets a mention but no great discussion is generated. Like yesterday generalities are given priority.

We’re assembling at the O’Connell monument to publicise Amnesty’s efforts to end the death penalty. Members present are issued with blue t-shirts with the words ‘I am Troy Davis’ emblazoned on them. This refers to a black American on ‘death row’, who Amnesty are campaigning to get justice for. We garner considerable attention from the public and the sun shines as photographers, the paparazzi, capture the visual attraction.

Conference is discussing procedural issues, a great opportunity for members to have their voices heard. Various matters are brought up and voted upon. Much of the talk goes over my head and there is virtually no dissent among voting members.

Credit must go to Jay Flavin, who has bound himself tightly to the organisation. The affable Cork man is omnipresent over the weekend and is obviously a born campaigner.

To finish I’d like to wish David White, the outgoing co-ordinator of the Occupied Territories group, all the best on his travels. He’ll be missed by us all at Amnesty for his intelligent and friendly manner. Our loss is China’s gain.

22 March 2010

Book review: ‘What rhymes with bastard?’ By Linda Robertson (Harper Collins)

This book is hard to take seriously. The many shenanigans that run through every page are scarcely believable yet the reader wants to believe what’s been going on. Robertson, I guess, is in her 30s and has a husband, Jack, who not only hoovers up drugs at an industrious rate but is incredibly unfaithful. How any woman could tolerate his constant philandering is staggering and disgraceful.

I picked up this enjoyable, funny and, at times, sad book in my local library. I chose it mainly because of the eccentric title. To give it an air of authenticity there is an index included and we are told little (or nothing) about the author on the jacket of the book. One presumes ‘What rhymes with bastard?’ (WRWB?) relates Robertson’s life. If this is true then she has had a mightily interesting time of it. That is what thrills the reader.

After a number of unfulfilling jobs the couple find themselves on the US west coast, San Francisco. Jack treats Linda like they’re in an open relationship and we are informed of nearly every sexual encounter he gets involved in. The outrageous part is that she doesn’t seem that bothered. Knowing the little I do about Irish women, Jack would not only be dumped but castrated if he tried this spectacular sexual incontinence with a Grainne or an Eimear.

Apart from the sexual subservience, Robertson allows herself to experience; this book was a real pleasure. It becomes obvious that she has a skill at song writing and her songs are peppered throughout the manuscript. WRWB? was first published in 2008 and I’d say it is an accurate depiction of how lives are led in the post-millennium era.

Towards the end of the book Robertson is awarded ‘Miss Accordion San Francisco’. She has arrived as a musician and her life is moving in the right direction. However, as well as the positives, WRWB? also has its sad moments. Robertson introduces us to her parents and it transpires they don’t get along that well.

Constant back-biting between mother and father is a key feature. It becomes slowly more upsetting. Reading between the lines one wonders if mental health is a factor. Sadly this is confirmed and Linda’s pain is palpable when, in chapter 13, her mother dies after a time suffering from dementia.

In the final analysis this was a charming read. Definitely a page turner and I certainly hope that we haven’t seen the last book from Linda Robertson. In a world of constant depression she shines a light. Life is a lot less of a chore with stuff like this to consume – to be recommended.

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Quote of the week goes to Michael White of The Guardian. He describes Ken Clarke and Peter Mandelson so:

‘If Clarke is a dog, a lovable St Bernard with a brandy barrel round his neck, Mandelson is a cat, a Siamese with manicured claws.’

No wonder politics, and political journalism, is so exciting in the UK. White, a veteran political journalist, is one excellent reason for buying The Guardian. The FD urges viewers to keep an eye for this newspaper as the British general election nears. White’s articles are indispensible.

15 March 2010

No to Vigilantes

Head shops continue to fascinate the media. A good number of them are now sprinkled across the country, as well as having a strong presence in the capital. But opposition to these stores is not just passive. In Athlone, recently, pipe bombs were located outside a Head shop. This follows hot on the heels of suspected arson attacks on a couple of outlets in Dublin.

If arson is confirmed this would mean that vigilantism is creeping into view. The FD is no supporter of Head shops but any sort of vigilantism carries a horrible message: ‘we - the mob - rule’. The only people authorised to deal with the illegal drug trade should be the police, An Garda Siochana.

Certain sections of society will try and take matters into their own hands. This spells trouble and reminds one of the so-called ‘restorative justice’ in Northern Ireland where the police were bypassed. What is needed is real, accountable justice – not the law of the jungle.

Jon Venables, the co-murderer of toddler James Bulger (1993), has been sent back to jail. The story has been widely covered in the British media and has caused considerable anger among the public. If Venables was to be sent to an open prison, in the words of Helena Kennedy QC, he’d be “savaged”. Due process is the best way for justice to be administered and a justice system that operates fairly is of paramount importance.

In the UK a child surgeon, a couple of years ago, was attacked by a crowd that couldn’t define between a Paediatrician and a Paedophile. In recent days it was reported that a man, a complete innocent, was attacked because he supposedly looked like Jon Venables. The dangers of vigilantism cannot be stressed enough. It should have no place in a free, democratic nation.

Proper justice must be adhered to, no matter how heinous the crime. This is not giving the green light to criminals. Moreover it ought to impose punishment that is clearly thought out and appropriate. Vigilantism takes nothing into account and can only produce unnecessary thuggery. A just society is one that respects the law, the best way to tackle crime in all its horrible forms.



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Eugene Lambert RIP





Around 1980 we got a new, colour, television. It was a major family occasion and I used to day-dream my way through class, thinking of the new Toshiba. As I was aged roughly eight, children’s programmes were the beginning, middle and end for me. One of the programmes I loved to watch was Wanderly Wagon and I cherished every character. It was essentially based around puppets but the easy, pleasant atmosphere never bored me like it might today.

Eugene Lambert was a chief member of the cast and Frank Kelly (aka Fr Jack Hackett in the comedy series, ‘Fr Ted’) played the evil Dr Astro and his accomplice, Sneaky Snake. One of the great attractions for me was the constant Good v Bad see-saw that probably captivates children of all ages when watching television or reading books that contain adventure. Though not around for most of the Wanderly Wagon years (it started on RTE in 1968), I did however get to see a fair few episodes and it brought me, and those of my generation, much pleasure as a child.

Eugene also founded The Lambert Puppet Theatre in Monkstown and I can remember, as a child, being brought to see shows run by himself and his family. Many other children were taken there for treats or on school outings and I’ll never forget the simple, innocent fun associated with this type of entertainment.

I was especially saddened to hear of Eugene’s recent death. He was a jolly, cheerful man and I’m not ashamed to say I wept when I heard the news of his passing. Eugene, your skilled puppeteering will not be forgotten, only cherished by the many you brought happiness to over the years. May you rest in peace.

08 March 2010

A Woman’s World

“It’s a man’s world…but it would be nothing without a woman or a girl…” These words were sung by Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Some may say the song is sexist but I think it underlines the importance of women in the world. International Women’s Week is now upon us and The Fat Dubliner doesn’t want to miss the opportunity of praising the fairer sex, not that I’d dare. Women matter.

In Ireland women are working in nearly every sector of life. Politicians, actors and countless occupations contain a high proportion of women. Journalism, my only talent, is full of women. Miriam Lord, Fionnuala O’Connor, Justine McCarthy and Katherine Holmquist are only a tiny number of what amounts to a rich selection in Irish life. In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if, in a short time, most Journalists here were female.

Maud Gonne, Countess Markievitz and Lady Gregory were important figures in Ireland’s past and it would be impossible to tell our history without mentioning such women. They were as important as O’Connell or Parnell. It has often been said that women are, generally speaking, more intelligent than men. This is true. All you have to do is look at the world’s dictators, past or present: Hitler, Mussolini, Franco and Mugabe – all men. Women are not at the top of the crime leagues either and virtually no rapists or sex offenders are female.

Only last week, in the British House of Commons Harriet Harman stood in for Gordon Brown at Prime Minister’s Questions. You could hear the barracking from the, largely male, Conservative benches. The behaviour towards women politicians is disgracefully juvenile and it’s lamentable that it continues in 2010.

Though women are treated with growing respect in the west, this is not so in countries such as Afghanistan where they are subjected to what amounts to slavery. All one has to do is read Ã…sne Seierstad's ‘The Bookseller of Kabul’ to understand the awful conditions women live under. If the multinational forces could end the persecution of women, along with the Taliban, it would be a positive step.

Women are vital to humanity and if anyone has a girlfriend, sister, mother or daughter alive you should let them know how important they are to you. A woman’s heart is a wonderful prize to win.

03 March 2010

Michael Foot 1913 - 2010



My political awareness began in 1981. With a general election in Ireland, I started to take notice of the political realities both here and the UK. Britain was coming to terms with Mrs Thatcher’s government and the eventual neutering of the Trade Union movement there. The opposition at Westminster was led by Michael Foot at a time when the Labour party could be truly called ‘Socialist’.

His time at the top was unfruitful, for in 1983 Labour was to lose what would be the second general election in a row. Foot and his Labour colleagues advocated a tax policy that had no support from the voters. There was plainly a need for a change in order that Labour become electable again. Following the 1983 election Foot was to stand down as leader and the process of forming ‘New Labour’ was set in train.

In my pre-teenage years, I had a limited knowledge of the British political scenery but I knew that Foot was simply too old to remain in frontline politics. Over the years I would see him in the media from time to time and, as he grew ever more elderly, he was still of good health. Foot, it was known, had a large collection of books and his intellect also remained sound.

It may be sad to say that his beliefs in Socialism and nuclear disarmament did not chime with the majority of the UK voters. But he should be respected as a statesman who was genuinely sincere unlike other, more recent, Labour leaders. Foot is now history in the same era as Edward Heath, Roy Jenkins and James Callaghan. To live to 96 is exceptional and he must have achieved plenty in his life, despite his political weakness. Foot will have a special place in my memory as a thoroughly decent sort of leader.

01 March 2010

Strained Relationships

Its been all over the tabloids for weeks and at last some form of result has been reached. Cheryl and Ashley are no longer a couple. Cole will remain Cole and Cole will, most likely, revert to Tweedy.

Another relationship that has been damaged, this weekend, is that of John Terry and Wayne Bridge. Terry’s wife may have gotten over her husband’s transgressions, but his England team-mate is, presumably, not as easily placated. Bridge refused to shake Terry’s hand at the Man City v Chelsea match on Saturday.

Broken relationships, though, are not all about famous Football players and models. Closer to home we, the public, are treated to the infidelity of Iris Robinson. Mrs Robinson’s affair with a 19 year old must have shaken Northern Ireland’s First Minister to his core. How can Peter Robinson put on a suit each morning in the full knowledge that his marriage is damaged? ‘A teenaged boy is satisfying my wife in a way I cannot’, he may be thinking. One can only sympathise with any man or woman who has had to experience their partner involving themselves in an affair.

Tiger Woods hasn’t been as honest on the marital front either. The talented golfer no longer can claim to have a blemish-free reputation. Woods is currently receiving treatment for sex addiction. Apparently his wife is sticking by him and she must be commended for her loyalty. It would be of considerable interest to hear her side of the story, by the way.

Irish broadcaster, Ryan Tubridy (‘young fogey’ as he’s been described by some in the media) is also no stranger to marriage break up. The Late Late Show host was only three years with his wife when their relationship ended. What links the Robinson story to Tubridy’s is the cool-headed approach. Neither man allowed trauma to get in the way of their working lives, despite the newspapers’ bellowing. Robinson and Tubridy have shown they can cope with the emotional pain thrust in their way. This is testament to their professional attitude, be that in the fields of politics or the media.

Of course life is full of heartache. We will all have to endure, at some stage in life, an amount of pain in a relationship. But there are different ways of overcoming break ups. Hillary Clinton and Pauline Prescott are two women who have remained at their husband’s side even though their spouses weren’t as faithful as they ought to have been. Many would have been less forgiving and Peter Robinson, in this regard, deserves respect for the support he has given his wife.

In the celebrity driven world we inhabit sex is everywhere and many (women as well as men) are tempted by the constant sexual imagery exploding out of magazines and the internet. Sex is glamorously portrayed in the media but is it as much fun as we are led to believe? What large parts of the media forget is that sex isn’t the beginning, middle or end in a relationship. Nor should financial strength be a factor in getting a partner, as suggested by some. A person should be just as suitable for romance even if they have little in the bank.

Being single may not be as bad as I thought. Would I be better off remaining on my own without a girlfriend? I can’t offer the financial security of a Terry, a Bridge or a Tubridy. Nor do I resemble their svelte physiques, but maybe I can learn how to show respect to a suitor if I’m lucky enough to enter a relationship. I’ve had plenty of rejection by women and my self-esteem has suffered. ‘Why?’, ‘what did I do wrong?’ are but two of the questions that I have asked myself in the past following refusal.

But the single person should not wallow in tears. Getting off your arse and helping others, aside from romance, is the way to live. Otherwise the challenges that life throws up will overcome us and only cause bitterness, poison everything we do. Never forget the wonderful potential each of us possesses. We all matter in this world and that doesn’t depend on being in a relationship. Although if the opportunity comes into view, it shouldn’t be shunned. Regardless how much rejection comes my way I still believe there’s a good chance that I’ll find the right woman. Hope has not deserted the battlefield, just yet.

25 February 2010

Lionel Jeffries 1926 - 2010

A great actor that gets little or no media attention. He was powerful in the Ealing Comedy set of films in the 1950s: 'The Two Way Stretch'.

Others he was involved in included: 'Blue Murder At Saint Trinians' and 'Murder Ahoy'. His career continued but I'll always remember him for these. He will not be forgotten.RIP

23 February 2010

Labour & Brown are in denial over election




The left-wing media in the UK are throwing everything they can at the Conservatives. With an upcoming general election (possibly as early as April), David Cameron has been focussed on as being a ‘toff’ and a ‘Class War’ is what Labour are pinning their hopes on. This, they think, will rescue them at the election – a mentally ill person wouldn’t be so deluded.

Polls are putting the Conservatives at roughly 40 per cent which means they would be on course to take power. Talk of a ‘hung’ parliament is more advantageous to the Liberal Democrats and Ulster Unionists. But Cameron’s party will, more than likely, be awarded a landslide by the voters.

Despite a positive showing on Piers Morgan’s television programme last week, Gordon Brown must be realising that Tony Blair passed him the ‘fag-end’ of the government for him to lead in 2007. Brown has consistently failed to communicate his message properly to the British people and this, in large part, is why he’ll be departing Downing Street in a matter of weeks.

There needs to be a reality check by those on the left. The Guardian, a newspaper I and many others love, has failed to accept a Labour loss. Many seem to think that a ‘class war’, a Brown resignation, or an economic upturn will keep Labour in office. This won’t work.

The sugar-coated approach of some on the left needs to end. Cheap platitudes ought not to be employed. The left must wake up and realise that it is the Conservatives that are in the ascendency at the moment. You’re not going to win this general election, Gordon. Even if you book a month of Sundays with Piers Morgan.

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Sexualisation of Children

Watching TV3 last week I switched on to a programme featuring a panel of, not unattractive, middle aged women. The conversation turned to the pressure put on girls to ahem… pleasure boys. My feeling, as a bloke, is that girls and boys are being forced to perform, sexually, in an unprecedented way.

Of course underage drinking, drug use and sex have long been the staple activity for teens but this has been ramped up considerably in recent years. Sexual activity is occurring at a much younger age and with it a certain amount of ignorance over STDs, quite apart from girls feeling that performing Fellatio is compulsory.

The TV3 panellists appealed to girls to be more honest about how they felt and to draw back from the brink, especially if they feel uncomfortable in a sexual encounter. It’s time sex education came to teaching respect for each other’s bodies – we’re not built solely for sex.

David Cameron has spoken out about children being sexualised:

“You can’t cut children off from the commercial world, of course you can’t but we should be able to help parents more in terms of trying to make sure that our children get a childhood and they are not subject to unnecessary and inappropriate commercialisation and sexualisation too young.”

Cameron may well be a ‘toff’, but he, unlike some on the right of British politics, seems to genuinely care about social justice. We shall see after the next UK general election if this rings true.

17 February 2010

Mary Coughlan must resign





Willie O'Dea is in hot water at the moment. He's due to face a motion of no confidence next week and, despite Enda Kenny's theatrics in the Dail this morning, O'Dea will more than likely keep his job. As a pal of Brian Cowan's what would anyone expect? Undoubtedly the popular Limerick TD will be knocked in the short-term but he will bounce back.

This, however, is not what the media should be concentrating on. The big, irritating, news is Mary Coughlan's scandalous attitude on emmigration. She has reportedly told the media that she's basically relaxed at the prospect of young Irish, skilled professionals leaving our shores. Senator Paschal Donohoe has, rightly, raised the issue in the Seanad and the true colours of our,supposedly nationalist-loving government are now being exposed.

Whatever 'mistakes' O'Dea has made are nothing to the brazen attitude of Ms Coughlan.It is the view of THE FAT DUBLINER that people should not be forced to leave our country and go abroad.By all means go away and sample what the world has to offer, but coerced emigration is wrong and someone quickly needs to break the news to the Tanaiste that she is losing touch with reality. Next thing she'll be setting up a bureau to assist people to leave Ireland. It's good to know that there's no famine in our country - otherwise we'd have nobody left to live here thanks to this government.

The O'Dea watchers ought to be replaced with Coughlan watchers. She is fast running out of ideas and, as the youtube piece above shows, many are feeling that she is just not up to the job as a minister. We, the voters, deserve better and throwing 'our brightest and best' to another, perhaps distant, nation is not only admitting failure but it is actively cheering it on. She should resign from this clueless government at once instead of pretending to be in control.

15 February 2010

Talk Radio



Want to listen to uninterrupted, advert-free radio? There are currently no radio stations, in Ireland, that cater for someone who demands this type of listening. With the latest JNLR survey results just published, there can be no better time to do a case study of how real radio should sound.

From early morn to the darkest of nights, one radio station keeps the listener educated and informed on a daily basis. While many radio stations busy themselves with commercial gain, Radio Four is solely concerned with serving the public. Many specialist programmes are featured and when you tune in (Long Wave or Online) there is nearly always something that will make you think. What follows is a short selection of the programmes on offer at the station.

Start the week is on air each Monday morning at 9 o’clock where a range of guests discuss what’s happening in the world of culture for the week ahead. Originally the show was presented by Melvyn Bragg, and then Jeremy Paxman before the baton was passed to current host, Andrew Marr. Each guest gets an opportunity to talk about their contribution and the programme ends after roughly 40 minutes when the listener is sufficiently stimulated, or bored depending on the content of the week’s programme.

Broadcast on Friday’s at 8pm, Any Questions brings together a panel of guests (usually politicians) to debate news and current affairs. It is an opportunity for listeners to concentrate on the political issues of the week and the discussion is chaired by the thoroughly professional, Jonathan Dimbleby.

Comedy is also catered for on Radio Four. One of the funniest and best acted is Count Arthur Strong’s Radio Show. This character mispronounces words and phrases and can be extremely amusing. The programme has run for a number of series’ – demonstrating its popularity with listeners. Radio Four has other comedy shows broadcast daily and is at the cutting edge. Lucy Porter, Jeremy Hardy and Laura Solon are just a few of the comedians to be heard.

BBC Radio Four has many other highly stimulating programmes aimed at the discerning listener but space precludes me from mentioning them here. Suffice to say you’d be doing yourself a favour by tuning in to what must be the doyen of talk radio in these islands.

08 February 2010

Lee turns his back on politics

What do you do to make a high profile higher? leave your well paid job as a broadcaster, make plenty of money as a politician and, when your ego has been sufficiently inflated, return to your old job. This is exactly what George Lee TD has done. He's taken Fine Gael and the people of Dublin South for fools while all the time building himself up like some sort of Superman.

Apparently the bespectacled, former RTE Economics correspondent, was not asked to front FG's economic portfolio. This dissapointed him and because no one went to knock on his door he, today, decided to throw in the towell and walk away from his responsibilities as a public representative. Why did he stand for election in the first place? One can only conclude that politics was not as cushy a number as he first thought. Afterall you have to be accountable, don't you George?

Not content with damaging his party colleagues, Lee has decided to dump those he represents in his constituency. Most probably his resignation from the Dail will result in another pointless by-election campaign in which much money and time will be wasted. This is Lee's legacy as a politician. The executives at RTE will be rubbing their hands with glee now that their golden boy, their prodigal son, is returning.Unless he plans to follow another,as yet uncharted path. Now we know what side Lee's bread is buttered on. He's definitely not a political animal.

05 February 2010

IANO'S CHRONICAL RIP

Hi folks, just to let you know that IANO'S CHRONICAL is no more - THE FAT DUBLINER is born. After weeks and months of wrangling this blogsite was taken over by irishchronicals.ie

The sale was completed last week and I am only now getting round to informing viewers of the change.Around E20,000 was paid for the site. At a time of cashflow problems the deal was entered into, despite the obvious great reluctance as there was considerable pride associated with IANO'S CHRONICAL.

The new blogsite will continue to bring viewers some of the best writing in the blogosphere and hopefully the audience will grow, especially with the new title, which should be easier to remember and spell. Comments on postings are welcome but it would be preferrable if they were intelligent.

Now go and view......

02 February 2010

Why I’m not a fan of Uncle Sam



Apple pie, Independence Day, state of the union. These are things that enthral Americans. Not me though. Even as my compatriots across Ireland enthuse and are enraptured by the US, I remain unexcited. The Irish it seems are devoted to anything ‘stateside’. Indeed many teenagers in Dublin speak with an American twang, humorously dubbed the ‘Tallafornian’ accent.

Most television here features plenty of soaps, comedies, ‘reality’ shows, quizzes and films taken from American networks and programmes such as 24, Desperate Housewives, Sex and the City and The Wire , as well as many others, are constantly talked about in the Irish media and there’s plenty of chatter about the coolest new trends. Much is taken from American life to suit young Irish minds and bodies.

It is true that we owe much to American culture but I don’t want, or need, to have it rammed down my throat. Sinfully, I like the ambience and simplicity of Irish life and no amount of ‘cookies’ or ‘candy’ will change that. RTE, Americana lovers themselves, are currently screening a documentary series, presented by Charlie Bird, about ordinary life in the US. Despite my cynicism, viewing it is a thrill. But Bird, a thoroughly professional broadcaster, even admitted he wanted to return to the Emerald Isle.

Many of my contemporaries have turned their backs on Ireland and moved (temporarily or permanently) to the USA. It has been said that if U2 had stayed in Ireland they would still be playing gigs in the Baggot Inn, not stadiums across the world. There’s no doubt if they want to make it in show business, Irish artists and entertainers must move abroad. But why America?

I don’t begrudge for one second anyone seeking success. If people have their lives enriched by moving across the Atlantic, they are to be applauded. But a minority of Irish people have not stepped on American soil and I’m one of them. The USA holds little or nothing for me. “It’ll broaden you’re perspective”, people say to me but I am unimpressed. Even the ‘big apple’ holds no charms for this fat little Dubliner. American life, despite the music and celluloid wonders they export around the world, is based on greed and gluttony (we’ve got plenty of that here too, by the way).

My intrepid sister, who once made a trip to Chicago, relayed tales of gross obesity among the locals when she returned to Ireland. While I’ve no doubt she enjoyed herself, my sister had nothing to say that would entice me to buy a ticket and go to the land of ‘Uncle Sam’. This writer will never willingly trek to such a large, unforgiving land mass. I don’t need to go there to enjoy apple pie and won’t be watching any American television soon either. No ‘green card’ for me, thank you!

27 January 2010

Norn Iron is addicted to violence

British television personality, Esther Rantzen said, last year, that people in Northern Ireland were addicted to violence. Whether a Unionist or Nationalist party prevails, the intolerance and bitterness of a broken society will continue. Brian Cowen and Gordon Brown, two of the least charismatic politicians one could encounter, will have their hands full negotiating the boring political life in Ireland's northern province.

Some of the most awful violent acts ever committed by 'humans' have happened in Ulster and this needs to be challenged by everyone.

Armed men recovering in Belfast hospital

Belfast - Four men armed with baseball bats, iron bars, hatchets, knives, hammers, machetes, pickaxes, cricket bats and Hurleys are in hospital this morning after being viciously assaulted by an unarmed 14 year old boy.

The teenager has a history of walking, talking and breathing air and it is feared that he may strike again if he continues to mind his own business.

One of the injured, who doesn’t want to be named, has blamed the local police force for not acting more responsibly and says that society needs to be protected from unarmed individuals.

The police have warned that further violent attacks on paramilitary gangs by children, the elderly or disabled can be expected.

25 January 2010

A year of Barack Obama




What a year it has been for Barack Obama. Before he was elected as president of the most powerful nation on earth, the former Chicago senator was popular but one of the few criticisms of him was his inexperience. Now, a year into his term of office, he has become undoubtedly more knowledgeable. But those high ratings have been steadily falling as American public opinion wonders if putting him in the white house was such a good idea. Going by the recent election to replace the late Senator Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts it seems Obama can no longer walk on water – he’s human after all.

The US president reacted in surprise when given, perhaps prematurely, the Nobel Peace Prize last year. This was a way of expressing support for Obama, almost like saying: ‘we like you but please don’t follow your predecessor in starting fires that cannot be put out.’ The truth is they needn’t have bothered. Obama is far more concerned, currently, with the American economy as well as other domestic matters.

One of these matters is his healthcare plan. Americans prefer the dollar to the dole and the president is finding it hard to win supporters on this issue. His determination to force this through has damaged his popularity but nonetheless he shows no sign of compromising. Obama has the political will, something many leaders around the world do not exercise (our own government would be an excellent example).

In Illinois, 20th May 2006, Mr Obama made a speech on healthcare in which the following quote was taken: “I ask you to be advocates for a health care system that is fair, that is just and that provides every single American with the best your profession has to offer.” Obama has made healthcare the cornerstone of his presidency. He cares not a bit for his ratings. He’s there to serve the people, every American.

However healthcare is not the only big policy change the first black American president wants to bring in. The US economy has been battered by the credit crisis and Obama’s administration wants to challenge the banks. He says they “took reckless risks in pursuit of quick profits and bonuses” (Guardian, January 2010). The anger is palpable. Wall Street will have to take a hit.

“If these folks want a fight, it’s a fight I’m ready to have”, says the president (Guardian, January 2010). With one banker reportedly getting paid $9 million, Mr Obama may be able to recoup some popularity in fighting huge payouts such as this. He’s in no mood for compromise with the largess going to some business executives. Change is in the air. Would we see this with a republican in the white house? Probably not. Obama has fire in his belly and a marked disregard for his, and his party’s poll ratings.

Later in the year I hope to examine the president’s form on foreign policy. For now though it is too early to make pronouncements. The president is a year in office and is doing some heavy lifting. He’s banging through policy with remarkable determination and resilience. For that he must be praised. However Obama will act only in the best interests of those that put him where he is now – the American people. The rest of us will follow.
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