IANO'S CHRONICAL

Amnesty Ireland says reform of the HSE needed

2010-05-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

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".

DJ Ram - Part 2

2010-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

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!!

We need agony uncles as well as agony aunts

2010-05-24T06:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Zimbabwe: "the future is bleak"

2010-05-20T03:14:00.000-07:00

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'

Brothers in arms

2010-05-19T08:43:00.000-07:00

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.

DJ Ram - Part 1

2010-05-18T03:56:00.000-07:00

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.

Africa Day 2010

2010-05-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

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!

Gerry Ryan: 1956 - 2010

2010-05-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Unsatisfying results

2010-05-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

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.

The Last Hurrah

2010-05-06T04:16:00.000-07:00

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

The ‘tipping point’ is nearly here

2010-05-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

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.

A wet weekend in Dublin

2010-05-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

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!

'Persepolis' - A reveiw

2010-04-26T02:44:00.000-07:00

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.

The Burkha Debate

2010-04-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

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!

The Greens have failed us

2010-04-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

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.

A lesson in living

2010-04-12T03:52:00.000-07:00

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!

The momentum is with Cameron

2010-04-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

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?

African Fashion Weekend

2010-04-06T04:31:00.000-07:00

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

Amnesty Annual Conference 2010

2010-03-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-03-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

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.

No to Vigilantes

2010-03-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

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.

A Woman’s World

2010-03-08T05:39:00.000-08:00

“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 Åsne 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.

Michael Foot 1913 - 2010

2010-03-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Strained Relationships

2010-03-01T06:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Lionel Jeffries 1926 - 2010

2010-02-25T04:51:00.000-08:00

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

Labour & Brown are in denial over election

2010-02-23T04:13:00.000-08:00

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.

Mary Coughlan must resign

2010-02-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

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.

Talk Radio

2010-02-15T04:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Lee turns his back on politics

2010-02-08T07:59:00.001-08:00

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.

IANO'S CHRONICAL RIP

2010-02-05T02:11:00.000-08:00

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......

Why I’m not a fan of Uncle Sam

2010-02-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

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!

Norn Iron is addicted to violence

2010-01-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

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.

A year of Barack Obama

2010-01-25T04:29:00.000-08:00

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.

Justice for Sharon

2010-01-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

Functioning well with only one Kidney

2010-01-18T07:40:00.000-08:00

Ireland’s international rugby squad created history, last year, by winning the Six Nations championship. Outright victory had eluded Ireland in the past, despite winning the ‘Triple Crown’ several times.

Along with a selection of tougher than tough players, one man stands out as having a strong bearing on Ireland’s Grand Slam success. That man is Declan Kidney. The quietly spoken Corkonian has spent a lifetime devoted to rugby and can point to considerable success. In the late 1990s he was involved with Munster and coached them in the Heineken Cup where they reached two finals.

In 2002 Kidney moved away from Munster rugby and worked with the Ireland management, alongside Eddie O’Sullivan, but left after only two years. From 2005 to 2008 he returned to coach Munster where they won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and 2008. No doubt those in the top echelons of the IRFU had faith in his skills when, following the departure of O’Sullivan in 2008, Kidney was named Ireland coach.

Leaving Munster in 2008, especially given their success, must have been hard but Kidney doesn’t let emotion cloud his judgement. “That might sound cold. I’d hate to say it’s a skill. It’s a necessity. You have to do it. It’s a facet of life – how do paramedics keep their cool at accidents, for instance?” *

Kidney feels that Hurling and Gaelic Football has helped some of the players he’s coached. Physically Irish rugby sides may not be as bulky as other nations but they are undoubtedly extremely fit and this Irish coach is able to get optimum value from the players. Denis Leamy is cited as benefitting from a GAA background.

Positive encouragement of his players is Kidney’s approach to games and that seems to have worked well for Ireland. Like a Wenger or a Ferguson, Declan Kidney has immersed himself in his sport. He has lifted Irish rugby to lofty heights and is modest and genteel in accepting the praise that comes his way: “It’s all about the team and the players. They’re the ones doing all the work.” *

With this year’s Six Nations only weeks away it is heartening that Ireland’s rugby squad have a coach as clever as Kidney. The stakes are high in 2010 and we mustn’t fool ourselves that we’ll be at the top forever. But if anyone can keep us at this level it is Declan Kidney. So before you start giving out about Ireland this year, take some time to consider the input from a man with an impeccable record and ask yourself: ‘Could I achieve as much as that?’

* (Quotes taken from an interview: www.michaelmoynihan.wordpress.com c.2009)

Money, Love and Integrity

2010-01-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

“One of Britain’s youngest lottery winners has been found dead at his home after apparently becoming a recluse in his secluded cottage in the countryside.”

The above quote is taken from The Guardian newspaper (8th January 2010) and it informs us of the tragic ending to what should have been a life of endless delight. Stuart Donnelly (29) had become reclusive, one of the unhappy aspects to winning the lottery.

By staying in we often become delusional and perhaps self-centred. It’s easy for us to hide inside the home stuffing ourselves with unhealthy food, stretching for the TV remote or spending hours on the internet before drawing the curtains and switching on the heat. The comforts at home fill our heads, in many cases, with a warped understanding of life.

This is not a good pattern to follow. Everyone needs to get out of their cosseted environment for a while each day and this equips us with a truer perspective on life. It’s always simpler to stay static, but is much more beneficial to leave our comfort zones and venture out. By doing this we have a greater likelihood of meeting others of a similar mind. Charity or voluntary work can be of enormous value and helps us realise we’re not alone in this world.

In my own case getting out of the house is vital and may have improved my mental health. Sadly, reclusive people do not have this understanding and that is what may have led to Mr Donnelly’s death at such an early age.

In The Guardian, Severin Carrell reports that the young man died from natural causes. Mr Donnelly had been generous to his family and those around him when he won the lottery, valued at over £1.9m. He is quoted as saying he would do “…anything that involves not leaving the house.”

For him, winning this sum may not have led to happiness and might indeed have caused problems. Ironically, this unselfish fellow may have had a better life if he hadn’t won the lottery prize in the first place. His death should not go un-noted.

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The Revolting Robinsons

Throughout the 1980s, along with the vicious terrorist activity, Peter Robinson was often seen on television venting anger at each and every outrage perpetrated by the paramilitaries.

Mr. Robinson was known for his hard-line attitude and always had the backing of trenchant unionist opinion, which came to the fore whenever an atrocity was committed in Ulster. This impression of the DUP leader has remained through thick and thin, despite recent news of his wife’s mental health.

However the full picture is now emerging and the Robinson family, hitherto quite puritanical, find themselves embroiled in a scandal that could have a perilous outcome to the First Minister’s career.

He may not be directly involved with his wife’s financial mistakes but by standing by her, Mr. Robinson may have damaged his credibility among his, and his party’s, supporters.

With a general election, perhaps only weeks away, Mr. Robinson will have plenty to contend with. Whether he likes it or not, the voters will have the final say and the veteran NI politician will have a daunting task maintaining his reputation as a trusted figure in Ulster Unionism.

As an impartial observer it is interesting to note that Mrs. Robinson was even allowed become an MP, despite having problems surrounding her mental health. It is known that having a psychiatric condition bars one from taking a seat in the House of Commons.

Another example of pulling the wool over the eyes of those in authority – Iris Robinson has made a mockery of politics. The big question is: will this deceit infect her husband’s career?

Leaving a sinking ship?

2010-01-04T04:21:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the video (above). I know it's cheesy but was the only one I could get. It says nothing about Irish life, nice views though......

The Ireland of today is a much more prosperous place to be than in the past. Undoubtedly the influx of foreign workers has helped the country and fewer ‘locals’ are applying for jobs, that they would have taken 20 years ago. There is now ample choice to the shopper and items (luxury as well as necessities), meaning that leaving the auld sod is no longer a foregone conclusion for our sons and daughters.

But Robert Carry, ('Going down with the ship',Metro Eireann, 24th December 2009 – 6th January 2010), writes: “Us Irish are wedded to this wet little rock” (meaning Ireland). He cannot understand why it is that more of those living in places such as Ballybrack or Bantry don’t emigrate. I beg to differ.

There should be no shame in wanting to remain living here. Granted much of the country is currently mired in economic depression, but would I like to leave? The answer is no. For all its myriad of problems this ‘wet rock’ is my homeland and it would take a lot to make me emigrate.

Look at the madness across the world:

China killing those with poor mental health

Nearly every US citizen carries a weapon of some sort

FGM is commonplace in certain African countries

In the UK civil liberties are being steadily eroded by uber-tough police forces displaying less and less accountability (with the honourable exception of the PSNI)

I am happy to say that none of that is applicable to Ireland. The pace of life here is another bonus: No matter how sophisticated we are, there will always be those in Irish society who care. Busy Manhattan has nothing to offer except dollars $$$ and people’s welfare is of no interest. One example of that is the herculean efforts of the Obama administration to bring in healthcare reform; everything must be paid for in the land of Uncle Sam.

Ireland, of course, has many drawbacks but I love living here. Should Irish people be forced, King Herod-like, to get out of their native land once they reach a certain age? Of course not. However we must acknowledge that emigration is a personal matter and many will want to leave, that is their decision and is to be respected. I would rather stay on a ‘wet rock’ any day than move to an arid, dry country where chatter and craic are almost non-existent.

There are many positive reasons for residing here, even if we have rather dull weather most of the time. As a country we must create more reasons for people to stay than to go. Ireland has many strengths, strengths that Mr Carry obviously fails to recognise in the rush to get his passport stamped.

2009: Lowlights & Highlights

2009-12-28T05:31:00.000-08:00

LOWS

Arsenal not winning the premiership

Death of acclaimed sound engineer, Bob Jones

Dearth of good new music releases

Continuing human rights abuses worldwide

The recession and its implications for us all

Failure of the national team to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa

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HIGHS

Getting some of my work published (thanks are due to Catherine Reilly at Metro Eireann)

Pat Kenny being bawled out of it on his television programme

The great taste of Czech beer, courtesy of Lidl supermarkets

Launching my new blogsite which is specially devoted to retail issues:
www.thesensitiveseller.wordpress.com

The inauguration of Barrack Obama - the thrill of watching the event still hasn't gone away. A tonic for the troops!

The relative joys of Salsa dancing in central Dublin

To all those who have viewed my blogsite over the past year, have a happy new year!

Learning Loving In Listowel

2009-12-22T03:39:00.000-08:00

http://www.krsac.com/

About 18 months ago I was at an evening function in a central Dublin hotel. As the night wore on I joined a group of ladies (roughly my age), and we all were getting on fine. When proceedings were winding down I noticed that one of the girls had, well, an attraction towards me. Naturally I was feeling excited at the possibility of 'getting off' with her. But that's not what happened.

Instead of a night of passion my erection was not wanted in her direction. When later, at a club, I tried to kiss this gorgeous lady she told me not to proceed.Of course, like the gentleman I am, I backed off - I would NEVER force the hand of anyone, especially a woman.I know when to respect a lady's wishes,no matter how dissappointing it may be. Any bloke who removes consent from the arena should know better. I do.

So it is with great sadness when I hear of rape. No woman should have to wear particular clothing or not go out at night and get pissed. Aren't women as entitled to a life as much as a man? Well 50 locals in Listowel obviously don't want to hear that question.

The appalling way these people, Fr. Sean Sheehy among them, treated the victim of the recent rape case, was compounded by them lining up to shake hands with the convicted rapist, Danny Foley.

The issue of rape, of course, is global but young boys (and girls) need to be educated in respect. When sex education is being taught to schoolchildren, it ought to be accompanied by teaching respect for each others bodies.

It is important that when boys grow to adulthood they know that an erection need not be forced on a person. Young people must be made realise that, despite some sections of the media, sex should not be on demand. The importance of relationships, formed by true love, needs to be stressed.

Showing mutual respect for each other may go some way to reducing the terrible, unnecessary violation and trauma caused to a vicim. Respect needs to be put top of the agenda. Those 50 people should be ashamed for their attitude to the outrageous violation of the defenceless woman, in this case.

If they knew the true meaning of respect this story may not have risen to national prominence. The media have played a blinder in alerting us to this story and allowing us to show support to the victim of what is a horrible crime.

Labour v Conservative 2010

2009-12-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

In the middle of the Labour party's annual conference in Bournemouth, earlier this year, The Sun newspaper announced their support for the Conservatives at next general election (widely tipped to be in May or June of next year).

Although not painted from with the same brush as Tony Blair over Iraq the current British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, has proven to have had a calamitous time at number ten. As his government are set for a walloping at the polls, Gordon Brown has become more and more unpopular with voters.

Indeed the opinion polls are showing historically low ratings for the government and many are wondering if there will even be a Labour party in 12 months time? Tony Blair communicated in a much more effective way than his Scottish colleague and undoubtedly this has caused Brown to lose momentum with the public.

The newspapers continue speculating on Brown's style of leadership and the conjecture has not been halted. A number of resignations, most sensationally James Purnell's, have contributed to the gloom affecting the Labour party and many feel that Brown is not the right man to lead. Brown's saving grace is the refusal of anyone to stand against him.

The problem for Labour is that they have now been in power for over 12 years and they have become steadily less popular. Depreciation has come about and,like anything that depreciates in quality over time, it is bound for the bin. There is little or nothing that can be done to change this reality.

In just a few months time the Conservatives could be back in office and Labour will be consigned to opposition for what could be a long spell. However The Conservatives are the ones that need examination. As an Irish citizen I want to see a new incoming British government deciding how to co-operate in Europe.

Observing British politics, I sense that Labour and the Conservatives have come closer together on economic matters. Both are now committed to a low tax base and the main difference seems to be that Labour will borrow to invest in public services. The Conservatives are keen to reduce spending and they undoubtedly will try to resume the privatisation policies that characterised the Thatcher/Major years in the 1980s and 1990s.

However no matter how large a majority David Cameron gets at the next election, his party will be forced to pay attention to public services and the vulnerable in British society.

Labour has failed and, whilst not an admirer of the Conservatives,I would be happier with this new brand of Conservatism.Cameron knows that an uncaring, neglectful government, will not get support. That will help determine how successful his government will fare in office.

An exciting year ahead in British politics. It'll be interesting to see how things pan out.

Progress on Zimbabwe?

2009-12-07T02:49:00.000-08:00

It has nothing to do with the philosophy of communism, which is foreign to us black people. What appealed to us most over our induction into communism was the firm instruction that: ‘Once you had become the government, you remain in government for ever.’ – Robert Mugabe

The economy is forecast to grow by seven per cent next year. This is, of course not a reference to Ireland’s current economic fortunes, but Zimbabwe’s. The land-locked southern African state has had to face long periods of isolation by the western world due to the tyrannical leadership of Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Mugabe’s control of Zimbabwe is absolute and many human rights abuses have ruined and divided the once ‘bread basket of Africa’. In March 2008 presidential and parliamentary elections were held and they resulted in Mugabe and his party, ZANU – PF, losing power…

That was the initial outcome but, no official result was announced until nearly six months later, (September 2008). The period between March and September 2008 was used by those ruling the country to intimidate, attack and ultimately to try to ‘correct’ the result. Mugabe and ZANU – PF would not be happy until his forces had beaten the people into complying with his orders.

Many were either left to die or become displaced and the majority of Zimbabweans had their democratic rights trampled on by state-sponsored thuggery. How anyone could suggest that Zimbabwe was democratic is unbelievable. As if the political and human rights abuse was not enough to despair about, an awful disease, Cholera, became widespread ushered on by desperate sanitary conditions. Zimbabwe had a humanitarian crisis to contend with.

Eventually Morgan Tsvangirai, Movement Democratic Change leader, carved out an agreement with his bitter foe, Mugabe, and his henchmen. A national government was established, in February 2009. Theoretically it would return the country to economic and social prosperity but it was fundamentally undemocratic with the key roles still gripped by ZANU – PF.

This ‘unitary’ style of government never allowed true democracy to flower: the treatment of Roy Bennett, an MDC member, was another example of the failure of the ‘partnership’. Mr Bennett, a white Zimbabwean, was due to be made deputy minister of agriculture and was jailed on trumped up charges. Eventually progress was made and he was released, but only after strenuous efforts were made on his behalf.

So it is nearly a year in government and the ‘unitary’ administration is showing signs of economic progress, something many countries around the world would envy. However everyone wants an end to the human rights breaches in Zimbabwe. If and when there is true freedom in the land of the Victoria Falls, we can then say that real progress has been achieved. A great, proud nation will be restored to its rightful place but, one senses, we’re not at that stage yet.

There are many friends of Zimbabwe around the globe and we will stand together for a better future, a future where respect and tolerance of difference will prevail. That is what most Zimbabweans want and they should not be prevented from living in a democratic, accountable state, free from the whims of a dictatorship.

Calls for Bishop Murray to resign

2009-12-03T04:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while doing research on the crisis of clerical abuse I heard Andrew Madden's story of how he was abused by Fr Ivan Payne. Mr Madden, sadly, is not alone and the twisted way some priests acted in the past is now out in the open. These so-called religious men were guilty of the most awful behaviour towards young children. Listening to what Madden was subjected to was sickening and heartbreaking -his childhood has been trashed.

However the tidal wave of anger towards the clergy needs to be rationalised urgently. The Bishop of Limerick, Donal Murray,is being blamed for the appalling abuse that people such as Andrew Madden had to endure. Is this fair?

It is not. Dr Murray should shoulder a certain amount of the shame that the Catholic church in Ireland is now experiencing. But is the best outcome for him to resign? Notwithstanding the good work of people such as Mary Raftery and the decency of Archbishop Martin,the bishop should not resign.

He has not directly been responsible for any child sexual abuse, despite being in a position of authority.The victims have lost their youth and nothing can bring that back to them. A high profile resignation will not wipe away the terrible things that were done. This Bishop is not without blemish, sacking him would not change things for the better.

Little can be done to change the past, although a code of conduct for all members of the clergy is needed to eliminate any possibility of abuse being repeated.It must be rigorously heeded. In the meantime Bishop Murray ought to speak to the media so we get a clearer picture of his role. Any rush to judgement should be avoided.

Tragic - Comic

2009-11-30T02:38:00.000-08:00

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.

**********************************

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

2009-11-28T06:19:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-23T03:13:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T03:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-10T04:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-06T04:59:00.000-08:00

"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?

2009-11-02T02:19:00.000-08:00

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.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Editors and Publishing Agents

2009-10-27T05:42:00.000-07:00

www.askaboutwriting.com

Middle aged women are scattered around, everyone else is surplus. Is this going to be a bore-a-thon? Or will it be captivating? It’s just before the start and I’m yawning already. Not a good sign… There seems to be some young children attending. No doubt they, and their parents, hope to end up writing for a living.

This event is being brought to us courtesy of the DLR County Council and is part of a series being curated by Dermot Bolger (DB). In the past I’ve found some of these talks quite introspective. But my passion for writing is the motivation for my attendance.

A couple in front of me have arms clamped around each other’s shoulders, romantically, as the hum and buzz of low-volume chatter gets more feverish. After a short toilet break I return to my seat, with DB chairing proceedings. He introduces his audience to the three panellists: Faith (Publishing Agent), Deirdre (Editing) and an Irish-American veteran of the bookselling business, Tony.

We are attentive as DB speaks, firstly, to Faith. She begins by saying that there is “not many agents in Ireland” and stresses the importance of submitting manuscripts in the correct time and “getting the pitch right.” She speaks clearly, through experience, and seems quite professional. Faith continues by saying that there are “a lot of different stages in the publishing process.” The Publishing Agent informs us that her job is as a ‘go-between’ with the author and the publisher and also says that she reads everything sent her way, “except sci-fi books.” She advises writers not to “over-sell your work”

Deirdre is up next. She says that authors must be 100 per cent happy before submitting work. She communicates with great sincerity and gives us an invaluable insight into the world of publishing and outlines the whole process involved. By listening to Deirdre one gets an understanding of the hoops and roundabouts associated with publishing a book and her knowledge of editing is generously shared with us. When asked, she replies that Short stories are not as popular as in the past and that it is “hard to get shops to enthuse” about them.

As he questions his guests, DB gives his amusing experiences of book titles as the audience warms to the occasion. The third guest is Tony, an American with a distinctive Irish brogue, and he tells of his background editing in the world of books. As he reminisces over his experiences a child screams in the distance – reminds me of mass on a Sunday. Ciarán Carty, the Hennessy book award, the Sunday Tribune, the Francis MacManus award are some of the subjects Tony touches upon this evening. DB says that literary awards are ten-a-penny and over-rated.

When she receives manuscripts for publishing, Deirdre says that a lack of punctuation and spelling mistakes are annoying and she gets put off with this careless attitude. She’s similarly unimpressed with work being sent to her by email. Faith agrees with this view. Throwing in his penny’s worth, Tony says that there is a much shorter shelf life for books in shops these days.

This is a fascinating night of discussion and, though I’m not planning on writing a tome any time soon, there are valuable insights to be learned. Comedy writing is a subject that interests me so it was with great interest that I listened as the panel turned to this style of writing. Deirdre is “nervous about” this topic and Faith says it’s very hard to get right. Everyone is agreed that there’s not many who are working in this genre with Paul Howard’s ‘Ross O’Carroll-Kelly being a popular exception.

Book writing is incredibly hard work and can take up over two years of your life. This leads me to believe that writing, initially at any rate, is a recreation, not a job. It should be viewed as a career. As this public meeting draws to a close, members of the audience question the panellists. Novel writing, childrens books and poetry are all given an airing and I get the feeling that pride is a big part of writing. Faith says that genre is less important than the quality of what is submitted.

DB brings things to a conclusion by reminding people that new writers are always needed to perpetuate the bookselling business. Over the course of about two hours a fair amount is learned about the minutiae of the publishing and editing of books and I found it to be of benefit. There was a good turnout this evening and my attention was kept for the duration, it has made me aware of the various angles of book publishing.

DB will continue with another night of discussion with the writer, Carlo Gebler, on 17th November next at 8pm in Deansgrange Library.

Not a good Drumm role

2009-10-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday (15th October 2009) Myles Dungan, deputising for Pat Kenny, presented Kenny’s radio show from Donegal. One of his guests was a local, Pearse Doherty. Doherty spoke to Dungan on a number of issues, both ideological and pragmatic. For me it was refreshing to hear him highlight two issues that concern the people of Donegal.

Firstly the lack of a rail service from Dublin to Donegal. This may have something to do with the north-western terrain, hard to know why. But Doherty’s second point was the disgraceful way that the people of Donegal do not have adequate cancer care – in 2009! It is appalling to think that these people are not getting the treatment they need – something that other parts of the country are receiving. Doherty speaks well and the locals cheer when he is scathing of the government.

His words ring loudly when you look at the €70,000 bonus which will be dished up to chief executive of the HSE, Brendan Drumm. At a time of cuts and ‘belt-tightening’ it is surely immoral for this fellow to be getting a bonus of this magnitude. At very least the government should have it reduced. The people of Donegal are forgotten, despite the Tánaiste being a local TD. They deserve better.

********************************************************************

Last week John O’Donohue TD donned the robes of the office (?) of Ceann Comhairle for the last time. Chauffer-driven cars, trips to Longchamps and expensive stays at top hotels may also be at an end as the TD for south Kerry tries to restore his political career.

In his resignation speech, he defended his character and challenged others who criticised him most notably Eamon Gilmore, Labour leader, who is widely believed to have wielded the critical blow that finished O’Donohue’s time as Ceann Comhairle.

From the highs of being minister for Justice to the plateau of the department of arts and entertainment, Mr O’Donohue has now been stripped of the plum job of Ceann Comhairle.

Will his time be up as a TD? Mr O’Donohue says that’s a matter for the people of south Kerry, people who may feel he’s being badly treated by the media and the Dublin intelligencia. Mr O’Donohue’s next move will be of considerable interest to observers.

Dublin rally for Peace & Non-violence

2009-10-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

www.worldmarchireland.com

www.theworldmarch.org

Email: worldmarchie@gmail.com

Plans, plans, plans. The best laid plans go awry, as the saying goes. From Napoleon’s Russian campaign to Arsenal’s Champions League efforts, we can never know what will happen in the future. So it was, when I planned to go along to last Saturday’s ‘Peace and Non-violence rally held in Dublin’s Grafton Street.

My Amnesty colleague, Ram, had sent out an email to interested parties about a fortnight ago and I decided to go to it. However at about 10:30 on Saturday morning Ram rang me to tell me of his flu symptoms. The bright and cheerful gentleman sounded depressed and unhappy – something associated with a cold. I was asked to help in his absence and accepted the request.

Arriving in the centre of the city, and after some time hanging around Heroin Corner (Ballast House), a group of us (myself, two lovely South American ladies and a long haired fellow from New Zealand) made our way up through Grafton Street and, once we got to the top of that posh part of the city, we were met by Krisztina, a gentle, kind-hearted woman from Hungary. She is a fine example of humanity and her energy and sincerity is almost unbelievable.

She has a microphone and is speaking towards an audience of largely indifferent members of the public while my New Zealand colleague, Ross, is discharging a string of expletives aimed at Obama and other world leaders. He blames them for destroying the world and, even though I wouldn’t agree with him 100 per cent, he seems quite genuine.

I fetch Krisztina a cup of tea – she wanted honey with it but they didn’t have any of that sticky stuff – from a nearby branch of Insomnia. As I serve her the refreshment a small crowd gathers. Placards are given out and, like a prayer service; we recite a Pledge towards a Non-violent world:

On this day, we interrupt for one
moment the rush of our daily lives.
we remember the lives lost in wars and
all the lives affected by ordinary acts of
violence or discrimination……………

We commit ourselves to work to strive
towards a world of non-violence.

We pledge to work for the day when
nuclear weapons will be eliminated from
the face of the earth.
We pledge to honour every human life.

We ask for a true understanding of non-
violence as a way of life and a
manifestation of that which is truly
human.

We reject all forms of violence, and seek
peace in our own hearts, working with
others to overcome the social violence
and injustice that plague humanity.

We aspire to persuade and reconcile,
rejecting the impulse to impose or seek
revenge.

We make a growing commitment to
Follow the rule that reminds us to treat
Others as we want to be treated.

A human future is possible…it’s song
echoes in the depth of our hearts and its
construction is a task filled with
difficulties but also with joy and
meaning.

Peace, Force and Joy to everyone!

After awhile walking and talking at the top of Grafton Street, the placards and banners are taken down and about half a dozen of us go over to the nearby Wagamama restaurant and the talk is good natured. My plans for the day didn’t include a trip to a posh eatery, but it was worthwhile as I feel I’ve made new friends. It’s good to have a few surprises in life and my Saturday was spent (not intentionally) in good company.

This, though, was a positive experience for me. Hopefully I’ll get to see these nice people again and also that Ram will get over his flu. Thanks go to: Krisztina, Andrea, Genny, Ross and Dolly. It was good to be in your company and a potentially dull Saturday in central Dublin was rescued. Confirmation that the capital is changing, despite the recession, into a ethnically diverse city and that, in my view is a good thing.

To finish, here is more about the World march for Peace and non-violence:

‘This is the first world March to circle the earth calling for the end of war and nuclear arms, and the elimination of violence of all kinds.

The intention of the March is to:

Advance towards the eradication of nuclear weapons; the progressive and proportional reduction of non-nuclear arms; the signing of non-aggression treaties among other nations; and the renunciation by governments of war as a way to resolve conflicts.

Recognise and celebrate the best qualities of all the Earth’s diverse cultures and peoples.

Merge the wills of people everywhere to end the scourge of war.

Generate a worldwide social consciousness that condemns all forms of violence (physical, psychological, racial, religious, economic, sexual), which is currently so widespread and accepted by societies everywhere.

A global consciousness that universally condemns violence.’

Obviously people in the INLA were listening to this message, as that criminal organisation finally announced, over the weekend, to wind up its business of murdering people. One positive outcome anyhow. Plans, plans, plans.

Kevin Myers

2009-10-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Kevin Myers is an Irish journalist. He was born, the son of a medical doctor in Leicester, England in 1947 and began his career in 1971 as a television journalist at RTE, where he reported from Northern Ireland until 1978, and has also reported on conflicts in the Middle East and in Eastern Europe.

Myers writes for the Irish Independent and his column appears regularly in that newspaper. However he formerly worked at the Irish Times. Whilst at the latter newspaper (c.2005), he wrote that unmarried mothers with children were mothers of “bastards”. This led to considerable anger among Irish Times readers and the general public. Myers was forced to apologise through his column, two days after it was published.

In the summer of 2008, now ensconced at the Irish Independent, Myers wrote another offensive article, ‘Africa is giving nothing to anyone apart from AIDS’. His piece blamed African people for the waste of charity, provided by the developed world. This resulted in the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI) contacting the Gardai to complain. Myers had, it was stated, failed to comply with the ICI’s code of practice for incitement to hatred. “(The article) was distorting and seriously insulting…and to the many Africans in particular who are now resident in Ireland”, a spokesman for the ICI said. However the ICI declined further action.

The rugby-loving journalist has been known to work on radio. He has stood in for George Hook on Hook’s programme on the Dublin based Newstalk station and his views are frequently the centre of discussion. Rarely could Myers be described as ‘boring’ and contentious discussion is never far away.

Myers has also tried his hand at television and presented, in the 1990’s, a quiz show for university students on RTE. ‘Challenging Times’ was loosely based on the long-running British ‘University Challenge’ programme. This probably brought him a new audience although this time involving no controversy.

In 2003 Myers had a book published, Banks of Green Willow. He has also written a memoir of his time spent in Ulster in the 1970’s and is a fierce critic of violent Irish republicanism.

Today Myers continues to comment on life in his Irish Independent column. Many may disagree with his views, however he remains one of the most formidable of Irish journalists. His trenchant opinions will, no doubt, be the source of intense debate for quite some time to come.

3 Miles North of Molkom

2009-09-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Lighthouse Cinema, Smithfield
€9

I trekked off to Dublin’s Smithfield to see this interesting 109 minute film. It’s a fly-on-the-wall documentary and concerns the ‘No Mind’ festival (more of which I will explain further on), held in Angsbacka, Sweden.

Nick is an Australian rugby fanatic and, like many Antipodeans, he is touring Europe. Siddhartha is a native Swede who is a Harbour Master and these two compete for arrogance throughout. Siddhartha is willing to embrace the hippy lifestyle of hugging trees and the far out lifestyle. Nick, on the other hand is sceptical of this “mumbo jumbo” (his words).

There are some others who feature in the movie: A frazzle haired hippy that has no problem attracting women. He, at one stage, starts to bleat like a goat and behaves in a childish manner, despite the absence of drugs. Worrying. Then there is a lady from Finland who cannot produce saliva in her mouth and is distinctly unhappy.

It seems that those attending the festival are missing something in their lives and through communing with nature, walking over hot coals and getting involved in tantric sex (among other activities), their lives become enriched. These activities and more form the basis of the ‘No Mind’ festival.

Financial concerns and total acceptance of each other is the free spiritual theme, throwing off the shackles of everyday life. Without being overtly religious, the communal atmosphere of 3MNoM is an encouraging way to live. It makes you think of your place in society, no bad thing. Maybe more people should consider making a journey to Angsbacka to participate – perhaps the reason for making this film in the first place.

This cinema-goer was expecting to see plenty of naked sexual exploits, as other reviews were accompanied by photos of naked human flesh from the film. It wasn’t pornographic but I had imagined that nakedness would be prominently featured. Instead the viewer is treated to a hippy flick. One’s attitude to hippies will determine how enjoyable the viewer will find 3MNoM.

It should be stressed that by the end of the movie all participants have their unhappiness resolved. The ‘No Mind’ festival brings a level of satisfaction. Just what is needed. This is a celebration of life and negativity is not part of the deal. Leaving the cinema, in darkest Smithfield, I yearned to see it again. Isn’t that the mark of a good film?

The Prostate

2009-09-22T07:56:00.002-07:00

What follows is a brief look at issues surrounding prostate cancer and should only be viewed as an introduction. Nothing can replace a consultancy with a member of the medical profession and, as said below, if you are diagnosed, a second and possibly third opinion should always be sought.

Peter Mandelson has recently, it was reported, had surgery on his prostate. The late Charles Haughey, the very much alive Gay Byrne and Sunday Independent scribe, Eoghan Harris are just some of the famous Irish men who have had problematic prostates. I decided to get some lowdown on this part of the male anatomy that gets more precious with age.

According to www.psa-rising.com “A normal human male prostate is about the size of a small plum. The prostate sits above the base of the penis below the urinary bladder and backs onto the front wall of the rectum… the prostate makes some of the fluid for semen, may keep urine out of the semen, and enhances pleasurable sensations of arousal and orgasm… it serves two functions, urination and ejaculation.”

Whilst countless numbers of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, prostate cancer is extremely common, in post-middle aged men. According to the website above: “An inflamed or benignly overgrown prostate can cause discomfort and pain and interfere with urination. Even more seriously, a prostate in which some cells are cancerous can threaten a man’s health and eventually his life.

The website goes on to say that if you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis you should:

Take a second and third opinion on the diagnosis

Compare long term survival rates and the side affects of treatment

Make careful plans based on your personal health, values and goals

It is important to remind people that prostate cancer can be treated in a number of ways and there is a good survival rate. Finally remember that there is a wide range of support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis – you are not alone.

Irish Cancer Society Website: www.cancer.ie

Hotel Rwanda

2009-09-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

In 1962, after years of colonial exploitation in central Africa, two nations were established: Rwanda and Burundi. The former mainly made up of Hutu’s and the latter of the Tutsi tribe. For many years extreme violence between both sects was rampant. This was brought to a head in 1994 when civil war broke out in Rwanda. Many hundreds of thousands were killed.

According to a report, carried on the US based Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the difference between the Hutu’s and Tutsi’s is economic rather than ethnic. In the 1980s, the report says:
‘The Rwandan Tutsi’s formed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and began attacks against the Hutu – led government. After years of fighting, the Rwandan government launched a genocidal campaign against Tutsi’s living in Rwanda. According to reports over 800,000 people were slaughtered over a period of 100 days. The ethnic strife that sparked the slaughters in Rwanda continue to infect the region.’

The above information provides a background to a terrifying, but compelling, film – ‘Hotel Rwanda’. Starring Don Cheadle and Nick Nolte, Hotel Rwanda has made over $30 million since its release and is a valuable window to anyone wishing to get a proper handle on African tribal violence.

The film follows the everyday life of a Rwandan hotel manager, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) who attempts to rescue family and guests from his hotel, which is in the front line of ethnic conflict. But his valiant efforts are only partially successful. A frisson of tension is wrapped around the viewer.

Nick Nolte plays the UN commander, Colonel Oliver, and we are shown the utter futility of the UN. Ultimately the war in Rwanda grew to such a scale that avoiding a massacre became impossible.

The film’s director, Ulsterman, Terry George, brings a large dose of terror to proceedings and one is reminded of the Nazi era when countless numbers of Jews were exterminated. The serious nature of ‘Hotel Rwanda’ is plain for its audience to see. However there are some mildly humorous moments: the bribery, by Cheadle, of one of the militiamen with copious amounts of bottled beer brings a low volume chuckle to this viewer. The bribery is used as a delay tactic in order that the caring hotel manager can buy some time and evacuate his hotel and steer away from harm.

The innocence of those in the hotel is exposed to mindless violence. In one disturbing scene, a box is carried into the hotel kitchen and falls to the ground. A large number of machete’s spill out onto the floor and there’s no doubt they are destined to be used to kill in the warfare gripping Rwanda. ‘Hotel Rwanda’ is a gruesome film to watch and one recoils in horror at the mass murder of those unlucky enough to be caught in the genocide in an otherwise beautiful country.

Terry George’s fine depiction of events should serve as a reminder of the terrible things humans are capable of. Not much to laugh at here, but there is plenty in life that cannot be laughed at. Mr George successfully transmits to us the fear present in Rwanda at the time, a fear that sadly is all too common in many parts of the world. Depressingly, one feels the violence in Rwanda is only the tip of the iceberg in a continent beset with tribal tensions.

Africa has yet to end the brutality which has plagued the continent for decades, if not centuries. This film will hopefully contribute to ending this suffering. It should be a celluloid memorial to the victims and the terrible pain survivors have to endure, physical and emotionally, in a spree of violence that should never have happened.

Looking through Eamon Gilmore’s eyes (apologies to THE ADVERTS)

2009-09-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

In the 1980s the Labour party was shoring up support for leftwing politics in Ireland. One can remember Frank Cluskey (RIP), Michael O’Leary (RIP) and Dick Spring leading Labour. On a national basis Spring was perhaps the most successful and he went on to lead the party for over 15 years (1982-1997).

The years following Dick Spring’s departure as leader brought Ruairi Quinn and Pat Rabbitte to the top of the Labour party. However both failed to repeat the success of the popular Kerry politician. Spring, at one general election, led his party to a large increase in TDs elected to the Dáil. This became known as ‘the Spring tide’.

Vincent Browne, on one occasion, teased Ruairi Quinn when he was Labour leader: Could Quinn bring about a ‘Spring Tide’?, was Browne’s cynical question, or would it be a ‘Quinn trickle’? Sadly for Labourites the latter was nearer to the truth. The new Labour leader, Eamon Gilmore, will no doubt try to emulate the ‘Spring tide’ at the earliest opportunity.

What follows is a short profile on Mr Gilmore’s background and his current standing in Irish politics:

Barry Desmond,since 1969, represented the Labour party in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown constituency. However upon his retirement from national politics(1989) a new man of the left was to replace Desmond. That man was Eamon Gilmore.

Gilmore was, initially, a member of the Workers Party and then Democratic Left, before that political grouping merged with the Labour party in 1999. Mr Gilmore was born in Caltra, Co. Galway in 1955 and was prominent in the Union of Students in Ireland (USI). By 1976 he had become leader of that organisation.

In 1985, Eamon Gilmore was elected to Dublin County Council and, since the general election of 1989, has represented the Dun Laoghaire constituency as a TD. Furthermore he has retained his seat in every subsequent general election. In the short-lived ‘Rainbow’ government (1994-97) he was appointed Minister for State for Marine.

In the aftermath of the general election of 2007 Mr Gilmore succeeded Pat Rabbitte as Labour leader. The current economic recession has seen his profile rise as the public get more and more disillusioned with the government. Labour are, once again, being spoken of as serving in a potential government. Certainly the omens are looking good for Ireland’s chief leftwing political party.

At a time of grave concern for our country, it looks likely that Eamon Gilmore’s animated, purple-coloured features will be seen for quite some time to come. His voice will resonate, not just to the people of Dun Laoghaire, but to everyone that is suffering the cuts and bruises of an economy on its last legs. Mr Gilmore will have to show empathy, something not really present with those governing us. He may do well in that regard, especially as we approach Lisbon 2.

Waiting Skills

2009-09-05T06:46:00.000-07:00

Memory is a necessity for us all to function effectively in life. If we lose this human faculty then our lives become more difficult for us and those around us.

The Guardian newspaper (18th August 2009) carried an interesting piece on waiters, in Buenos Aires, and their ability to memorise customers’ orders. The article, by Marc Abrahams, quotes a study, in the journal Behavioural Neurology:

“Typical Buenos Aires senior waiters memorise all orders, from clients and take the orders, without written support, of as many as 10 persons per table. They also deliver the order to each and every one of the customers who ordered it without asking or checking.”

This tremendous skill won’t be practiced in your local diner, surely. No you’ll have to go to the Argentine capital for that type of total recall. The research behind this report was gathered by scientists based at academic centres in Buenos Aires and Cambridge. The article delves deeper to give the reader a better insight into the incredible skills the waiters’ possess:

Interviewed afterwards, waiters said they generally paid attention to customers’ location, faces and clothing. They also disclosed a tiny trick of the trade. They “did not pay attention to any customer after taking a table’s order, as if they were protecting the memory formation in the path from the table to the bartender or kitchen.”

The scientists who were responsible for this astonishing report continue:

A remarkable waiter who had trained himself to “recall as many as 20 dinner orders (meat or starch) and link it to the location in the table. He also used acronyms and words to encode salad dressing, and visualised cooking temperature for each customer’s meat and linked it to the position on the table.”

This is mind boggling stuff and proof of the wonders of mental agility. The Guardian article ends by informing readers of the best waiter at memorising customers’ orders:

The one who delivered drinks correctly even when customers had swapped seats – claimed that, unlike his colleagues, he ignored where customers sat, and paid attention only to their looks.

Could the culinary skills of Derry Clarke, Gary Rhodes or Antony Worrall Thompson be matched by waiters with the memory skills mentioned above? I think not. Even in the most expensive restaurants, here, waiting staff may not be as good at recalling orders as their contemporaries in Buenos Aires. Are you being served?

Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures 2009 (3)

2009-08-30T07:18:00.001-07:00

Another wet morning and you find me in the Bloomfields café, supping tea(sensible drinking). It's after 1pm and I'm perusing today's schedule. Oumou Sangare, Babylon Circus and the Dhoad Gypsies of Rajasthan will all be offering their music free to the public in Newtownsmith later on today. My attention, however, will be fixed on the People's Park with cultural delights from Cameroon, Mexico and Soweto. Will they bring any surprises?

Well I've made it to the Kingston Hotel where Steve Cooney and an assortment of dreadlocked musicians are looking around sternly whilst in rehearsal for their gig later... Signs behind the Kingston bar proclaim loudly 'CASH ONLY'. Everyone's out to take advantage of the money the festival brings locally and you'd have to say why not?

The People's Park is festooned with bunting hanging off the lamposts. A Latin-American band are capitivating a small but devoted audience. Water is the key word today. Not only is it coming down from the sky at an incredible pace, but there are a number of fountains in the park with water spouting from the mouths and penis's of the statues there.I should be thankful I'm not getting showered in urine.Anyway the water won't kill me.

Omnipresent over the weekend are food and children. If they were not present then, one wonders, would the festival work? A little more imagination is needed. If these gripes are addressed next year things will be more exciting. Also, the main thoroughfare in DL is practically ignored. Something for Ms Ackland to work on when she's not busily avoiding interviews....

It's 2.45pm and I am moving away from the People's Park going towards Marine Road for one last trawl through the crowds... Outside Saint Michael's church a lone pan piper is drawing interest. A group of bellydancers are arousing male attention. One of the dancers should clearly have given up this form of exhibitionism about 40 years ago.

Moving on I am approached by who I think is a Latin American man, "Amigo would you like a tattoo on your arm?" I politely refuse,one tattoo is quite enough for me,thank you.

My time at the cultural festival is nearly up and my final thoughts are that this year's events were less than overwhelming. The obvious intercultural attraction has not really been as thrilling as it could have been (although, being single may be part of the reason for that). More diversity is needed to take things to a higher,better level in 2010.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures 2009 (2)

2009-08-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

It's a wet start, my jeans are soaked. However the Dun Laoghaire area is slowly and surely gathering a crowd today, the first day of this year's festival. No amount of rain will affect proceedings: A Lute/Kora is being played outside the County Hall. A few hippies are watching, enraptured (as, indeed,am I). Hippies are usually well-off people who just want to get wasted. It's difficult to imagine the crusties beside me ever living in splendour. I guess there'll be more of this hippy chic to be seen in DL for the duration of the weekend.I'm not knocking these people, it's just that they never seem to be in the REAL world. And I haven't even mentioned spliffs...

I've moved inside the County Hall and there is a lot going on. Entertainment is being brought our way by an Irish traditional folk group and there is loads of organic food to be sampled. Healthy bread is neatly positioned with other calorie laden produce. A life-sized Snakes and Ladders board is rolled out on the ground and some kids are heavily involved. A word of advice: never ignore what goes on in the County Hall, it is a veritable Aladdin's cave and is most educational and informative.

Moving out of the County Hall, I'm heading to see Natty Wailer at the main stage in Newtownsmith. Please let it not rain! The carnival feeling begins to grow as I approach the area and the sound of drumming gets steadily louder. Be in no doubt, the children here are (or should be)having a great time. Many of the little devils and angels are having their faces painted and stuffed with food. Two Gardaí are supping 7up as more and more souls gather in anticipation of Natty Wailer's appearance. Everyone is relaxed, definitely no need to hurry.

"Greetings Dun Laoghaire - RASTAFARI", bellows Natty Wailer before breaking into Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song'. Natty is a natty dresser (sorry!), he's decked out in what looks like traditional gear. There's a couple of crusties at the front with another type of 'gear' keeping them happy. "Gettin' Irie", Natty sings and my jeans are now almost dry. Despite the lack of sunshine, everyone is skanking to the reggae beat. There's a good selection of dreads to be seen and the DL 'massive' are having a great time. But no-one's going to get heatstroke, judging from today's weather.

Natty continues to pepper his set with Bob Marley songs and it sounds wonderful. 'Stir it up' rings out over the field at Newtownsmith and the backing girls are sounding, and looking, terrific. The bearded Jamaican is in the correct environmnet. Thumping bass is, of course, a key feature and the band are as tight musically as Brian Lenihan's wallet. It was definitely a good idea to seek out Natty Wailer and I recommend others do the same.

Well I am now heading out of DL, going past what seems like hundreds of food stalls. Certainly you'd have no excuse to go hungry! Today was subjected to rain, sometimes heavy. But those at the festival were determined to have a good time and DL locals need no excuse to party. Tonight is going to be full of gigs and the Royal Marine Hotel will be the place to go to. Can't quite remember what's going on exactly but the blurb suggests great activity with late buses running. But for me today's goings on are enough and I have enjoyed the wide selection of events.

Tomorrow is the final day of the festival and I'm planning on going to the People's Park to check out what's in store in that part of DL......
© Ian Callagy 2009

Dun Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures 2009 (1)

2009-08-28T04:33:00.000-07:00

This year's event will be the ninth to shake Dun Laoghaire residents to their roots. I tried in vain to get an interview with the chief organiser, Jody Ackland, back in June. Arranging a conversation with Saint Peter would be easier.

I did however, get to do a preview of the festival for Metro Eireann. ME is a weekly multicultural newspaper in a tabloid format and is aimed at immigrants and those drawn to our shores from overseas. Although containing relatively few articles, it is eye-opening - quality rules over quantity. I have become a regular purchaser and hope to remain so in the future. For those interested, ME costs €1 and can be bought in all branches of Easons. I regard it as essential reading.

My sincere thanks go to Catherine Reilly (Deputy Editor), who has been a great help to me in getting some of my work published in ME (two articles, so far!). Catherine is a hardworking journalist and I will always be grateful to her for allowing me the opportunity to get onto the journalistic ladder.

Anyway the festival, this year, has Jane Birkin headlining and as the cliché goes: 'there's something for everyone'to enjoy. I'm looking forward to catching the Irish-domociled,Jamaican musician and one-time acolyte of Bob Marley's: Natty Wailer. He is due to play at the Newtownsmith stage tomorrow (29th August 2009) and should be of great interest. I'm going to roam around DL over the course of the weekend and will try and bring some of the excitement to viewers of IANO'S CHRONICAL.

This evening I'll be helping my Amnesty Ireland colleagues get set up for the weekend in the County Hall, Dun Laoghaire. There will be a stall and exhibition on human rights. Amnesty,alongside other worthy organsiations,always has a presence at the festival and anyone can come along and view the stalls for the duration of the festival. Hopefully many will come to DL and enjoy a festival that, in Jody Ackland's words: "radiates pure cultural celebration!" See ya tomorrow......

Colm O’Gorman

2009-08-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

www.colmogorman.com

Colm O’Gorman was born in Wexford in 1966. By 1986 he had moved to London and this led to him training as a physical therapist in 1994. Eventually, in 1996 he qualified as a psychotherapist.

However as a teenager, in the early 1980’s, O’Gorman was sexually abused by a Catholic Priest. In the late 1990’s he sued the Bishop of his local diocese and also the Pope to challenge the clerical sex abuse he suffered. This legal action culminated in the resignation of Dr Brendan Comiskey, Bishop of Ferns in 2002. O’Gorman was awarded €30,000 in damages.

Returning to live in Ireland in 2003, O’Gorman founded the Irish branch of One In Four. The organisation was originally set up in London and campaigns on behalf of males and females who have been sexually abused. In the same year he was the recipient of The James Larkin justice award by the Irish Labour party.

His father, Sean, stood for election at two elections in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s for Fianna Fail but was unsuccessful on both occasions. In 2007 Colm would stand for the Progressive Democrats in the Wexford constituency. Although polling well, he similarly failed to get elected. He was, however, made a Senator in Seanad Eireann for the PD’s.

CO’G often features in the media especially when clerical sex abuse is the topic for discussion such as when the recent Ryan Report implicated the Christian Brothers for the cruelty that they inflicted on those in their care.

Aside from giving support to victims of sexual abuse, he also works in the field of human rights. In February 2008 O’Gorman was appointed as the head of Amnesty International Ireland. He is also a prominent campaigner for gay rights. In 2009 he had a book published; Beyond Belief (Hodder & Stoughton). It has been received well by critics:

‘He has triumphed over sexual abuse’ – Mary Robinson (Former President of Ireland)

‘It is a crucial document in the charting of a dark period in our history. It is also a story of bravery and survival, of strength and resilience, and will serve as an inspiration to many readers’ – Colm Toibin (Successful Irish author)

Mr O’Gorman lives with his family in County Wexford and it is safe to say that he will continue to speak out on issues concerning human rights that affect those both inside and outside of Ireland well into the future. Whatever he does Colm’s hard work and integrity is an example of a caring individual. As a member of Amnesty Ireland I can attest to this man’s dedication to human rights. It is heartening to have him as our executive director.

Step down gracefully Mr Kenny

2009-08-24T03:01:00.000-07:00

Since the demise of the Fine Gael-Labour coalition, in 1987, Fine Gael has struggled to assert itself as a party of government. From Alan Dukes to John Bruton to Michael Noonan and now Enda Kenny, they all have found it difficult to establish themselves. Notwithstanding the short-lived ‘Rainbow’ government (1994-97), with John Bruton as Taoiseach, the party is inexperienced in power. Fianna Fáil has all but monopolised government in this country. At the moment Fine Gael is in rude health, but their leader’s value is fast depreciating. Is it the right time for Mr Kenny to vacate his position as leader?

One day, during last year’s referendum campaign on the Lisbon Treaty, I was in the centre of Dublin. I saw the Kenny entourage strolling through Grafton Street pressing flesh. It was almost tearful to witness. Whilst meeting people, on that wealthy part of town, the Fine Gael leader looked stiff and uncomfortable. No doubt that painful scenario will be repeated as we move closer to the second Lisbon Treaty referendum. Put bluntly Mr Kenny is incapable of communicating effectively to the public. This is a handicap his party can do without.

Enda Kenny is 58, he’s been a TD since 1975 and leader of Fine Gael from 2002. Although a true gentleman, and a first rate public representative (he has always achieved high popularity in his Mayo constituency), he must realise that he cannot go on as leader forever. Fine Gael’s best chance at the next general election would be with a new leader, preferably George Lee.

I mention Mr Lee not only because of his economic expertise. When the difficult question of charisma comes up, George can point to his undeniable profile due, of course, to his work on RTE. The TD for Dublin South has much to offer nationally. His shrewd, lucid manner is the mark of a potentially gifted leader. This would contrast sharply with the current leader’s rather wooden style. Certainly Lee’s star is on the rise and those in his party mustn’t ignore the skills he brings to politics.

But right now FG is saddled with Enda Kenny. Overcoming a shocking disintegration at the 2002 general election (they lost around 20 seats) Kenny has worked hard and brought a cheer back to his party. However, despite a resurgence of TDs at the 2007 general election, he hasn’t led Fine Gael back into office.

Looking to the future it is clear that a new person is needed to take the baton of leadership from Mr Kenny. A timetable of change to a new leader needs to be agreed by those in the Fine Gael party. This should be a swift transition. Once the forthcoming referendum is over a new leader should be chosen and this would be the best way of unseating the current government. However any change at the top must be bloodless and a re-run of the coup that cost John Bruton his leadership would not be an edifying prospect.

At the next general election, providing the Dáil goes full term, Enda Kenny will be in his 60s and less in touch with voters than ever before. Mr Kenny holds the keys to the future of Fine Gael and it is important that he knows when to relinquish his grip.

Keeping up appearances

2009-08-17T06:08:00.000-07:00

It’s Saturday morning and I am flicking through the television channels. On one of the networks a coterie of young fit and tanned men and women are prancing around, semi-naked (it’s 10.30am!), in what appears to be a ‘reality’ programme set in the Caribbean. I’m wondering could my 12 stone, disproportioned body exist in such surroundings. No! I’m distraught. To be realistic – I’m not the most overweight of people. At 37, one has to accept that my body is simply not ‘hot’ to look at. However middle age has given me a licence to rationalise things more easily and there are many heavier than me in the world. We live in a world that accommodates all shapes and sizes.

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In a recent issue of the Guardian (14th August 2009), it was reported that a disabled student won a case against a fashion store, based in London. Riam Dean (22), who has a prosthetic arm, failed to comply with a company rule which stated that all staff had to wear the same clothing. Riam wanted to wear a cardigan to hide her disabled limb but this was against the rule and led to her being taken away from the shop floor where she was secreted away to work in the company warehouse. Not what she had envisaged when she began working for the store.

The rule, known as the ‘look policy’, states that all employees “represent our company with natural, classic American style.” These rules go further and stipulate that staff should have a “classic hairstyle”, and nails should be “no more than a quarter of an inch beyond the tip of the finger… looking great while exhibiting individuality.” Ms Dean ended up taking a case against her employers for being treated unfairly due to her disability and, quite justly, was awarded £9,000.

Whether you are fat, have a disfigurement or are in the wrong age group, you shouldn’t have to hide this fact. Being proud of one’s appearance has taken precedence in life. But that shouldn’t lead to shame. A myriad of mental illness’, such as depression and anorexia, are harvested by the media everyday. The message must be that image is not the most important issue in life. No one person has ‘the look’. Whatever your weight or however flawed you look, love and respect goes further. It’s what makes us human.

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I’ve been having sneezing fits for the last few days, accompanied by scratchy, itchy eyes and am certain that it is hay fever. “Runny noses, watery eyes and sneezing fits are classic symptoms”, confirms Kate Ravilious in the Guardian (14th August 2009). They are caused by “an allergic reaction to the pollen from a particular grass, tree or weed.” She goes on to explain that “pollen forecasts enable hay fever sufferers to prepare for a pollen onslaught by taking medication or planning pollen-avoiding activities.”

In her article Kate tells readers that the economic downturn is adversely affecting the collection of data on pollen levels in the UK. Anyway having had enough of the sneezing and red eyes, I presented myself at the local chemist where the patient was given tablets, Zirtek, and it has made a hell of a difference. Never doubt the benefit of the local chemist. Are you listening Ms Harney?

Freedom…

2009-08-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

So Ronnie Biggs is now free. He may have been on the run for years but was eventually forced to face justice. Arriving back in the UK (2001), from self imposed exile in Brazil, he was returned to jail to serve out the rest of his sentence since he originally fled from his captors, decades earlier. Suffering ill health, he can no longer function without 24 hour care. This, Jack Straw proclaimed, is the reason for Biggs’ release.

However few are happy to see the Great Train Robber out of prison. In last Saturday’s (8th August 2009) Irish Independent, it was reported that the grandson of the train driver, Jack Mills, who was assaulted by Biggs’ gang, was angry. Stephen Mills says: “I wish Ronnie Biggs was dead, he should have been let to rot in jail. Biggs is a terrible man and he should have served his last days in jail…Letting criminals like him out early is a disgrace.”

Indeed Mrs Anne McCabe probably feels the same way. Garda Detective Jerry McCabe’s killers, Kevin Walsh and Pearse McAuley, walked out of Castlerea hotel, sorry, prison last week too. Seemingly they don’t require 24 hour care. Although they probably had a few pints and a guilt- free laugh with Martin Ferris, the self proclaimed IRA gun runner, who collected and spirited the two criminals away, out of sight and out of sound from the prison gates.

Mr Mills adds more of his justifiable rage on Biggs’ release: “He made a mockery of our justice system.” Just like the McCabe killers did here.

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I was saddened to read of the death, last week, of Paul Smyth. Paul was a teacher in Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education. He had a very friendly demeanour and we would, regularly, have chatter and banter across the corridors of the college. I, as a mature student, got on well with the bearded intellectual. Paul, I couldn’t compete with your fine mind, but it was always a pleasure and a privilege to have spent time, however brief, in your company. May you rest in peace.

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More gloom. It seems that the Guardian / Observer group of newspapers are downsizing (redundancies to you and me). They have been losing money, like most of the print media, consistently and it looks like ‘the Ob’ may be cut adrift from its daily sister publication. A sad tale as it is the oldest Sunday newspaper in Britain. Left wing politics needs newspapers like the Observer as many of its competitors are right wing, vulgar and narrow minded. The Guardian online, however, is going well.

Anyway the hot news is that the Sunday Times is getting its own dedicated website, separate from the Times online. Interesting times ahead…

Barack Obama’s Birthday

2009-08-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week the US president turns 48. The tobacco smoking American leader has seen, in his short time in office, America’s position in the world improve somewhat. He can point to a marked improvement in US diplomacy and, as I have written previously here, an end to nuclear proliferation is now on the agenda – something his predecessor wouldn’t countenance. Surely a good start?

Maybe, but Obama will have to keep his citizens happy and the US economy will be of major importance to him and his supporters. Another issue for him to work on will be his healthcare programme and that will make or break his term as president. With regard to the Middle East, always a thorny problem for American leaders, he is being viewed by some in Israel as being soft on the Jewish nation’s enemies. Relations with Iran will also be carefully monitored. Will Mr Obama be too lenient? We wait excitedly.

Moving away from serious issues of state, I thought it would be interesting to think up some presents world leaders may give Mr Obama. Below are some of my ideas:

from Gordon Brown – a blue tie
from Nicolas Sarkozy – a copy of Carla Bruni’s latest album
from Silvio Berlusconi – a copy of the latest edition of Italian Playboy magazine
from Dmitri Medvedev – a bottle of Alcohol-free Vodka
from Brian Cowen – shares in Anglo-Irish Bank
from Angela Merkel – a year’s supply of German Sausages

I’m afraid I can’t add to that wide ranging list of gifts, Barack. However I am honoured, as citizen of the world, to have you as American president. So happy birthday and long may you prosper. Your dignity and integrity are an example to politicians worldwide.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Socialist Youth’s Day of Resistance

2009-08-04T07:02:00.000-07:00

Got to the Central Hotel in time for today’s, day of Resistance, given over to a discussion organised by Socialist Youth. A group of around 30 young people squeezed into ‘The Mullen Room’ to talk (and preach) on what being young and a socialist means in 2009.

The gathering is quiet and attentive. Various socialist slogans adorn the ‘Mullen Room’. It’s clear that these left wing political activists aren’t prepared to be steam-rolled by the government. ‘Reaching out’ is the theme – what can the youth of this country do to alleviate the economic disaster that is affecting their lives? Furthermore it will be today’s youth that will have to clear up the mess from almost 20 years of successive capitalist-style administrations.

The benefits of joining a union are outlined to us by an articulate speaker who was an electrician until she lost her job due to the recession. Pay rates and college fees are also discussed. These activists do their best to inspire. One is reminded of an old image of a slim Pat Rabbitte, campaigning in his youth, clad in a mohair suit and sporting bushy sideburns. Young people will always protest, which is commendable, especially today with the direction our rulers seem to be taking us: We won’t be taken for a ride in Cowen’s state car.

But are we living in an era where the youth can influence politicians? The answer is yes. This government must not take the nation’s young for granted. Those under 25 need to be more focused however. Talk of protest will have to be matched by more effective ways of communicating the anger out there. The young are more competent with technology than many older people. They should use these talents to work for a better future and go further than merely protesting. No doubt they will not let those in FF and the Green Party off the hook for the decisions our leaders make in government.

During the speeches, delivered by three panellists, the government gets criticised for cutting social welfare rates to the under 20’s. I speak up and say that the intention of the minister (Mary Hannifin) is to give these people a chance to access education and training. Unfortunately I seem to be in a minority as Hannifin’s policy is seen as a punishment, rather than an opportunity to assist those in that age group.

I jotted down some of the phrases used by those who spoke:

“Building a mass movement of opposition”

“Government in cahoots with employers”

“Butchering of living standards”

“Slash and burn of wages”

“Parasitic Multinationals”

After we have heard from the panel the chair throws the discussion over to the rest of us. The merits of education and training are discussed. Government must invest more to concentrate on job creation. Socialist rhetoric is well aired but the talk is realistic – not too pie in the sky, like left wing politics of yore.

To conclude my time at Resistance it seems that the fundamental clash between socialism and capitalism is brought to life. Those at the meeting are trying to bring the concerns of young people to the policymakers, the youth are getting restless. Ignore them at your peril, that’s what I learned in Exchequer Street today.

Alan Rusbridger

2009-07-27T08:40:00.001-07:00

www.theguardian.co.uk

Alan Charles Rusbridger was born in Northern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1953.In 1973, after attending public school in Surrey, he studied at Magdalene College in Cambridge graduating with an MA in English. Starting out as a reporter with the Cambridge Evening News, Rusbridger moved to the Manchester Guardian in 1979 where he wrote a gossip column.

Following time as a feature writer and a stint at The Observer as a television critic, he moved to America (1986), for a year, to report for The London Daily News (now defunct). Returning to the UK, in 1987, Rusbridger spent four years as features editor with The Guardian’s G2 daily supplement. In 1993 he became deputy editor at The Guardian and, in 1995, was elevated to the role of editor, where he remains to this day.

Piers Morgan interviewing Rusbridger, in The Independent newspaper (2nd April 2007), says that: “…I am very fond of Rusbridger and his paper. The Guardian plays an important role in our society, and acts as an effective foil to right-wing papers such as The Daily Mail.”

Morgan says editing The Guardian is a “moral maze.” However Rusbridger defends his newspaper: “The Guardian is a liberal, progressive, intelligent, internationalist paper which operates to certain ethical standards.”

In Morgan’s interview, The Guardian editor admits that he has annual earnings of roughly half a million pounds. The author of three books for children, Rusbridger also reveals his purchasing of a £30,000 piano, “the most extravagant thing I’ve ever bought.”

When asked, by Morgan, of his proudest moment as editor, Rusbridger replies: “Building the Guardian Unlimited website has been one of the best things I’ve been involved with. And relaunching the paper in its Berliner shape.” He also mentions the failure of the MP, Jonathan Aitken’s court case against The Guardian as a highlight.

Morgan, in the course of the interview, asks about some of The Guardian’s competitors. Rusbridger describes The Daily Mail style of journalism as: “…cruel. And sometimes a bit aggressive”. Of The Independent he says: “The emphasis on views, not news, means that the reporting is rather thin, and loses impact on the front page the more you do that.”

As well as the children’s books mentioned above, Rusbridger has also written ‘A Concise History of the Sex Manual 1886-1986”. His interests outside of journalism include music (he’s chairman of the National Youth Orchestra), painting and golf. Married for 17 years with two daughters, he shows no sign of wanting to abandon a job that has seen him rise to the top of one of the world’s leading English language newspapers.

Bruno

2009-07-20T03:47:00.000-07:00

This is the latest serving of lard from Sacha Baron-Cohen, who previously brought us Borat, and, at one point in history, was the man behind Ali G from Channel Four’s ‘The 11 O’clock Show’. Like the Borat movie, Bruno sets out to ridicule the many serious (on appearance) people who feature in it. Bono, Elton John, Sting and Paula Abdul are also given cameo roles.

Looking around the cinema I estimate the age group of viewers to be between 15 and 40. Is the movie getting belly laughs? No. There are only a few brief chortles when Bruno goes to the Middle East to try, in vain (surprise, surprise), to get agreement between the Arabs and Israelis and confuses Hamas with hummus – this causes mild laughter, definitely no howling.

However this movie undoubtedly has its humorous moments: it runs on the basis of exposing the lack of irony of Americans. But this line of comedy only goes so far. It is interesting to note that Bruno is of Germanic extraction and Germans and Americans are two peoples where ironic comedy is in short supply. Overall the reaction from my fellow viewers is fairly mute. Despite its silliness, Bruno has been banned by the authorities in Ukraine and Kazakhstan – someone obviously takes it seriously.

On a trip to Africa Bruno, like Madonna, picks up a child and makes the boy his ‘son’. Returning to an airport in LA, he is shown, disgracefully, taking the tot from a cardboard box on the baggage conveyor belt. This occurs in the full presence of everyone in the arrival hall! On a US chat show Bruno causes anger when telling the audience of naming his ‘son’, OJ. The livid audience go bananas when Bruno tells them he got his baby by swapping him for an I Pod.

Another part of this movie sees Bruno in the company of hard-line, ultra- masculine bear hunters. When he tells them that there’s a similarity between them and the ‘Sex & the City’ girls he earns glaring looks. If this was a real documentary I suspect Baron-Cohen would have been lucky to have got away unscathed. Indeed the journalist John Waters, on Pat Kenny’s radio show, last week, said he thought the participants in Bruno were all “in” on the joke. In other words a fake. He’s probably not far off the mark. As this crazy caper continues we are brought to a Swingers club, with Bruno of course. The gay Austrian character succeeds in aggravating some of the Swingers who don’t appreciate his homosexual innuendo.

“Achingly funny”, is how the Irish Times describe this novelty trash and there’s a big push to promote it on a global scale, even though it has been given a controversial reaction in many quarters. Offending the conservatives is the objective here and that’s as exciting as it gets. However, with Colm McCarthy’s ‘An Bord Snip’ proposals slicing the nation to ribbons, and depressing us all, this movie has one virtue at least – it’s a good diversion and isn’t boring, despite its many weakness’. That’s the maximum credit I can pay to this slop. Definitely not Oscar material.

Donald Mac Cormick R I P

2009-07-15T03:49:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer:
This posting was NOT written by me and in no way am I trying to pass it off as my own work. You will notice that my copyright is not on the bottom.

I respected Mr Mac Cormick as a top current affairs journalist with the BBC,in the late 1980s, when I started to watch Newsnight. He was a regular presenter. As a mark of respect here is his obituary taken from the The Guardian newspaper (14th July 2009).

by Brian Wilson

Donald MacCormick, who has died of a heart attack aged 70, was a broadcaster of both style and substance whose calm commentaries illuminated the tumultuous political events of the late 1970s and 80s. He was a highly regarded BBC presenter of both the revived Tonight programme from 1975 and its successor, Newsnight. MacCormick became an essential centerpiece of party conference coverage where he commanded respect for both his knowledge of the political scene and his calm professionalism.

The post-Thatcher era and the advent of John Birt as the BBC's director general did not augur well for MacCormick's courteous though penetrating style of interviewing. Part of the "Lime Grove crowd" who were viewed as an expensive hangover from a less accountancy-driven age, he departed for London Weekend Television to present their flagship political programmes. When LWT's commitment to politics proved shortlived after the 1992 election, MacCormick went back to working for the BBC, though there was no open door for a returning freelance, however distinguished, and his subsequent role, mainly with the fledgling BBC World, scarcely did justice to his abilities.

MacCormick's father was a Glasgow teacher who died when Donald was six. This resulted in him being extremely close to the family of his lawyer uncle, John, a partner in the firm of MacCormick and Neil. Coincidentally, this partnership, in name at least, would be revived in later years by Donald as Newsnight presenter and Ron Neil, whose father had been the other lawyer in the firm, as his editor in the early 1980s.

Aside from his legal work, "King John" MacCormick, Donald's uncle, was a Liberal and devolutionist who was also arguably the father of popular Scottish Nationalism through the Scottish Covenant, a petition for devolved home rule which gained widespread support in the early 1950s. Donald was therefore steeped in Scottish politics from an early age.

Educated at King's Park secondary school in Glasgow, he then became part of a famous generation of gifted and political Glasgow University students, which included John Smith, Donald Dewar, Derry Irvine and Menzies Campbell. MacCormick was chairman of the Labour Club. However, while he retained a lifelong fascination with politics, his interests were diverse and he never sought a political career. Having edited the university's literary magazine, he taught English at the High School of Glasgow for five years, but broadcasting was his natural calling. He started by presenting a books programme for STV and then, in 1967, moved to Grampian in Aberdeen as a news reporter.

His next step was to join BBC Scotland in Glasgow as a current affairs presenter. The early 1970s was something of a golden age for BBC Scotland, which made serious programmes on which MacCormick worked alongside Magnus Magnusson, the fine industrial journalist Hugh Cochrane and latterly Andrew Neil, who became a close friend. MacCormick's role was not restricted to politics and he probably came to London's attention by presenting programmes from the Edinburgh festival.

When Michael Bunce was in the process of reviving the Tonight programme in a late-night slot, he selected a Scotsman, an Irishman and an Englishwoman as his presenters: MacCormick, Denis Tuohy and Sue Lawley. Non-Oxbridge accents were not common in the mid-70s. However, even the most fastidious defender of received pronunciation could scarcely object to Donald's gentle west of Scotland cadence. When Tonight evolved into Newsnight, MacCormick became one of the regular presenters, along with Peter Snow and John Tusa. He was liked and admired by all who worked with him.

His Newsnight role lasted throughout the Thatcher years, but by the end of it, MacCormick was ready for another challenge and welcomed an approach from LWT. One of his great supporters within the Corporation had been Robin Day, who saw an interviewer in the same mould as himself - non-confrontational but a skilful cross-examiner.

Donald was devoted to the cousins with whom he and his brother had grown up in Glasgow: Iain, who was first a Scottish Nationalist MP and then a founder member of the SDP, and Sir Neil MacCormick, the regius professor of law at Edinburgh University and former Nationalist MEP who died earlier this year; an event that affected Donald deeply.

Married first to Lis MacKinlay, a Glasgow University contemporary with whom he had three children, Donald married the BBC producer Liz Elton in 1978 and they had two children. They all survive him.

• Donald MacCormick, broadcaster, born 16 April 1939; died 12 July 2009

guardian.co.uk © Guardian

NEET People

2009-07-13T03:50:00.000-07:00

NEET stands for people (usually the young) who are Not currently in Employment Education or Training. It is a British government term that is an effort to lift people out of the benefit system and to give them an opportunity to gain a career or job. In England and Wales, in 2007, 9.4 per cent of 16 to 18 year olds were classified as NEET (Department Children, Schools and Families).

The individual, by engaging in a course or training, can leave the dole behind and, theoretically, move forward into a position where they are contributing both to their own development as well as paying tax – to help others. When a person is no longer in the NEET zone they cease to be unemployed and this can have a positive effect on self esteem as well as having more money in the pocket.

As part of my research I looked up NEET on Wikipedia and it says that in Japan “the classification comprises people aged between 15 and 34 who are unemployed, unmarried, not enrolled in school or engaged in housework and not seeking work or the technical training for work.” In Japan those that fit the NEET category are regarded as unwilling to involve themselves in meaningful employment. A Japanese Professor, Michiko Miyamoto, describes the situation in Japan as a “breakdown of the social framework forged in an industrial society, by which young people become adults.”

In the UK, James Purnell (the former Work & Pensions Secretary), was the chief advocate for tackling NEET’s . Many saw the proposed measures he wanted to introduce as a punishment for those on the dole. This was because their Jobseekers allowance would be cut off if NEET’s didn’t get training or join a course. But Purnell, a Labour MP, felt it was important to stress the benefits to society. On BBC Radio Four, recently, he defended his government’s policy on NEET’s by stating that it was part of Socialist philosophy to get people into mainstream employment.

Those taking up the option of completing a course or training cease to be NEET. This can lead to greater confidence as well as an increasing likelihood of getting on the employment ladder. A larger social circle becomes a reality, whereas a person stuck in the NEET category will just stagnate. For whatever motives, a government drive to eliminate those classified as NEET should be welcomed. It could have a profoundly positive effect on society: less crime and happier, more productive lives.

Peter Kingston, in The Guardian (7th May 2008), writes: ‘the Association of Learning Providers (ALP) believes the (British) government is overly concerned with getting people qualifications first before they get jobs when the reverse should be the priority.’ The article goes on: ‘Last year (2007) the proportion of young people in the NEET group began to increase again giving the UK one of the highest drop-out rates for 16-and 17-year-olds in Europe.’ It seems that young people are finding the NEET tag irresistible.

The article continues: ‘Launching the ALP’s annual conference in Nottingham, today, the ALP chief executive, Graham Hoyle, said: “What is now urgently required is a comprehensive, skill-focused strategy, encouraging young people on to a range of government supported pathways that will flexibly balance the need for qualifications, skills and, critically, sustainable employment.”’

But there are lessons for Ireland too. The Irish government, in the last budget, decided to try its own version of eliminating NEETs. This, according to the minister for Social Welfare, was to reduce the amount of unemployment benefit paid to young people, many of whom were school leavers. This was, Mary Hannifin said, to encourage those in that bracket to access training. But, with jobs rarer than hen’s teeth at the moment, where are young people to go? Who will they turn to?

The Irish government needs to clarify greatly its plans and people mustn’t be allowed onto a conveyor belt constantly going aimlessly round and round from course to course and not finding meaningful employment at the end of the process.

In my own case I have had little experience of a working life, but I was never a NEET for long. The courses and voluntary work I have done have been to my advantage and, although I have been in paid employment for less than ten years of my life, I can look back with a certain amount of pride and say that I have gained immensely from not being a NEET. If I can stay free from that four lettered acronym anyone can. Everyone should try and better themselves whatever the level they find themselves at in life. Eliminating NEETs should be a priority.

Tackling nuclear proliferation

2009-07-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORgfAIylcwE

In the early 1960’s the world was nearly plunged into Armageddon. We were heading for a nuclear war as a consequence of the Cuban missile crisis. Thankfully the two super powers (USA and USSR) pulled back from the brink. However there was no real progress, no thaw in the ‘Cold War’ until the mid 1980s when Mikhail Gorbachev became Russian leader. Mrs Thatcher (British PM), I always thought it outrageous, has been cheered for this change in relations between east and west. Rubbish! It was Gorbachev that opened a period of ‘Glasnost’. Not the British prime minister. Ronald Reagan, the then US president, welcomed the Russian president and, for a couple of years at the end of the 1980s, it seemed that the ‘Cold War’ was melting.

Ever since the end of Reagan and Thatcher’s time in office the east and west have had, at least, a calm relationship. However the hard-line approach returned when George W Bush and Vladimir Putin became leaders of their respective nations. It was lamentable that a chill had returned: the conflict in Georgia and the proposed US missile bases in Poland and Ukraine being just two examples. The arrogant attitude of both Bush and Putin conspired to damage relations - a potentially disastrous state of affairs.

Could we be returning to Armageddon? If anyone wanted a better relationship it’s clear these two leaders weren’t listening. Indeed Bush’s administration, as I wrote here last year, seemed to be doing everything possible to provoke a reaction by Russia. Putin’s attitude was equally appalling and it seemed that an escalation in tension was developing. An escalation that would be a convenient reason for nuclear re-armament – a step backward for the world. How can countries like Israel, Iran, North Korea and India end their desire to stock up nuclear warheads if the parents (US and Russia) are also stocking up. This is a perilous state of affairs. Perhaps deadly.

The installing of a new administration in the White House has, to an extent, changed the relationship between the two world powers. However Luke Harding, in the Guardian (7th July 2009), says “Though the Obama effect has worked for the new president elsewhere in the world, Russia is a tough nut to crack. Just 15 per cent of Russians say the US is playing a positive role in the world……according to the University of Maryland’s WorldPublicOpinion.org ”

There is no doubt that Mr Obama wants to improve relations. Something that the previous US president never wanted. In yesterday’s Guardian (7th July 2009), it was reported:
Pledging to reverse a ‘sense of drift’ in Washington’s relations with Moscow, the US president said he hoped a new nuclear arms reduction treaty to replace the Start-1 pact, which expires this December, would be ready by the end of the year. “We must lead by the example and that is what we are doing here today”, he said in Moscow.

These are hardly the words of a warmonger. Clearly Obama is a proud American, so proud that he wants to improve the image of his homeland abroad. He isn’t interested in provoking a negative reaction from Russia, only a positive response. One thing is certain, US diplomacy is now working the way it should: to heal and not to harm. This path should be followed by all other countries that have nuclear armaments. The world will be a better place without the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and ending of the world’s reliance on nuclear arms should be encouraged. The recent summit between the American and Russian leaders is a step in the right direction.

Diabetes – What we need to know

2009-07-06T03:45:00.000-07:00

www.diabetes.ie

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes the condition known as Diabetes as:

A chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces…overtime it leads to serious damage to many of the body’s systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

About five years ago one of my best friends told me he was getting out of bed several times a night, to urinate. Understandably this caused my pal considerable distress. I urged him to get this checked out; he suspected it may be kidney damage. Eventually a diagnosis was confirmed – he had diabetes and his over-active bladder was a symptom of this increasingly common problem.

I have two cousins who are diabetic and daily injections are required to keep them healthy. However they are two of the brightest people you could meet and their diabetes has done little to affect, adversely, their lives. More and more of the population are becoming diabetic. The WHO say that five per cent of all deaths, each year, globally are caused by diabetes. Furthermore they say that deaths from diabetes could grow by over 50 per cent in the next 10 years.

None of us can live completely healthy lives – at some point we will experience illness. However could we avoid diabetes? What we consume will have a strong bearing on our health. The Hindu online (www.hinduonnet.com), in relation to diabetes, says: “there is more stress, less physical activity, faulty dietary habits, leading to…diabetes – a lifelong, lifestyle disorder.” In the same article the chilling truth of this condition is highlighted to us: “People with pre-diabetes don’t often have symptoms and diagnosis can only be made on the basis of 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).”

We are sleepwalking our way to an epidemic of diabetes and food producers should be compelled, by law, to educate consumers of the risks of developing diabetes, or other conditions, from food products. Commercial gain should not get in the way of explaining these dangers to the public.

There are two types of diabetes:

Type 1: More persistent among the under 35 age group. Needs injections of Insulin to stay well.

Type 2: People with this type are non-insulin dependent and are usually over 40 years of age. This type responds well to weight loss, by having a better diet.

Early screening, experts tell us, is vital in tackling diabetes. Lifestyle changes, it is said, can provide the key to unlock this growing health problem.

Symptoms that may indicate you have diabetes are:

Lack of energy

Tiredness

Extreme thirst

Frequent passing of urine

Unexplained weight loss

Blurred sight

An infection that persists

If you think you might have diabetes you should make a visit to your GP where a brief blood sample will clarify matters. Or if you are worried talk to a friend/acquaintance that is diabetic. A dietician can offer you advice on what food you eat (or should be eating) and pharmacies may also be able to provide information. But nothing can replace a consultation with your doctor. Remember: It is ne

Questions and Answers (RIP) , Steven Wells (RIP)

2009-07-01T03:30:00.000-07:00

Questions and Answers
Originally presented by Olivia O'Leary, it had been under the fist of John Bowman for over 20 years. Indeed after the Late Late Show it was the longest running RTE production. Every Monday night, for over two decades,it was the focal point for debate and discussion and many famous faces, usually politicians, were guests. The BBC's Questiontime was possibly the template and, at times Q&A could be rivetting television.

I attended, as an audience member, in the summer of 2004 when Mary Lou McDonald and Richard Bruton were two of the panellists that evening. I can remember that the studio was quite warm and there was a considerable amount of clapping involved. A week earlier I had secured an audience ticket. On arrival at the Donnybrook TV centre I, along with about 50 others, were ushered into the 'hospitality' lounge. We were all welcomed by John Bowman and the then producer, Betty Purcell. We were encouraged to devise questions to ask when the show was underway. In approximately two hours!!!

Even though it is a distant memory, being able to say one was on Q&A is something I'll treasure for a long time ahead. But why is it going from our screens? I don't know, but RTE will definitely have to replace it with something at least as engaging for viewers to switch to the dominant Irish television channel. There is a great urgency for this type of programming to be broadcast here. Debate and discussion are vital for the viewers and public at large. I'll miss the buzz that Q&A brought to me and, I'm sure, many others.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

STEVEN WELLS RIP
In the 1980's the music press was thriving. My choice of weekly pop news came via the New Musical Express (NME) and one of its most prolific writers was a scribe by the name of Steven Wells. I am guessing but I think he contributed for nearly 30 years. I cannot recall his articles in detail (haven't read him in years)but I was well aware of his eccentric (apparently using more expletives than any other journalist at the NME!)style.

From the time I first bought the NME (1987) to my last purchase of the rag (2000), Wells was a fixture. The paper had declined in circulation and it's doubtful that it will remain for the future. However to my mind Wells (also known as Susan Williams, Seething Wells and Swells) will always be associated with music journalism and in particular the NME.

He started his career in journalism as a 'Punk Poet' with the likes of Attila The Stockbroker and Porky The Poet (aka Phill Jupitus). Latterly he had been living in the US with his wife and apparently had turned to sports journalism. Diagnosed with cancer of the liver,he died on 24th June last aged only 49. A light has gone out for journalism everywhere. God bless you Swells.

Neo Fascism

2009-06-29T04:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month (June 2009), two British National Party (BNP) members were elected to the European Parliament. Many regard the BNP as being ‘Fascist’. Certainly the party is on the far right of British politics. But the BNP has been around for quite a while. It is currently led by Nick Griffin, who deposed the previous leader, John Tyndall, in 1999. Tyndall, who died in 2005, had a long association with British neo-Fascism. However the original Godfather of the far right in Britain was Oswald Mosley, who was leader of the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s.

In order to find out more about Fascism I did some research. The term ‘Fascism’ has its roots in Italy and it is of Latin extraction. It means a ‘bundle’ or ‘union’ and was a Roman form of power: a single rod is easily broken but the bundle (of rods) cannot break. Thus the basis for Benito Mussolini’s extreme leadership in the years of World War Two. Mussolini, ‘Il Duce’, formed a Fascist/Nazi partnership with Adolf Hitler as both leaders embraced ultra right policies. Jews, gays, black people were all discriminated against, at least, or tortured and killed in the name of Fascism.

In Ireland the nearest equivalent to a Fascist organisation would be Sinn Fein. Alongside the IRA both nurtured a campaign of extreme nationalism, all over the island of Ireland. Many were killed, tortured and maimed by the Fascist tendencies of some in the Irish Republican movement. Whilst differing slightly in policy, to many Fascist organisations abroad, certain Irish Republicans have cultivated a hatred that continues to burn to this day – despite the IRA decommissioning of their arms. This hatred is directed, primarily towards anyone who disagrees with the concept of a united Ireland.

However an even more virulent form of Fascism is practiced in Ulster. In its 28th June 2009 edition the Observer reports that “the police are understood to be investigating reports that a group of racists with connections to neo-Nazi terror group Combat 18 smuggled a shotgun” into south Belfast targeting migrants. In the same article we are told that C18 sent a text message this week saying:

‘English C18 thanks all true Loyalists for forcing Romanians out of Belfast and also Polish out of their homes! These foreign nationals are a threat to Britain’s Britishness.’

This is typical of the Fascist mindset that flourishes in Northern Ireland today. Ulster has become the toilet seat for British and Irish Fascism to shit on ordinary people, particularly the vulnerable.

Moving back to the UK mainland, according to the Observer newspaper (14th June 2009), Andrew Brons, a senior BNP member, was a member of the National Front (NF) in the 1970s. The NF once claimed the UK was full of “racially incompatible Afro-Asians.” Brons has, in elections held recently, become an MEP for a constituency in the north of England. The Observer reported: “Searchlight, the anti-Fascist organisation, said Brons was influential in shaping the NF and it was important that those voting for him should be aware of his past views. ‘The fact that Brons is an intellectual Fascist and a bigot cuts little ice’, a spokesman said. ‘We are unimpressed by his claims that his prejudice was a result of youthful exuberance’.”

Glancing through the BNP website it is clear they are opposed to racial integration, furthermore out of all the faces that appear on that website none are black, Asian or in anyway ethnic. Despite the shiny image there lurks below a seedy, thuggish style of neo-Fascism masquerading as proper politics. Not surprisingly, as Britain is very ethnically diverse, the BNP represent a minority of British voters. These voters should be fully aware that behind many of the BNP’s policies lies an organisation that is happier without racial integration. This is at odds with the established political scene in Britain, a democracy that won’t bend easily to accommodate a far-right agenda.

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 led to greater nationalist fervour across Europe. Economic decline made way for the nurturing of Fascism. Could this be replicated 80 years later given the economic devastation the Capitalist world is now going through? In 2009 the far right is on the rise not only in the UK but all over Europe. Even if Fascism is now on the margins it must not go unchallenged for the good of humanity.

The Africa Centre’s Annual Lecture 2009

2009-06-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

www.africacentre.ie

Last Monday (22nd June 2009) the Gresham Hotel, in central Dublin, hosted the eighth annual lecture of the Africa Centre. The lecture was chaired by Ms Maria Barry from Trocáire. There were two speakers: Ms Massa Washington, a veteran journalist from Liberia, and Dr Sheila Killian, who is a lecturer on finance at the University of Limerick. The two speakers and chair were introduced to us and they were awarded a round of applause before the audience listened closely to what was being said.

First to speak was Ms. Washington and she explained the tragedy of Liberia’s social and economic ills. One of the most startling and upsetting things the former public relations officer told us was of child soldiers. Some as young as ten, who were given narcotics to toughen them up. Make them more aggressive. It was shocking to hear that between 35,000 and 50,000 children in Liberia are used as child soldiers. It will take a big effort to reverse this sad reality.

Corrupt rulers have added to the harsh conditions in Liberia. Ms. Washington goes on to say that the power and wealth of Liberia, a population of about four million, lies with about two per cent of the people.

Massa Washington has, it says in the information pack we are all carefully given, covered the Liberian crisis extensively and has spoken out on Womens rights in the western African state. It is clear she holds Africa close to her heart and it was good to hear what she had to say. We were all fortunate to be honoured with her presence and her words were greeted warmly by everyone in the room.

Next to speak was Dr. Killian. Not a good person for figures, I expected to be bored rigid. Not so. In fact she was quite concise for a university lecturer. The former tax consultant with Ernst & Young took us through the last 30 years of Irish economic history.

On our tax laws she spoke of lower and lower levels of taxation used to attract multi-national firms to set up in Ireland – “a race to the bottom.” The qualified chartered accountant then turned to our generous tax rates. It is made clear to us that the 12½ per cent tax rate is “unsustainable.”

Dr Killian succeeds in explaining clearly, aided by a PowerPoint presentation, the economic realities of attracting business here. By the end of her address I felt I’d learned something, despite my numerical handicap.

Following the two speeches questions were put to both the esteemed guests. After they had been answered, to everyone’s satisfaction, we all made our way to the food that was provided. Wine was flowing and the chatter among us grew louder. Thanks are due to all at the Africa Centre who continue to make a great effort to inform and support the growing African community in Ireland. A wonderful organisation.
© Ian Callagy 2009

‘Looking for Eric’

2009-06-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Eric Bishop (the central character, played by Steve Evets) is a post office worker who conducts his daily life in a delicate manner. He’s a nervous person as a result, it transpires, of deserting his lover years beforehand. Set in Manchester, all his mates in the post office are big Man United fans and there is plenty of amusing banter, as you might expect.

Eric is at the end of his tether and suicide is becoming an option. He is, however, a football fan with a special love of one of Old Trafford’s greatest sons, Eric Cantona. In his bedroom he turns to the wall poster of EC and directs, almost religiously, questions to the inanimate photo. He obviously gets no reply.

Suddenly the real, now bearded and middle aged, Eric Cantona appears in Bishop’s bedroom. This begins to stretch one’s imagination, but soon the viewer is marvelling at the Frenchman’s calm demeanour. He slowly begins to give what must be one of the most relaxed pep talks given by anyone in the world of football.

One is struck by the sharp contrast between the two Erics: Cantona is relaxed and serene compared to the nerve jangling post office worker. This is the start of Bishop’s recovery. However the film’s tension moves up a gear when one of EB’s sons gets in with some rough crims. Bishop discovers that his son, Ryan, has a gun and through a few scenes ends up being bullied and threatened by his son’s gang leader and his fellow thugs.

This is not all about Cantona, football or Manchester, even though all three feature in ‘Looking for Eric’. It is about the vulnerable person and how, through the power of good friendship, the harshness of life can be overcome. There’s a couple of interesting moments along the way: Cantona’s trumpet playing as well as television footage of a press conference in which the Frenchman talks, cryptically, of seagulls and succeeds in confusing those watching it.

The movie culminates with Bishop getting revenge for his treatment at the hands of the thugs we saw earlier. EB’s mates get together and all, possibly a few hundred, don Eric Cantona masks and go after his tormentors. All for one and one for all. The home of the criminal-in-chief is set upon and property is damaged and the thugs are sprayed with red paint. After that encounter everyone, most of all Bishop, feels better. Justice, swifter than in reality, is done.

As movies go these days, ‘Looking for Eric’ could have been worse. All the same this, one feels, is not going to be regarded as the finest work by director, Ken Loach. However you couldn’t fault the acting. It was a master stroke to have John Henshaw onboard and, typically, he shines in every scene he’ s in – a real bonus.

Throughout this film there are many TV clips of Cantona’s many goals scored for Manchester United over the years. Even as an Arsenal fan, I had to admire his skill, which has now gone from playing on a football pitch to now performing on celluloid. Manchester United fan or not, this is a story of male bonding and provides good evidence as to why Cantona is the star he is today. Merci Monsieur!
© Ian Callagy 2009

World Refugee Day 2009

2009-06-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (18th June 2009) was World Refugee Day and Dublin’s Africa Centre was host to a talk given by Mr. Wale Mogaji (Refugee Information Service) and Mr. Robin Hanan (Irish Refugee Council). We were all welcomed to the Centre whereupon the ever congenial Mr. Eric Yao (Africa Centre) gave a short introduction to those assembled.

Mr Mogaji was first to speak and he informed us on the restrictions and difficulties that the average asylum seeker in Ireland has to experience from day to day: A weekly sum of €19 is paid to each person seeking asylum. The stress felt by refugees is having a detrimental effect on the mental health – a problem bad enough for legitimate citizens.

A disturbing reality that refugees are saddled with is qualifications. Many who flee to Ireland, to avoid repressive regimes where torture or death is commonplace, arrive with good educational skills which normally could be used to gain meaningful employment. However due to the government’s asylum policies such people are unable, moreover are not allowed, to put those skills to use by working and contributing to the Irish economy. Mr Mogaji cites the example of an engineer who is now roaming the Dublin streets where normally he would be involved in a thriving career. But is disallowed, as an asylum seeker, from working here.

Continuing his talk, Mr Mogaji explains the sad reality of having to seek asylum in today’s Ireland and the overcrowding and lack of dignity afforded to the average refugee holed up in Mosney or the like. One could despair at hearing this sad, hopeless reality and the way these people are treated by our government. Our politicians are not engaging enough to make a difference to those living a life of asylum. For it is a life, a career, wasted. Almost like being in prison despite not committing a crime.

The system is, in Mogaji’s words, becoming a massive social problem, one in which there are no winners. It’s a lose - lose situation and nothing is being done to explain to the general public of the refugee crisis. For it is a crisis. Only this week in Belfast it was reported that some Romanian families were subjected to racism, this is not confined to Belfast.

There are some very negative perceptions among some of the public, here, regarding asylum seekers and these people seem to be the whipping boys of our society. Mr Mogaji winds up his speech by telling us of the devastating loneliness and isolation of the refugee in Ireland in 2009 and it is a most bleak, depressing scenario. Enough to break the hardest of hearts.

This upsetting reality was given a more optimistic examination by the next speaker, Mr Robin Hanan. He told the gathered listeners, upstairs in the Africa Centre, of his dealing with the Irish government. The asylum seeker was, is, unwelcome here and all the actions of this state are to make Ireland as “unattractive” as possible to the refugee. They are deliberately excluded from Irish society. Hanan says creating poverty and disempowerment among asylum seekers is a “deliberate government decision”.

Like the first speaker, Mr Hanan mentions mental health as being a problem for those searching for refugee status. He goes on to say that the ‘Direct Provision’ system, in Ireland, is costing the exchequer more than the existing social welfare system. It is a shameful state of affairs and desperately needs to be addressed by those in authority. The despicable treatment of vulnerable children by the Christian Brothers and the Industrial schools are now, rightly, being addressed. It is time that those seeking asylum are afforded a similar slice of justice as we move into the second decade of the 21st century. That responsibility should not be ignored.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Private Buses?

2009-06-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

The elephant is moving closer and closer to the sofa, closer to An Taoiseach. It has moved away from the centre of the room and the unions are getting worried. The elephant has plonked its bottom onto the soft leather furnishings and Mr Cowen sits up with a jolt and starts to pay attention. Mr Union is getting more and more angry as the elephant wraps its trunk around him. Not only is the elephant in the room - it's within breathing distance to the government. The blindingly obvious suddenly occurs to An Taoiseach. Hallaluia!!!

Last night I was listening to RTE Radio One and there was a panel of guests discussing the economy. My attention was pricked as the conversation surrounded the cutbacks and inevitable tax hikes that bring so much 'pain' to us all. I'm not in the least bit an expert (I got a 'C' in Leaving Cert economics) on this topic but I am a an Irish citizen and feel compelled to reflect on the crisis hitting Ireland at the present.

One subject I know something about, however, is public transport. I wrote about buses, in the Chronical, earlier this year and expressed my anger and annoyance on the rather poor service that Dubliners are faced with. The latest move that Dublin Bus have made is to further restrict the routes that many thousands have to avail of continually. My question is: how in the name of God is the state in a position to throw millions of euros at the bottomless pit that is our transport system, without this resulting in a better service? It cannot be achieved.

The unions are too awkward and are repressing progress. The status quo has gone on too long. I'm not necessarily saying that everything can benefit from privatisation but in the field of transport it is sorely needed. The minister for finance is looking at making savings by cutting spending and raising taxes but this will only have a limited effect. What I'm saying is that privatisation, for some of our transport at least, must be put up for discussion and acted upon!

A letter carried in yesterday's Guardian (16th June 2009) was written on the subject of our (Irish) economic turmoil. Paul Hunt from West Sussex writes: "...the Irish government has a solution under its nose. The Irish state is the majority owner of the dominant, incumbant electricity and gas businesses. Privatising these business would generate around €5bn. This is the scale of financing to which the government will have to commit to realise its green dream." Something for our leaders to consider. We must be aware of the elephant, that much is certain.
© Ian Callagy 2009

The Climate Change Hourglass

2009-06-15T03:28:00.000-07:00

Hoody on or Hoody off? That is the question. I’m on Sandymount strand, the venue for today’s (Saturday) choreographed event – a human hourglass. It was organised to create publicity for climate change. Normally I wouldn’t go to this part of the south Dublin coastline, even during the summer, but I’m making a change for today.

On arrival at the Martello (Sandymount) I am ushered along to sign a petition and then I make my way onto the beach. An open-topped bus, kids kicking beach balls were some of the sights and everyone was having a good time. Many were busy taking pictures with their cameras. Imagine – holiday pics from Sandymount!

Copies of the Metro newspaper were distributed and everyone was corralled around for the event. Many present today are just a shade away from hippydom and I couldn’t imagine a politician getting a good reception. A Cherry Picker slowly ascends with a photographer on board. People pass by with scrawny looking dogs and a number of joggers speed along the strand, in the hope of maintaining an athletic physique no doubt. Howth can be seen glittering in the distance.

It was reported recently that beaches around the east coast were being dumped on with litter. Casting my eye around I can definitively say there’s little evidence of litter. But, remember, this is a climate change event: most here are environmentally aware. Any chance of littering this stretch of coastline and you’d be signing your own death warrant. Conscientious citizens only.

This couldn’t be compared with the Costa del Sol – not enough Irish accents in Sandymount! I would estimate a crowd of up to 200 but is it a Critical Mass? The organisers were probably hoping for a bigger turnout, not to be compared to the D-Day landings in Normandy in World War 2, which were honoured last week in France. For guys like me, today, it was the DD’s that captured the attention. Pamela Anderson eat your heart out!

After awhile I decided to move on. One of my criticisms would be that there were no stalls like you usually get at such events. No refreshments, it may have kept people at the place for longer. I cannot help thinking that this choreographed gathering was an attempt to copy Spencer Tunick’s well publicised naked installation, last year, in Dublin’s docklands. But no one was taking off their clothes today, despite the fine weather.

As I leave Sandymount, in the sunshine, I wonder what the whole point is. Will a human hourglass really help climate change? Probably not but it was still an idea worth trying out and it will help spread the word of the importance of having a cleaner environment. When I get home I get a text message on my mobile from the organisers telling me that the ‘Hourglass’ may feature on tonight’s news and sure enough RTE include a report on the evening’s bulletin.

If it were all that ineffective, today’s jolly wouldn’t get such publicity and the ‘fun’ element was present among us. Along with the good weather the tide was out and there were no horrible sewage smells to endure. But what of my Hoody? Well I did take it with me in the end, even though it was warm. Oh how I sweltered.
© Ian Callagy 2009

The Brown Years

2009-06-08T08:04:00.001-07:00

Gordon Brown started his career in the British government as Chancellor of the Exchequer following Labour’s victory at the 1997 general election. After years of rowing with Tony Blair, Mr Brown eventually became Labour leader and Prime Minister in 2007 after Mr Blair retired.

For a period of about six months Brown could practically walk on water and his handling of crises such as flooding and an outbreak of Foot & Mouth were widely regarded as showing deft leadership. He appeared statesmanlike.

However the sheen of success was to fade and his first mistake was his dithering over not calling a general election in the autumn of 2007, which many believed Labour would have won. Soon this bad judgement led to David Cameron’s Conservatives moving ahead in the opinion polls and this was the start of Mr Brown’s woes.

Failure to voice an opinion on the conflict in Georgia, last year, allowed David Cameron to set the agenda by flying out to Tbilisi, whilst Brown was on holiday, gave the impression that the Labour PM was not up to it, with regard to foreign policy at any rate.

The ten pence tax debacle which meant that poorer people (those on low incomes) would lose earnings was another Brown blunder and had the effect of squeezing those that Labour would normally have supported. Clearly the prime minister was displaying a lack of respect, at least, for those in the poorer parts of the UK – traditional Labour voters. This stuck in the craw and made it easier for people, in his own party, to dislike him.

The stunt of having Mrs Thatcher for tea in Downing Street, shortly after his assuming the role of PM was shameful. Thatch was hated by Labour members for her opposition to the unions and many were justifiably outraged by such supine behaviour on the part of Brown.

Even though he was a first class Chancellor, Mr Brown has clearly not got the breadth of experience required to manage the various organs of government and this has become a sharp disadvantage for him. As I mentioned above, the issue of the conflict in Georgia shows a level of ignorance on Foreign Affairs by the British prime minister and this inexperience hasn’t helped him.

But it is the economy that is the big beast’s strong point and some may have been convinced by his loudly heralded ‘Fiscal Stimulus’. Will Gordon will get us out of this economic morass? Not a bit of it. The G20 summit that Mr Brown placed so much importance on was not really a success and the recession is still haunting the world.

GB’s failure to act swiftly on a number of issues has not helped him and an example of that would be the dithering and poor judgement over the rights of the Ghurkhas, brave allies of the British army. The lovely Joanna Lumley (now in her 60s and still as gorgeous as ever) had to apply pressure before the government finally relented and accepted they were wrong. Further bad publicity and embarrassment for Mr Brown.

In Gordon Brown people see a dour, truculent, almost grumpy PM. He frequently fails to sting David Cameron in their many exchanges in the House of Commons. Tony Blair once warned the Conservatives to beware of ‘the clunking fist’, a reference to Brown. ‘Limp wrist’ would be a more appropriate tag, as he frequently fails to impress at the dispatch box.

The crisis hitting Westminster, at the moment, concerns MPs expenses and this has lead to many MPs being forced to stand down. The whole political class has been damaged by this scandal and the government is taking a hammering as a result. Hazel Blears (dubbed ‘Blears in Arrears’) has, alongside Jacqui Smith, been forced to leave the cabinet due to her manipulation of the system. This will not make Gordon Brown popular with the voters.

Alistair Darling is in serious trouble due to his expenses record and Brown may have wanted to move him away from the Treasury – if an ordinary MP can be punished for messing about with expenses shouldn’t the same apply to government ministers as well? Martin Kettle, writing in Friday’s Guardian (5th June 2009), lays much blame at the feet of the PM: “For a chancellor to resign, or for a prime minister to sack a chancellor, is explosive. It puts the wider credibility of the entire government at risk.” This is the nub of Gordon Brown’s present difficulties and the various resignations we have seen over recent days have undoubtedly made it harder for him to lead the government.

But what is most important to people, government or the wider Labour party? James Purnell has clearly decided what matters most to him. Following his resignation late on Thursday, he told the prime minister “to stand aside to give Labour a fighting chance of winning the next election.” Mr Purnell, through resigning, has shown himself to be monumentally disloyal.

Gordon Brown, at Friday’s news conference in Downing Street (covered live on television), appeared like a widower at the afters of a funeral. But there was no tea and biscuits provided. Mr Brown testily fielded questions from assembled political journalists and, despite his irritation; it seems he has bought some time. The game’s not up just yet was his theme.

There appears to be a divide between those with the Labour party’s best interests at heart and those that believe the government has a responsibility to the public, the voters. This cauldron is reaching boiling point and will soon steam over. The trick will be to change leader by causing as little aggravation as possible. But Gordon Brown is, as one commentator put it, “stubborn.” One suspects trouble ahead.

Personally I feel that Brown is a bad communicator and has not handled his premiership well at all, unlike his predecessor. He shouldn’t have been made leader in the first place and that is the whole basis of this crisis. Of course the expenses revelations have added to the mix but Brown’s leadership is now under examination. The receivers may have to be called in.

My view is that government is paramount and the parliamentary party should be of secondary importance. Notwithstanding Mr Brown’s obvious shortcomings, governments have to legislate and Labour MPs should be aware of this. By all means have a debate when in opposition but in government there can be no room for leadership contests or the like. Instead the dissenters must put up or shut up. Now is not the time for internecine conflict, the public deserve better. And if that means a Conservative triumph at the next general election then all well and good – it’s called democracy, letting the people decide. This is what Labour MPs need to understand.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Book Review: Joe Boyd

2009-06-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

Title: ‘White Bicycles – Making music in the 1960s’
By: Joe Boyd
Publisher: Serpent’s Tail (2005)

Joe Boyd is a well known figure in the UK music business. As well as founding Hannibal Records he has worked, and produced material, with bands and artists such as: Pink Floyd, Fairport Convention and Nick Drake. This book is a rollercoaster ride through the 1960s that Boyd remembers and it is full of charming anecdotes and tales from what was a very exciting time in the evolution of popular music.

The book starts with the writer’s adventures in the ‘Deep South’ of the US and of meeting Muddy Waters. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez (‘folk’s royal couple’) are mentioned and Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Brownie McGhee& Sonny Terry, Reverend Gary Davis and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are just some of the Blues musicians named in passing. It is clear that Boyd was present at a time of change as far as music was concerned. This exciting era is brought to life in this 272 page tome.

Omnipresent in music, down the decades, were drugs and Joe Boyd makes no attempt to conceal his use of them. But unlike many he “never got too stoned”. This honesty to the reader is typical of the book and there is some great analysis on the various individuals that came together to make the Folk/Psychedelic/Rock scene in both the US and the UK in those exciting times, the 1960s.

During 1965 Boyd was in the UK and tells us of the English traditional folk revival. The Watersons, Martin Carthy, Luke Kelly, Maddy Prior and Anne Briggs were just a few of the many folk singers/musicians he encounters. Boyd also visited Scotland and we are made known of his discovery of Mike Heron and Robin Williamson who would later go on to form The Incredible String Band. JB became their manager and was to produce several of the band’s albums.

As far as Jazz goes, Boyd writes of working with the likes of Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, Stan Getz, Astrud Gilberto and Freddie Hubbard among others. JB also tells us of his experiences of working with the avant garde Jazzers, Albert and Don Ayler and their sad decline into addiction and mental illness.

When he was in London, in 1966, Boyd helped found the psychedelic rock club UFO. Pink Floyd, the Soft Machine and others played this club. UFO became quite popular with hippies and for those who “just wanted to get high and laid and listen to great music.” But by 1967 the club had rolled its last joint and closed, leaving JB to concentrate on other business.

In 1968 Boyd met Chris Blackwell, of Island Records, for the first time and the reader is given an insight into the background of the millionaire Jamaican born Jew. Island Records is 50 years old in 2009 and JB has had a strong role in its evolution over the years and the American has produced a number of albums for the label. He even had a clause in his contract with Island that Nick Drake’s material for the label was never to be deleted.

Nick Drake was a young English singer-songwriter and Boyd recalls his strength and weakness’s. JB describes Drake as having “…the accent and the offhand mannerisms, but somehow missed out on the confidence.” Drake’s hyper-sensitivity becomes gradually more obvious and Boyd writes about the gifted artist in a caring manner. I can only guess, through reading ‘White Bicycles’, that Drake may have had fragile mental health. Sadly he mustn’t have got the help he needed and this, it is probable, led to his premature death, aged only 26, in 1974.

Some of the most moving words Boyd writes in this book are to do with Nick Drake and he quote’s from one of Drake’s songs, ‘Day Is Done’:

When the game’s been fought
You speed the ball across the court
Lost much sooner than you would have thought
Now the game’s been fought.

When the party’s through
Seems so very sad for you
Didn’t do the things you meant to do
Now there’s no time to start anew
Now the party’s through.

When the day is done
Down to earth then sinks the sun
Along with everything that was lost and won
When the day is done.
Many other stars and lesser known acts are featured in this book. South African musician Chris McGregor is mentioned and Boyd tells us of the South African artists and their lamentable inability to succeed in the UK. Boyd’s involvement with Fairport Convention and also with the Incredible String Band is well documented here and his flirtation with L.Ron Hubbard’s Church of Scientology is explained to us.

This book is enjoyable and is written in a way that draws you in. The style of writing is almost like a benign pal whispering a tale into your ear. Even though I was never around in the 1960s, I feel that Joe Boyd has brought me there. He has a lot to tell and ‘White Bicycles’ brings a time long gone to life. Like plugging in a stereo this is an electric, easy to read manuscript for music fans and also for those who lived through that age. Indispensible. Thank you Mr Boyd!
© Ian Callagy 2009

A warm weekend in town

2009-05-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I was in town and happened to find myself in O’Connell Street and ended up in Eason’s. Henry Winkler, star of ‘Happy Days’ (1970s US show) was in the store. He is now in his 60s and I decided to go up to him and shake his hand.Mr Winkler is in Ireland to promote a book for children he has written and was in Eason’s on a book signing session. The versatile actor is charming and as if to underline this he is an Obama fan. Well isn’t everyone. It was a real pleasure to meet him.

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The familiar song with the lines: “Grafton Street’s a wonderland…” is wafting through the aforementioned strip in central Dublin. Pony & Traps, men with cloth caps over their heads and the greeting: “Top o’ the morning to ye” – these are all part of the anachronistic, stereotypical image of Irish life.

That however, is the old Dublin and those spending time in the Fair City nowadays will be greeted by many foreign languages, dialects and accents. Dublin, Ireland indeed, is changing and a more diverse way of living has undoubtedly begun despite the bitter recession. In this country we have moved from an underdeveloped pit of boredom to an exciting multicultural arena. I for one am immensely proud that my homeland is now host to an amount of ethnicity, never previously seen in ‘The Emerald Isle’. However everyone must play an active role in integration. No one should feel excluded, nor should anyone back down in the face of racism.

An example of this growing multi-ethnic society was this weekend when the Irish Aid organisation presented the public with a carnival atmosphere for Africa Day. The fun all started at 12pm on Sunday and the venue was the Iveagh Gardens (behind the Department of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House). As soon as I got to the entrance to the Iveagh Gardens, shade-wearing, gum chewing security men tightly controlled those entering the party.

Inside the gardens the place was jammed with lots of people. Porcelain white girls sporting exotic tattoos mingled with dazzling, ebony black African people and all present were moving around taking in the glorious sunshine. Many African countries were represented and each country had their own stall/tent, educating the public on the fabulous culture on offer in the continent of Africa. Traditional African board games were also displayed along with wood carvings and shiny, colourful dresses as a butterfly flew by.

Moving inside, a marquee (one of several) was set up and music was blasting through speakers and we were given a taste of music from Congolese musician, Niwel Tsumbu, who spoke briefly to Gerry Godley (Lyric FM). Tsumbu was probably the highlight for me of my time in the gardens. He makes a most wonderful sound with a simple acoustic guitar and I’d love to hear more of his music. Also in that marquee was a selection of African tribal rugs attached to the walls.

This was a truly wonderful event and it touched so many bases culturally. It reminded me of Peter Gabriel’s UK based, annual WOMAD festival. The difference being that this was solely to do with Africa. There was also plenty of opportunity to sample the best in African food as well as the usual ‘burger batters’ that seem to muscle their way into every event held these days. As I navigated around the Iveagh Gardens I pressed fleshed and networked/chatted with ordinary Africans and some wore amazing costume. I also managed to get some gorgeous pics with my digital camera which I will cherish.

But it’s families who dominate proceedings and there is plenty going on to keep them happy. My singularity and the fabulous ladies present bring a tear to my eye but with the great weather we are enjoying I soon cheer up. The centre of Dublin has never looked more like a part of Africa. I joke with some, asking for the next train to Abuja or Cape Town, which created an amount of consternation followed by laughter. There is even a prominent waterfall in the gardens and it prompts me to make the obvious comparison with the Victoria Falls.

On a slightly disappointing note there was no Zimbabwe tent. Surprising given the growing number of Zimbabweans here. Itayi Viriri was scheduled to speak but there’s no sight of the articulate Zimbabwean journalist. However no one could be unhappy on this day a chance for all Africans to express, if it weren’t obvious already, their pride. This was a colourful occasion; one that will, hopefully, be repeated every year – a terrific way to show off Dublin’s newly minted cultural diversity. An enjoyable day no matter where you come from, even in the midst of a recession.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Expenses & The Speaker

2009-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Viewers should note that due to matters of tedium and boredom, IANO'S CHRONICAL will not be putting up the Speakers speech to parliament from yesterday, 18th May 2009 as carried on youtube.

I'm laughing. Almost all of the British parliamentary system is currently going through a crisis. The speaker of The House of Commons, in particular, is attracting growing, severe criticism for his handling of the expenses MPs are claiming. I'm laughing in a preposterous way because back in history, 1535 to be exact, the speaker of the then parliament was beheaded. That could never happen today and this is the basis of my chuckling. One imagines that I would not have been amused if I were around in the 16th century.A time in which even the mildest of indiscretions could lead to execution,in the most brutal of ways.

Indeed we have come a long way since execution, torture and slavery were run of the mill.The terrible treatment of women and people with disabilities were commonplace. One shudders to think how those with mental illness were treated or, more to the point, mistreated in the middle ages. People are often asked what period of history would they like to live in. Well, despite the many human rights abuses and bad conditions for millions of us, I would say 2009 is a good time to start from.

So Speaker Martin, don't worry. You'll not be beheaded, even if you lose it from time to time. Your civil liberties will be protected in 2009. It's time you stopped dragging your feet and allowed the voters their civil liberties too. This expenses crisis, and the many MPs embroiled in it, must be sorted and the Speaker must resign as the first step in the cleansing process.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Ecstasy

2009-05-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the 1980s brought me many happy memories. One of my favourite magazines at the time was the New Musical Express, one of Britain’s top music publications. The NME covered the mainstream but was essential reading every week especially for the discerning music fan. It told me nearly all I needed to know on what was happening and new acts were regularly written about in its pages. Sometime in the late eighties however, it started to have ‘Smileys’ dotted around each issue. The ‘Smiley’, I soon found out referred to the dance scene, ‘raves’, that were happening all over the UK at every weekend (they never really came to Ireland). As a 16 year old music fan I had no knowledge that drugs were an integral part of the ‘rave’ scene. Not Heroin, not Cocaine, not Cannabis but Ecstasy.

Ecstasy, more commonly known as ‘E’, was the drug of choice and it was/is used by thousands of people each weekend. An article for The New Scientist online edition, in February 2009, states that: “around half a million people take ‘E’ every year in England and Wales and 30 die from the acute effects, mostly overheating or water intoxication.”

One of those who has tried it and suffered is Mark Hennessy, a raver in his early 40s. In an article in March 2009, in The Guardian newspaper, he told of his life of hell after using ‘E’ for the first time last year. “The MDMA had induced a toxic reaction in my brain, heating it up to 41 degrees. My cerebellum – the part of the brain that tells the body how to balance, how to make sounds recognisable as words and remembers how to write and hold a pen – was fried”, he explained to the British daily newspaper. “I later found out that I was one of four people in the hospital that weekend to have taken an ‘E’ – and the only one to survive. My friend was told by a consultant that you could take ‘E’ or MDMA 100 times and suffer no ill-effects or you could take it once and that would be it.” Mr Hennessy was lucky to live, but that is the nature of drugs – they are unpredictable.

The New Scientist piece says of the dangers posed by ‘E’: “people who took even a small amount of Ecstasy at some point consistently performed worse on psychometric tests, which measure mental performance, especially memory, attention, and executive function, which includes decision-making and planning”. The analysis goes on to say that “the most pronounced effects are on memory, mainly verbal and working memory.”

Mark Hennessy says that after his internal organs began to fail he “spent a month in a coma before waking and being transferred to the high-dependency unit.” Mr Hennessy informed The Guardian, that his “cognitive and intellectual functions were intact, but the lack of fine motor skills meant that I could not stand, balance or talk. I still had the same thoughts but my body disobeyed me.”

Experts are cautious about labelling Ecstasy harmless. But Mr Hennessy is clear about it: “My life has been ruined.” Almost as bad as death. Maybe worse. One suspects the man will never dance again, precisely the reason he took ‘E’ in the first place.

George Lee is wrong

2009-05-16T03:30:00.000-07:00

The leader of Fine Gael alongside the party's TD for Mayo, Enda Kenny (Courtesy Youtube.com)

George Lee, prospective TD for Dublin South, is wrong. Not necessarily wrong in his economic analysis but he is making a mistake in entering politics. He should have stayed in broadcasting and it is doubtful he’ll be a TD of many issues. Instead he may fall into a position of being an economic guru, like Dr.James Reilly TD – who has welded himself to the role of being Health speaker for Fine Gael.

In an interview, this week in the Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Mr Lee, almost in an Obamaesque way, sets out why he is running for a seat in Dáil Eireann: “I want to represent the issues of the people of Dublin South. I know what the issues are, I suffered from them. I have kids myself, I want them to have a future……I am putting myself before the electorate because I believe passionately in the power of politics to inspire all of us to bring about change.” But George, politics isn’t all about economics. You have to be on call 24 hours a day as a TD and economic analysis is not enough on its own.

Mr Lee may have impeccable knowledge of economic matters but will he be able to apply this forensic skill to the political stage? One cannot be sure of this; TDs shouldn’t be single issue members. Whilst his integrity and honesty is obvious, this may be a challenge for the former RTE economics editor. However he is pushing all the right buttons with the voters at the moment, even if his long term future in politics is uncertain.

Lee is an extremely precise economic journalist and it’s hard to imagine him campaigning on behalf of angry suburbanites complaining about the various social problems that constituents are concerned about. Furthermore he has no previous political experience unlike his chief challenger for the vacant seat of Dublin South, Senator Alex White (Labour), who has been around the block a few times. Also Mr Lee hasn’t got family ties to politics like Shay Brennan (Fianna Fáil). For himself and his colleagues this is an exciting time but with FG in opposition there is little chance for George to ply his skills in government.

Fine Gael has been out of power for most of the last 20 years and has not got enough of a track record in government. Would it not have been wiser to become an advisor to this government? Former RTE broadcaster, Sean Duignan was, for a number of years, government press secretary to former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds. Lee might have been able to take a similar role advising the current government on economic matters. Beating a drum in opposition is much more difficult and if he does get into Leinster House, following this by-election, it’s fair to assume the FG member will have little or no bearing on government policy.

RTE are perhaps the biggest losers though. Who can they get to replace the venerable Lee? I am thinking they must be in a difficult position trying to get someone with as much expertise on economic matters. Who will replace him at Montrose? Brian Lucey, David Murphy, or maybe even Ryan Tubridy? This is the headache George Lee has presented to the national broadcaster and Fine Gael must be hoping that the migraine spreads to Brian Lenihan too.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Amnesty Ireland Annual Conference 2009

2009-05-11T03:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday 9th May
Registration started at approximately 9am and we were warmly welcomed to the annual conference. This year’s conference took place in the School of Midwifery, D’Olier Street and it was the perfect venue. The opening address was shared between Colm O’Gorman and Noeleen Hartigan, with Paul Cunningham chairing proceedings. This lasted for roughly an hour and the various campaigns that Amnesty gets involved in were outlined for the delegates, members and the executive.

Once the opening addresses were out of the way those present were divided into workshops. I, with my Zimbabwe Group colleagues, held one such workshop. Two native Zimbabweans told us their individual stories and what led them to come to Ireland. They described the torture and harassment they were subjected to and one could not fail to be touched by the pain and heartbreak that they had to endure.

Following these testimonials the two speakers had various questions put to them. There are no easy answers to a problem that never seems to go away but these two brave people were, despite the great problems back in their homeland, optimistic about the future.

About 45 people attended our workshop and those present divided into four separate groups of 10 to go into further discussions on Zimbabwe. Myself and Barbara (one of my colleagues) co-chaired a discussion and we were delighted by the interest shown and the questions asked. One thing is certain; Zimbabwe has many friends in Ireland which is a source of great comfort and a boost to the work we in Amnesty are trying to do. Various reforms need to be introduced in Zimbabwe before life gets better there. A new constitution and the ending of impunity in the security forces were discussed as being just some of the changes needed to restore Zimbabwe’s good name.

The workshop ended after around half an hour and everyone spilled out onto the foyer of the building, apparently one of the few art-deco constructions in the city. Everyone appreciated the new venue and its proximity to the Amnesty headquarters in Ballast House was a great advantage. I understand that financial concerns were also a big factor in the choice of venue. This was my second Annual conference since I became a fully paid up member of the Irish section. It is a good way of sharing ideas with colleagues around the country and trying to make people’s lives, both at home and abroad, free from suffering.

One of the highlights, for me on the first day of this annual conference, was meeting Charles Laffiteau (an American who writes a column in Metro Eireann). Charles is a Republican, but says he likes Obama, and he was a genuine pleasure to talk to. Not how I would characterise most US Republicans. We had a brief chat, before going to another of the many workshops members were required to attend.

To be honest a lot of the literature and talking that went on at the conference was information overload and that’s not why I joined as a member. Self-motivation is the best way of getting involved. Doing something because you care and NOT for any other reason. I didn’t join so I could back-slap, clap or wallow in papers. Far from it, Human Rights were, and are, my reason for getting involved with AI. Not to self-congratulate. However that is the nature of conferences and I still believe in people power. Despite my reservations Amnesty is the best organisation we have to express that.

So I’m sitting in a pleasant Cafeteria near Wicklow Street. I’ve just finished my latte and my head’s spinning. That’s what a day spent listening about Human Rights does to you. Can’t imagine how the AI staff cope. But it’s a hell of a lot better than torture. Hopefully tomorrow’s events will be more interactive……

Sunday 10th May
I arrived for a workshop, this morning, on the Middle East. David White is the co-ordinator of the Amnesty group that is involved in that, ongoing, running sore. I’ve met David before and he’s a great guy. He has a moderate demeanour – just what’s needed in an increasingly bitter struggle between Israel and various Arabic nations. Well, although I was late, I got the flavour of how the various members felt about the thorny issue of Gaza etc. Personally I feel the whole issue has become intensely political and it makes Amnesty’s work very difficult. Even though I wouldn’t join such a working group I am delighted to be associated with the likes of David. I was only in the workshop for a short period because of my tardiness and the next plenary session was to do with various motions that had to be voted on by members. There were some lively exchanges on one or two of the motions but nothing too divisive.

After a short break members attended another workshop of choice. I chose to go to one concerning Amnesty’s campaign on Mental Health. Seems to me that there has been a lot of talk on this issue but with little tangible progress. Why not engage with the public at large and try to educate and inform people on Mental Health rather than hang around for government assistance on this issue? Of course we need the aid of government in planning and funding and it is crucial to get their co-operation. But everyone has a role to play with regard to Mental Health.

Society needs to be educated about mental health because not enough is known about this problem. I have my objections on the campaign however; Amnesty should be praised for its activity in this area. Raising awareness of the issues surrounding Mental Health is pivotal in establishing the best way to help those who suffer. Of course I know that Amnesty is not involved with the medical treatment of patients, but the human rights organisation is still trying to help those on the thin edge of the wedge on this matter.

As someone with direct experience of mental ill health, I know that lives aren’t just affected – they are LOST because of late treatment or poor diagnosis. This is due to mass ignorance at how the public identify the mentally ill. These people are not all violent and there are still some taboos to be broken. Maybe Amnesty could do more to end the stigma still attached to mental health. Mental Health should be talked about in as clear a way as Cancer or any other illness. No one should need to be silent about the fact they have a mental illness.

The general theme of this year’s conference seemed to be a lack of adequate funding for what AI wants to achieve. After the workshops were all over, delegates returned to the foyer and the talk was about how to grow the organisation. I feel that activism is strongest when issues are more keenly felt by members – when our backs are against the wall everyone becomes more motivated.

The final speech of the day was delivered by the widely respected, Niall Crowley. Introducing Mr Crowley to conference, Amnesty Ireland’s chief executive, Colm O’Gorman praised him for his work in the field of equality in Ireland. Mr Crowley told his audience of his dismay at the difficulties that the government was placing in the way of achieving equality. His friendly demeanour was warmly welcomed by conference. After Mr Crowley had spoken, the delegates all left to enjoy the sunshine and warmth of a Sunday evening in early May.

The annual conference was the culmination of months of work by the staff at Ballast House. I, as a member of Amnesty, would like to praise the good work done to ensure the smooth running of this year’s event. Thanks, in no particular order, to: Pina, Gail, Justin, Gerry, Sian, Siobhan and Kieran and to anyone I have missed here. You should be proud of the work you do. We all appreciate your input, especially in these difficult economic times. Thank you.

For further information on the work Amnesty does log on to: www.amnesty.ie

© Ian Callagy 2009

100 Days

2009-05-05T03:39:00.000-07:00

So Barack Obama is now US president for over 100 days. He has, in that time, had to cope with difficulties such as the gigantic economic crisis, two wars and, latterly, Swine Flu not to mention the relationship that exists between the US and Iran. Many other problems have to be faced by America’s first black president. Indeed most that I’ve mentioned were inherited from the previous administration. The difference is that the previous prez was not popular. Contrast that with the high ratings Mr Obama is still attracting. He has restored the dignity and trust which that office demands. This has not been demonstrated for quite some time.

All leaders must deal with problems on an hourly basis and in time of anxiety the US president’s role is to re-assure the public. It seems that Mr Obama, both inside and outside America, is trustworthy. It’s good that this integrity belongs to the American people, the most powerful nation on earth. Many will want, for political reasons, to paint Obama in a bad light but it’s clear that they will have their work cut out.

However a new age is being forged. The world can dare to hope. Even in the midst of a recession, Mr Obama continues to inspire and he radiates a charm rare in politics these days. He says of the problems facing America: “The ship of state is an ocean liner, not a speed boat” – problems cannot be sorted immediately. Hard to imagine the last president uttering well chosen words. If ever there was a time to be American that time is now. But Obama is not Christ. He won’t get everything right, but he’s making a damn good start.

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I’ve been struggling, over the past few days, with the flu. Not the Mexican type, I assure you. Despite this I went to an event (‘Southern Smoke’) on last Sunday in Pembroke Cricket Club (can you get anything grander?). It was organised by a group of Zimbabweans based here and the beer was flowing along with good quality meat which was also available via a Barbeque. Even though I got hit by a cricket ball, it was my runny nose and slamming headache that got the better of me and I had to curtail my attendance.

But not before I caught up with some of those present and what marvellous examples of humanity southern Africans can be. Anyway the weather was fine and I’m sure that the revelling went on well into the night. There were a number of Ulster folk around too and I guess that must have been the cricketing element. It was good to see everyone enjoying themselves.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Bits & Pieces

2009-04-27T02:47:00.000-07:00

Was in town on Sunday mooching around when the sound of badly played flutes punctured the air in the vicinity of O'Connell Street.It turned out to be a procession of no more than about two dozen of National/Independent/Socialist/Republican/Continuity/Real/Army/Gombeens.They were busy making fools of themselves and no one was paying a blind bit of notice. They'll probably be lucky if they get 20 seconds on the last item on RTE News. What a waste of time: Throwing a peanut into the Atlantic ocean would have more of an impact.Irish politics has moved on from this stupid ideology. Obviously our equivalent in Ulster hasn't.No one follows this sort of out-dated creed in the republic. Indeed the cheers that went around O'Connell street were the sounds coming from pubs where a premiership match was being broadcast. Enough said.

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Big up to Andy Burnham MP. The UK's sports minister recently went up to Liverpool FC's home ground, Anfield. It was the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough football disaster. Apologising, (something his government is now getting more accustomed to doing)for the inadequate inquiry into the death of 96 fans, Burnham found himself facing an angry 'Kop'. Manchester United would have had a more welcoming reception. The crowd poured their vitriol and insults down on the Labour minister, at full volume after he finished his speech. Many people bawled at,like that, would recoil or leave the scene. But instead he just bowed his head. Whatever you think about Mr Burnham, or his government,he showed he has balls, without removing his trousers.Btw it's good to see that Liverpudlians are still boycotting the 'Sun' - a disgrace to journalism.

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Gordon Brown's extremely false smiling is making the UK Prime Minister seem silly. Even if he depresses the shit out of viewers, he simply shouldn't pretend. It's most unlikely that Labour will win the upcoming general election (forecast for next year).It's fair to say that David Cameron's Conservatives will be the next British government. Cameron's economic policies will come under intense scrutiny as time goes on. Not enough to just ly back and let Brown wallow in the manure. When he retires, the Labour PM will busy himself with lecture tours.But Gordon, be yourself and stop grinning inanely. It won't win you an election. Instead keep them for intimate moments with your wife and don't share them with us. Politicians that go for fake sincerity do not endear themselves to the public. A lesson for Enda Kenny perhaps.

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Last week I interviewed Councillor Maria Bailey (FG)as part of one of my Print Journalism assignments. I made it clear that her interviewer was non-partisan (I even refused to let her buy me a drink). What's the difference between the parties anyway? None! The theme of my questioning was based on the health service, nationally and locally. She seems genuinely concerned about the health of those she represents and mentions Dr.James Reilly's, her party's speaker on health, carefully drafted policies. The interview went well and I felt healthier than normal afterwards. I left the Councillor to resume her canvassing for the local elections - never keep a politician from their work!
© Ian Callagy 2009

Confessions of a coffee drinker (a Latté starter)

2009-04-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

In history people would seek sanctuary in churches. One thinks of Thomas Becket who was fleeing, but ultimately doomed, from Henry II. More recently sancturary, to the UK, was the option taken by Charles De Gaulle (French leader)during World War Two. Similarly Emperor Haille Sallasie (a familiar name for Reggae fans!!) found sanctuary in the quiet English countryside when Mussolini's forces had control of his country.

Thankfully I'm not on the run from Fascist dictators. The pace of life in Ireland allows me to seek refuge,not in churches, but in Cafés. To me these places are a way of re-charging my batteries and a wonderful chance for people-watching to accompany my latté.'Out of my way fat-man', I think to myself 'I want to see the sexy woman behind you.'

Café-going is one of the few affordable luxuries I can allow myself. "What about work?" I hear you say,"what about earning a living, you layabout?" I cannot say I'm not lazy, but smoking, getting pissed at the weekend or taking illegal drugs are not familiar habits for me to indulge. Instead it's coffee and beyond that I,as you can see from my profile, am childless. Less of a burden. So I have,over the last year, turned to writing - probably my only skill.

In Ireland, today, it's not hard to find good quality coffee and it is almost fuel for me. It is, unlike alchohol, a good way of stimulating the mind. Especially when you're not up to it. A few month's ago, whilst working for Totally Dublin magazine, it was my routine to get coffee regularly for myself and my colleagues. Life can be difficult and coffee can give us that much needed boost from time to time without having to have surgery.

Skinny, Latté, Frapucino,Capucino,Americano, White, Black, Mocha... the coffee addict has a diverse range to pick from and,with summer on it's way, the future can only be better for grounded coffee drinkers like me. Despite the reces.....The worst thing is that you end up talking a lot and, as my family know to their misfortune, that can be difficult for others to have to tolerate. The best time to imbibe coffee is in the morning.Just don't drink it at night or you'll never sleep!

Now that my coffee glass is empty, I'll leave you to contemplate life.But believe me it's better with a drop of the brown, Caffiene containing substance. Now where did I leave my jar of Maxwell House.......
© Ian Callagy 2009

Brendan Gleeson

2009-04-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

Brendan Gleeson, now aged 54, is one of many Irish actors to have reached prominence over the last 20 years and can boast of featuring in over 60 films. A former teacher in Belcamp College secondary school, north Co. Dublin, Gleeson came to acting in his thirties. His first major screen credit came in 1995 for his part in Braveheart. To date Gleeson has taken on roles as diverse as a gangland criminal (The General) to a chef (Wild about Harry). He has had starring roles in Studs where he plays the manager of a Dublin Football/Soccer team and in 2006 he acted with his son, Briain, in The Tiger’s Tail.

One of Gleeson’s most renowned roles was in Gangs of New York, recently screened on Channel Four on Saint Patrick’s Day. Of his work on the successful movie he says: “It was fantastic…that amount of people and that amount of talent put together. I was very surprised to work with a cast that fantastic. It was brilliant but very painstaking.”

But Gleeson’s talents are varied. As well as being an established actor of stage and screen, he is an accomplished fiddle player. He has made no secret of his desire to remain living in Ireland, despite his success. The Harry Potter actor has appeared on RTE’s The Late Late Show and has used his time on the top Irish chat show to criticise the Irish health system and also the government’s handling of the economy. On a recent appearance he told Pat Kenny of his wish that a cross-party approach be adopted to get Ireland out of the economic crisis the country is now going through.

The Aston Villa FC fan is married with four sons and lives in Malahide. He’s currently involved with three films which are, at the moment, in pre-production. In one of his most recent roles, In Bruges, he starred alongside Colin Farrell and the well built actor’s voice can be heard playing the character of Abbot Cellach in the newly released animated film, The Secret of Kells.

In 2009 Gleeson won a BAFTA for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ in In Bruges and it looks like the film reel will continue to roll for this busy thespian – arguably one of this country’s finest living actors.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Television Coverage of the Fine Gael Party Conference 2009

2009-04-06T03:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the weekend’s television coverage of the FG party conference. First to view is FG’s health spokesperson, Dr James Reilly TD. He puffs up his ample chest to face up to the government’s health policies. He wants change: the patient should be focussed on. Dr Reilly proposes a National Body Test to provide healthcare to all and invokes the British NHS as an example of excellence he would like to see replicated here. The tub thumper roars “are you with us” several times towards the end of his speech and earns him a standing ovation.

Gay Mitchell introduces and chairs a panel/forum on the economy. He speaks clearly and is, typically, articulate. “The country is heading for Niagara Falls” he says. Mr Mitchell speaks glowingly of the EU: “Lisbon was lost through lack of leadership from government” he tells his audience with relish. The MEP then goes on to say that Irish people should be able to work here instead of having to go to London or Boston. He is well received at City West.

Continuing the economic theme, Simon Coveney has a concentrated face and tells us that job creation can be achieved “by creating a new economy.” The Cork TD is good at analysing but has no real answers. Indeed he comes across as a rather abstract speaker and is unspecific. The word ‘bland’ springs to mind, as if we didn’t have enough of that in Irish politics already. However maybe I’m being a little harsh for he goes on to mention energy wealth, telecommunications/broadband and investing in technology. Mr Coveney then tells those gathered that €18M would be invested by an incoming FG led government but he doesn’t tell us where the money is going to come from. Too short on detail.

Other speakers continue in the same vein: Cllr. Maria Bailey, Tony Lawlor (a local candidate in Naas), Deirdre Clune TD (daughter of Peter Barry, former Foreign minister) and Senator Paudie Coffey among them. It is a clever idea to have the forum incorporated into the annual conference and I’d imagine viewers would be impressed. Leo Varadkar TD and one of the party’s financial spokesmen, Kieran O’Donnell TD, also get to share their ideas with us.

The middle-class audience clap positively as speaker after speaker try to put distance between FG and FF policy - something Lewis Hamilton would have difficulty achieving. You couldn’t put a cigarette paper between the two main parties in many areas of policy. FF is accused of making ‘jobs for the boys’. Many Labour party viewers are probably, at this moment, ready to vomit up their breakfast. However the idea of this forum may throw up some good ideas. Something Mr Cowen’s supporters shouldn’t ignore.

Deputy leader, Richard Bruton TD, mentions the recent success of Ireland’s rugby players in winning the ‘Grand Slam’. Mr Bruton says, unlike the rugby team, the current government have not faced up to their weaknesses. Ireland needs more diversity in training. However articulate speakers are not enough and FG needs more charismatic figures to come to prominence. In their favour though the other parties, similarly, have little charisma too.

It is delightful to see Benedicta Attoh, a wonderful African member and candidate. She is someone I have come across before and she is warmly received by conference. Benedicta will be a candidate in Dundalk and should be encouraged. It’s good to see that even through the recession that multi-ethnic Ireland continues to develop unabated. The money may not be around right now but multiculturism is a growing, positive development and it should be embraced. Watching the television coverage, it’s clear that FG is becoming a broad church, it will be vital to them if they hope to govern this country. It will also give the party greater credibility in the eyes of the electorate.

Now it’s time for Fergus O’Dowd TD to address the delegates in City West and he harks back to the 1990’s when Ireland was “the envy of the world” and contrasts that with today, “31,000 extra are now on the dole.” He talks of his concern to families experiencing money trouble, “suffocating debts.” Mr O’Dowd seems like a good TD but could he be an effective minister? He does tell us of bad planning. But it may be too late to do anything about that, one suspects the horse has bolted. Despite this ‘spatial planning’ is his mantra.

A good portion of the speakers, this morning, are young and it is clear that FG have wooed many new members ready to thump FF. Most of the core audience are made up of well off, business people and one cannot doubt that some of them have come to the party coinciding with the demise of the PD’s.

But of all those I am watching on the telly it’s Olwyn Enright TD who impresses most. She immediately gets my attention when she turns to the subject of volunteering and carer’s (something close to my heart). She’s a clear, determined speaker whose rightful place, one feels, should be in government. I found it emotional listening to her and she gives voice to those no longer in employment. Ms Enright adds a human angle to these recessionary times and acknowledges how hard it is for people to return to work. The current government’s policy of giving precedence to social welfare rather than getting people back into full-time employment is rightly criticised: “We are governed by people not up to date with change.” She reiterates the importance of re-training. We need to see more of this energetic politician, someone with plenty to contribute to public life in this country.

From the hour or so viewing it’s clear to me that FG are much more ready for government, ready to pounce if Mr Cowen makes a, politically, fatal move.

Enda Kenny is a man of integrity, even if he lacks charisma. But he has transformed his party. In his speech to delegates he stresses that FF are no longer in control of the economy. The fact that there is no Bertie Ahern leading the government has imbued the FG leader with confidence. He probably slaved over his speech but it is well crafted and the viewers, both at City West and at home, can be justifiably impressed. Never has Mr Kenny looked and sounded so determined and his time could be near. But it’s Brian Cowen who is in the driving seat and next week’s budget could be pivotal in Irish politics.

Ps: It seems that Eoghan Harris, in this weekend’s Sunday Independent, completely misses the FG conference. Instead the Munster man is caught up with the trivialities of the latest Red C poll carried in the previous week’s Sunday Business Post. Have you no interest in the forthcoming budget, Mr Harris? Nearly everyone else does.

Rep. Ireland v Bulgaria

2009-03-30T04:34:00.000-07:00

To start here are some clichés that football people love:

‘Well at the end of the day…’
‘Early days…’
‘The front two should sit behind the back four…’
‘A bit of unbalance at a high level at a wide area…’
‘Not the dream start, Gabriel…’

Pre-match talk
Now I’m not in Croke Park for the match but I am tuned into RTE radio to try and get a handle on the upcoming match. The excitement starts with the cacophony of THE POGUES, followed by the obligatory THIN LIZZY with ‘The boys are back in town’.

The pressure tonight is resting on Bulgaria and this home tie has everyone in good form. The pundits and fans are upbeat about our chances. If we qualify for the next World Cup the whole of Ireland will be stuffing themselves with pizza and pasta. It is the Italian connection of having Trappatoni as our manager.

On RTE radio they were busy picking over why Trappatoni won’t play Andy Reid. “It’s a personality clash” one of the pundits sagely notes. Kenny Cunningham wants Ireland to “steamroll” over Bulgaria and have the match over by half time (?)… The Bulgarian anthem booms around the GAA stadium like a funeral march. It should be appropriate as Ireland are favourites to win this match. We need to bury Bulgaria tonight.

First Half
With the formalities barely out of the way Ireland are leading, in the first couple of minutes, courtesy of Stephen Hunt. The commentary team are, understandably, thrilled. “They’re gonna have to go after Ireland now” Gabriel Egan tells the listeners. But everyone is busy cheering on the home side to bother paying attention to RTE radio’s top football commentator. The pitch is said to be in fine condition. “No excuses now” a pundit stresses. The Lansdowne Road days are long gone when we could blame the state of the pitch for bad results.

Aston Villa’s Petrov and Manchester United’s Berbatov appear to be the main threat from Bulgaria tonight. But early on it’s Richard Dunne who is making the running for the green team. He’s “imposing himself on the match” someone points out. Eoin Hand (Ireland manager in the pre-Charlton era, now a pundit) tells us that the Irish performance, early on, is “predictable”. Bulgaria have all the pressure on them and one suspects they could score at any moment. Like Colin Farrell in a nightclub.

Well Trap is on his feet. He’s “animated” and Ireland are unable to retain the ball. I’m happy to drain my bottle of Czech beer (thankfully it’s not Bulgarian - that would be “treachery”, in the words of a famous Irish republican). The beer accompanies the action from Croke Park that I’ve decided to monitor tonight. The nerves are jangling. Even though we’re 1-nil up, an equaliser may be about to be scored – it always happens to us! Eoin Hand is nearly hoarse from saying how “scrappy” the game has become. You couldn’t disagree with his analysis. Hunt, in the first half, would seem to be our main weapon to hit Bulgaria with.

Will we be going to Italy with a good feeling? Or will Bulgaria spoil things? It’s clear that this Ireland side will have to be an awful lot sharper if we are to get a good result when we play Italy next Wednesday. Even though Ireland are in front at the moment, we ain’t calling the shots. From bitter past memories Irish fans cannot be too jubilant. Just like the Rugby team, last Saturday, concentration is essential. Unfortunately we can’t use the services of a Brian O’Driscoll. Ireland’s national football sides always cause my heart to pound and I’m not the only one. At the end of the first half Gabriel Egan sums up: “Ireland aren’t playing well”. We’re not imposing enough.

Half Time
Over on RTE television the disappointment was just as clear. Giles and Dunphy were rightly critical of the first half. However the pictures of Bernard Dunne walking out onto the Croker turf proudly displaying his boxing belt to the crowd was nice to see. A wonderful man and a battle hardy sportsman. Hopefully the players, tonight, will be more daring and try and show more of the fighting spirit that Dunne, obviously, has in abundance. We need to score in the second half and relieve some of the pressure. Ireland’s lead is “delicate” the angel Gabriel tells the listeners to RTE radio. My arm accidently brushes a china cup near me and I understand exactly what he means. Delicate.

Second Half
The nerves haven’t settled. You’d nearly say that Bulgaria should get a goal; such is the pressure they hit us with. Our lead is slender! The worrying thing is that Ireland, as Hand says are “defending deep”. You can’t help getting the impression that neither side are worthy of playing in the next World Cup. As Gabriel Egan says Ireland are “not able to build on the lead”.

Stephen Hunt and Paul Mac Shane are defending well and are working hard to frustrate Bulgaria but Ireland are not finding their rhythm. We should, as a teacher’s report might say, be doing better. As usual Kevin Kilbane gives 110 per cent - an industrious player. He never gives up and is a good example too any young fellow with any interest in the sport. Contrast that with Celtic’s Aidan McGeady who is at best disappointing, he never gets into his stride which is a real shame as he has potential.

Bulgaria’s goalkeeper is saving them but we should be besieging them. We’re not and it is a mark of weakness on the part of this Irish side. We want them to finish off the eastern Europeans but it’s not happening. Eoin Hand tells us that Ireland should have “a bit of insurance”, but these are recessionary times and the team are unable to capitalise on their lead. We’re ahead, but the manner of Ireland’s play doesn’t auger well. Kevin Doyle is impressive though.

The 60,000 people in Croke Park for this match must be feeling tortuous at this stage. The story of the game is that Ireland cannot keep possession long enough to create chances. In Eoin Hand’s words: “it can be fatal” if we let Bulgaria back into the match.

GOOOALL! Christ my heart sinks as Bulgaria snatch the equaliser. It was expected as they were raining on our goal area. When you lead you go for the second goal, you don’t sit back. Ireland has a track record in this regard and it’s a real pain in the butt that we don’t learn. It’s sickening! The strategy and style of play always meant that a Bulgaria equaliser was looming. There is now speculation if, heaven’s above, Bulgaria will try and go on and win the fixture. But there’s no further scoring and the World Cup qualifier finishes: Rep.Ireland 1 Bulgaria 1.

Full Time
At the end of the match you could say Italy will have nothing to worry about. Eoin Hand angrily states that there were “no star performances” and it’s fair to assume that Ireland won’t be taking three points when we face Mr Lippi’s side in Bari next week.

Neither of the teams, tonight, could claim to be worthy of making the cut for the World Cup in South Africa. We’re simply, judging from this match, not up to qualifying. Indeed it would be unfair to the revered competition for these two sides to participate at that level. All we can do is compete. We always do things the hard way. At the end of the match all we hear on the radio is angry, argumentative Dublinese voices showing their disgust at the outcome. Can we ever transcend the depths of being second best? The ecstasy of Euro ’88 and Italia 1990 are as far away as ever.

Ronnie Whelan on RTE television says “over here in Croker you’re always gonna get chances”, in reference to the performance we have witnessed. Does he think the grass has come out to support Ireland??? One thing is certain: we’ve got to do better. Italy will surely whip us next Wednesday. The criticism levelled at this Ireland team is proper. A terrible, terrible performance.© Ian Callagy 2009

A nation of equals

2009-03-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.metroeireann.com/

In a recent interview, Mr Mbemba Jabbi (Project Officer,the Africa Centre) told me that hopefully there will be more black and or African people in the media in Ireland. Let's hope he's right.I certainly don't want Ireland to be viewed as, in the words of former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble,:"mono-cultural."

To me it is a mark of how we have developed as a nation that many African, Poles, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Indian....now call Ireland home. Indeed would we be in a worse recession now,if these people never came to Ireland? Almost certainly. All one has to do is travel to a place like London to see the progress and the cultural diversity that exists in that great city.

Why can't that vibe be felt in the Irish capital too? It can. But first we need to make the people who come here, honestly and wanting to suceed, welcome: The wonderful African music and tradition, the Poles here working in building/construction, Chinese health stores,not to mention all the international cuisine now available. This has been made possible only by multiculturism and we should be grateful.

The mentioned countries and many not mentioned have made,and continue to make, a huge difference to the way we live and it cannot be emphasised enough.So next time you get annoyed at the Indian shopkeeper behind the counter at Spar or the African driving your bus remember - we wouldn't have what we have without foreigners coming to our shores. If we get out of recession it'll be these sort of people that will bring us out of it.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 24th March 2009) at 10.30am there will be a meeting in the Africa Centre in Abbey Street, Dublin and it will be about supporting those who experience racism. We must never avoid giving those who come here from abroad, in this case Africans, our full co-operation and they must be treated the way anyone from Ireland be treated: with dignity and respect. It's the least that they deserve for coming to The Emerald Isle. We should remember that in 2009.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Getting jiggy in the centre of Dublin

2009-03-18T04:23:00.000-07:00

Following a tip off on Darragh Doyle’s blog site (www.darraghdoyle.blogspot.com) I decided to get involved in a spontaneous performance in Dublin. The event was scheduled to happen on 16th March and it initially required texting a code to a number on the above blog site. Over the weekend I received, by text, further instructions and directing me to be at Temple Bar’s Meeting House Square for 3.45pm that day and to wait for further directions.

Once I arrived, quite nervously at the square, a small crowd of about 20 people had assembled and we were ushered down into a basement in central Temple Bar where we were told to get some chairs and wait until the crowd had increased to a Critical Mass (as it was referred to by one of the organisers).

But what was going to happen? Last year the people organising today’s event held a spontaneous performance in the Ilac Centre which a group of participants suddenly started kissing each other, among the hustle and bustle of shoppers, and it wasn’t a peck on the cheek. A video was made of it and there was some serious necking going on. While we were in the basement a video of that event was shown to us on a big screen. After what seemed like half an hour, when the crowd had swelled, we were told precisely the nature of today’s art performance. The idea was that we would all be involved in spontaneous Irish Dancing in the Central Bank Plaza, Dame Street.

But first we would have to be trained in Irish dancing. Following the training, in which I was convinced I’d lost weight, we were taken outside the basement up to the plaza where we would be spontaneously performing in the full glare of the passing public. The intense practice session in the basement was preparing us for the public display and there was plenty of opportunity for accidents to happen. I was particularly concerned of getting a knee in the nuts from all the intense activity, but thankfully that didn’t happen.

My partner for the dancing was Michelle; she was studious in her efforts to understand what was required. I must have been an annoyance to some degree, but Michelle was very patient. Soon we were ready to hop and when the dancing started, in front of the passersby and accompanied by a band of musicians, the on looking public were bemused at the sight of us jigging away. After about 10 minutes of the Irish dancing we dispersed and I can say the whole event was a joy to participate in.

Everyone, I’m certain, felt the same way. I would urge anyone interested to get involved in this form of performance art if the chance comes along and I myself would jump at the chance of getting involved again in such exciting activity.

My thanks go to Dublin’s Performance Corporation and also to Darragh for posting the info on his blog site.
© Ian Callagy 2009

Politicians: An occasional series (1)

2009-03-16T04:27:00.000-07:00

This is the first of an occasional series in which I write about Politicians that I admire and respect. I am fully aware that there are many others to write about and I hopefully will expand the list. All in good time. Here goes anyway:

Robin Cook
What usually marks out MP's as being above average is personal courage and no better example is the late Robin Cook. He sacrificed his career by resigning from government over the decision of Britain going to war in Iraq. Unlike many ministers, he left government on a matter of principle. His "heavy heart" speech outlined his objections and is noted as being an historical parliamentary contribution. Robin Cook will be missed for his integrity and sincerity - something becoming increasingly extinct in the rush to power.

William Hague
This Yorkshire MP is not only a wonderfully witty speaker but also he is the author of political biographys on William Pitt (former PM) and also William Wilberforce (responsible for the ending of Slavery). Even though Mr Hague's tenure as Conservative leader (1997-2001) was ultimately unsuccessful, he often performed well in debates at the House of Commons. In his current role as shadow to David Miliband (Foreign Secretary), he display his more caring side something not evident when he led the opposition. There was, at one stage, speculation that he might one day resume that role and this may yet prove to be the case. One thing is true: he's becoming older and thus more experienced,precisely what Miliband lacks. Hopefully Hague will remain in active politics for a long time to come.

Shirley Williams
Another person that demands great respect. Now Baroness Williams, she served in government under James Callaghan in the late 1970's. But, even out of government, became prominent in the Social Democratic Party (SDP)which was a breakaway grouping from the Labour party. Along with Bill Rogers, Roy Jenkins and David Owen ('the gang of four'). She remained in the SDP until the Liberal Democreats were formed in 1988. I mention Williams here because of the intelligence and tenacity she has, in abundance. Always sounding fresh and extremly active, she is now 78, and with God's grace she will hopefully remain a fly in the ointment for Conservative and Labour people. It is her moderate tone and her humility that has served her, and those she represents, so well through the years.

Menzies Campbell
The former leader of the Liberal Democrats, although never serving in government, is well thought of by his political peers(of all parties). Sir Menzies was once a celebrated athlete when he was younger and has survived a brush with Cancer. He took over as leader of the Lib-Dems following the resignation of Charles Kennedy but never got the chance to shine. This inability has more to do with unsympathetic media coverage than any fault of his. He was characterised as being elderly whilst ignoring his obvious intellignece and skill in international politics. No longer leader, he is now at 66, writing his memoirs and should be a gripping read. I reserve a good deal of respect for this outstanding politcian.

Edward Heath
In 1979 Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in the UK.However the previous leader of her party, Edward Heath, was not one of her admirers. Sir Edward was Britain's leader when that country entered what is now known as the European Union (1973), an organisation regarded with suspicion by many Conservatives. In the 1980's Heath was one of Thatcher's sternest critics - in her party! But he had zero influence. The late former PM, and renowned yachting enthusiast,held pro-European views and, while having a reputation as a grump, he was a tolerant 'One Nation'Tory. He died in 2005.

Tony Benn
A legend in British politics Benn has been around a long time and he always has something of interest to say on the issues of the day. Now 83, he has served in government in the past and famously rejected the offer of a knighthood. An opponent of the war in Iraq, he retired as member for Chesterfield in 2001. Why? to spend more time in politics! It is a credit to his endurance that he is still active and has had his diaries published. Mr Benn's son, Hilary, is now a minister in the current Labour administrion in the UK ensuring the Benn name will continue to be spoken for many years to come with great affection
© Ian Callagy 2009

World Kidney Day 2009

2009-03-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

When I was three years old I was operated on as I had a blockage of my left kidney. I was so young that it is now a distant, obscure memory. The operation was a success and all I can imagine is that it must have been a great feeling of relief for my family. Each year for about a decade I went, accompanied by my mother, to have check-ups. These, mostly,consisted of intravenous fluid injected into my arm and being placed on an X-Ray table where a nuclear scan would show the fluid in my kidneys. Yeeuch!

In 1986, when I was 14, my parents, candidly, informed me that my surgeon, Professor Barry O'Donnell (he has plenty of letters after his name but I cannot recall any of them)had recommended the remainder of my left kidney be removed. Apparently, even though I was quite healthy, I would be better off having it taken out as high blood pressure or a heart attack may be prompted by the damaged organ. I was told that the other (in my case the right) would be sufficiently active and that I would be quite healthy afterwards. The operation was carried out in July 1987, the month of my 15th birthday, and I was out of hospital in less than five days - Phew!

Following the successful op I was, and am thank God, enjoying good health. Where I go form here is anyone's guess but the surgeon and the staff of Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin were, and I'm sure remain, super. The care and attention I received was second to none and if anyone reading this has children that need care, you should be reassured they will be in good hands.

Today is World Kidney Day and, whilst I cannot cure Kidney disease,I can definitely say that in my experience you can function well on one Kidney. I haven't done any research into Kidney function as a proper journalist would, however I feel that my experience may be of interest to anyone in a similar situation. I will do a more in depth, properly researched article in the future but for now: mind how you go.....
© Ian Callagy 2009
www.ika.ie

My role in International Womens Day

2009-03-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

The news, this morning, bleakly reports the murder of two British soldiers in Ulster. It may be that terrorism is on the rise again – lets hope not.gerry adams was on the radio doing his usual turn: 'it was wrong' is his comment.Oh yeah, an inconvenience, nothing about the grief the bereaved families will be feeling.Of course what would you expect from 'Grizzly adams' and the butchery,in the name of 'the armed stuggle', that he supported for years. Even if it's a minority of a minority,it only takes one finger to pull a trigger. Depressing.

In Zimbabwe, a couple of days ago, Morgan Tsvangirai was injured and nearly killed in a so-called crash in which his wife, Susan, died. Many are saying the crash was an assassination attempt but the full facts are not known. Depressing.

It was at this unhappy time that I found myself involved in a charity walk for International Womens Day organised by a bright young student member of Amnesty International. The walk was organised by AI and on a cold Sunday early-afternoon I made my way up to the Central Bank Plaza, Dame Street and arrived, well wrapped up, at about 12.50pm and the walk was scheduled to begin at 1pm.

Before we started moving those present were introduced to Noeleen (Amnesty Ireland), Neltah (A formidable Zimbabwean now living here) and to Tendai (who is an amazing speaker and is a candidate in the forthcoming local elections). Neltah's words quite moving and it was easy to empathise with the troubles Zimbabwean women are going through. A minutes silence was observed for Susan Tsvangirai, a beacon of hope for Zimbabwean women.

Following the speeches we moved off and made our way down O'Connell Street, bound for the Phoenix park, as the weather became bright, sunny, dark, rainy, snowy and bright again.The north inner city felt the weight of our feet and some motorists beeped as we went by. Some of the younger Amnesty walkers chanted and there was a wonderful unity of purpose about our walk. I had contributed some Zimbabwean Cd's containing vibrant tunes and they boomed around the place.

As we set off I got talking to Gary, a great campaigner for the freedom of the Burmese people. He's a brilliant guy and our conversation roamed from subjects as interesting as: Burma, the needless proliferation of Mobile Phones, regulation of the banks to his dislike of Margaret Thatcher. If I ever get to his age and have as much energy I'll be doing well. It was a pleasure and a privilege to talk to such a caring, learned man.

The walking and talking continued through the streets of north Dublin city and we soon arrived at Europe's largest park – Phoenix park. We made our way up to a giant obelisk in the park and, after about half-an-hour, we dispersed (without meeting the president, whose residence is located nearby). Some of us repaired to a pub for some coffee, appropriately sober like the troubles in Zimbabwe.

Amid the gathering in the Phoenix park, my Cd's went astray much to my dismay. However I did manage to retrieve one of them and gave it to one of my colleagues. Gerard, I hope you enjoy it. Even though I no longer have ownership of the two Cd's, I did get myself a nice black T-shirt with the Amnesty insignia on it. A sort of quid pro qou.

I joined some of my colleagues when leaving the sprawling northside park and collectively we took the Luas back to the city centre and was soon on the 45 bus heading home. I earned Amnesty E36 for my troubles and this was the source of satisfaction. Not having a girlfriend may by hard to accept but I feel I've done a good turn for all the women of the world. After all where would we be without them?
© Ian Callagy 2009

Happiness is crucial in all our lives

2009-03-07T04:19:00.000-08:00

Robert Gabriel Mugabe has enriched my life. To many this may seem outrageous but if the president of Zimbabwe didn’t exist I wouldn’t know any Zimbabweans. Thousands of Zimbabweans now reside in Ireland and I count some of these wonderful people as good friends. Out of oppression, for some, has come a happier existence for me, despite the obvious guilt. In turn I feel it my duty to make these people happier even though they have left their homeland under traumatic circumstances.

Many equate health with happiness. It is not hard to imagine that when people are unwell they become unhappy. In the 1990’s King Hussein of Jordan, one of the world’s richest people was ill with cancer and, because of his immense wealth, made regular trips from Jordan to the US for his treatment. In 1999 the King died and it goes to prove that no matter the affluence you cannot buy health. Happiness, similarly, cannot be purchased.

Money, drugs, alcohol, sex, sport, the sun – these are just some things that make us happy. When those of us suffer bereavement or some sort of personal trauma we lose interest in life and we no longer engage in activities we used to love to do. This can be seen as natural however for many people this can lead to depression and great unhappiness. As we get older it becomes more important that we feel happy in ourselves.

10 years younger is on the telly this evening and those featured seem to be unhappy due to premature aging. One of the ladies featured tonight is 55 but in a vox pop she has been told she looks more like 65! A man can be as ugly as a donkey’s bottom but the ladies need to be touched up with make-up and looking good is very important to a woman’s self esteem. It’s part of life that 90 per cent of fashion stores cater for women and all of this goes to help keep a woman happy and cheerful.

However there’s no reason that we all should participate in life and be as happy as we can. That applies to men just as much. Topman, Jack+Jones, River Island and stores such as Best’s and Unique are some of the places men now shop to give themselves a better outlook on life and make us happy even if it’s only temporary. In fact retail therapy is now seen as being good for our morale.

A degree of happiness is critical if your life revolves around a 9-5 job followed by having to deal with children or any extra baggage such as a disability. I have a good friend who goes to the gym regularly and is as fit as a fiddle he finds it makes him happy. But that isn’t for me. Even though I am a few pounds overweight my source of happiness could never be found in a gym.

I like to engage in meeting people and as a member of Amnesty Ireland, and also the Dublin-based Africa Centre, the people I meet and the work I engage in gives me a satisfaction and also brings happiness with it. Right now it would be good if my Zimbabwean friends could share in the happiness that I have found and a good start would be the end of the Mugabe dictatorship at home.
© Ian Callagy 2009