George Lee is wrong

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.