Brothers in arms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ Ram - Part 1

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

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


How Ireland has changed my life since arrival:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Africa Day 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gerry Ryan: 1956 - 2010

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unsatisfying results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Last Hurrah

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

The ‘tipping point’ is nearly here

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

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

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

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

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

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