2009: Lowlights & Highlights

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

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

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?

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

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

Clerical Sex Abuse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Val Falvey TD

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

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

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

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

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

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

Africa is invisible to us

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As good as Churchill?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Callaghan – gentle but weak as a leader

Thatcher – right wing and uncompromising

Major – dull, though moderate in style

Blair – modern but too supine to right wing opinion

Brown – sincere, poor communicator and fails to inspire

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

Prostitution - My Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David McWilliams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

African culture and Irish life

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s on the telly?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Everything you ever wanted to know about Editors and Publishing Agents

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

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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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…

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

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

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.