Wilf Mbanga is a journalist from Zimbabwe. In 1999 he set up a national daily newspaper, The Daily News, and it became the best selling newspaper in the country. However it was eventually forced into closure in 2003. "Controversial and unconstitutional legislation enacted in Zimbabwe during the past two years has virtually destroyed freedom of the press in the country", Mbanga said.
Mr Mbanga is never one to shirk a challenge: "I cannot let obstacles stop me from going forward..." He is obsessed with news . Indeed he has no hobbies and all he does in his spare time is read newspapers and watch television news. His children know him as 'the newsman'.
A colleague, Linda Christmas, says how disillusioned Mr Mbanga has become by Robert Mugabe (president Zimbabwe): "This is a man who once adored Mugabe and looked to him as a saviour. He is disappointed and he can see what Mugabe is doing to Zimbabwe and is doing something about it", Ms Christmas says.
During his 18 years working for state-run media in Zimbabwe, Mr Mbanga travelled and joked with the Zanu - PF leader. He says he even knew Mugabe's children. But the Mugabe he knew then is not the one he sees now. Colleagues of Mr Mbanga talk of his determination and say his long experience in journalism will make him succeed in his future ventures.
Following the closure of The Daily News, Mbanga now resides in the UK. He is the founder and editor of The Zimbabwean, a newspaper simultaneously published in South Africa and Britain and it is published on a weekly basis. The journalist speaks of his optimism for its success and says an estimatd 3.5m Zimbabwean diaspora will support the publication. "The West Africans have their newspapers and Zimbabweans can do the same as well", he says.
In two years the Zimbabwean authorities have closed down four newspapers. Mr Mbanga hopes The Zimbabwean will not continue this sad pattern. One thing is certain though, Mbanga's newspaper will be a thorn in the side of the Mugabe regime for some time to come.
www.thezimbabwean.co.uk
12 January 2009
05 January 2009
The current state of Irish politics
Goodbye 2008, hello 2009. The big political news of last year, in Ireland, was the resignation of Bertie Ahern and the ascent of BIFFO, (Brian Cowen). Initially the portly gentleman, from what used to be known as the King’s County, was given a warm welcome as Ireland’s latest Taoiseach. However the disastrous Lisbon Treaty referendum and the death of the Celtic Tiger economy have conspired to scrape the sheen from Mr Cowen’s visage.
Irish politics is full of cliques and the new Minister for Education, Batt O’Keefe (satirically dubbed ‘Battman’ by Phoenix magazine), as well as Mary Coughlan and Brian Lenihan Jr (Tánaiste and Minister for Finance respectively) are rather inexperienced at cabinet. Mr Cowen has thus surrounded himself with a selection of senior ministers that are struggling to achieve, even if they are his mates.
The government’s punishment of the over 70’s by threatening to remove the Medical Card benefits due to them has severely damaged Fianna Fáil in the eyes of the electorate. If a second Lisbon Treaty vote also fails to go his way, our current Taoiseach could find himself closer to Bertie than he’d perhaps like – on the back benches. Unlike Mr Ahern, Cowen can’t be described as the ‘Teflon Taoiseach’. He has a distinct lack of appeal which the famous Nortsoider had in abundance. Cowen makes Eamonn Gilmore (Labour leader) look like Bill Clinton.
2009 will be a tough challenge and if Mr Cowen’s government does exit the political scene, due to overwhelming unpopularity, a certain golden haired boy from Co. Mayo could replace the overweight bruiser from the midlands as Taoiseach. Yes Enda Kenny possesses even less charisma than our current leader. But Kenny has overseen a change in fortunes for his party, Fine Gael. From a state of disaster following the 2002 general election, in which they lost 20 seats, to the 2007 election where they recovered well and gained seats handsomely. The state’s principal opposition party now has 50 seats in Dáil Eireann and are increasingly being seen as a party of government. However Fine Gael haven’t been in office since the mid 1990’s and they will have to raise their game considerably if they are to be in a position to legislate.
Corruption may not be to the fore in Irish politics these days but no longer can we leer at the ding dong politics of the 1980’s (Charlie v Garrett). Mr Kenny’s speech at the last Fine Gael party conference was delivered in a wooden, bland manner but in his favour his party is studiously disciplined, always an advantage. A good example of this has been the silence of his critics within FG. This suggests that the party have closed ranks and are preparing for power. One thing to note though: Nowhere on the cover of the 2008 Phoenix Annual is there a cartoon picture of Enda. Voters may be profoundly unhappy with the Cowen dog’s dinner er…government but at least they know who he is. Can the same be said of the FG leader?
Walking through Dun Laoghaire recently I saw Eamonn Gilmore strolling around. My initial thought was: where are the security men? Then it struck me, it’s only the Labour leader – hardly Gordon Brown or Barack Obama in the pecking order. All the huffing and puffing he expends in opposing the Taoiseach in the Dáil will not get him a seat in cabinet and it is daft for any Labour TD to think they can simply waltz into government on their own with an overall majority. The political scene in this country will ensure that Labour always occupies the thin end of the wedge.
The best way to accessing power for Ireland’s main party of the left would seem to be in striking a deal with either FF or FG. It might not please all his comrades in the party but Mr Gilmore would do a considerable service to the Irish people if he were to persuade his colleagues that going it alone is not an option open to them. An electoral pact would be the best course of action for Labour at this time. They need to know that more can be achieved inside government than outside, even if that means being junior partners in a coalition.
The death of Conor Cruise O’Brien occurred recently and a few words are in order here. Mr O’Brien was a fine, principled statesman and I was a regular reader of his articles in THE IRISH INDEPENDENT each Saturday. When certain elements of the media were soft on Sinn Fein people like Conor challenged their views. He was an unwavering democrat and I always found him to be a stimulating read. May he Rest in Peace.
Irish politics is full of cliques and the new Minister for Education, Batt O’Keefe (satirically dubbed ‘Battman’ by Phoenix magazine), as well as Mary Coughlan and Brian Lenihan Jr (Tánaiste and Minister for Finance respectively) are rather inexperienced at cabinet. Mr Cowen has thus surrounded himself with a selection of senior ministers that are struggling to achieve, even if they are his mates.
The government’s punishment of the over 70’s by threatening to remove the Medical Card benefits due to them has severely damaged Fianna Fáil in the eyes of the electorate. If a second Lisbon Treaty vote also fails to go his way, our current Taoiseach could find himself closer to Bertie than he’d perhaps like – on the back benches. Unlike Mr Ahern, Cowen can’t be described as the ‘Teflon Taoiseach’. He has a distinct lack of appeal which the famous Nortsoider had in abundance. Cowen makes Eamonn Gilmore (Labour leader) look like Bill Clinton.
2009 will be a tough challenge and if Mr Cowen’s government does exit the political scene, due to overwhelming unpopularity, a certain golden haired boy from Co. Mayo could replace the overweight bruiser from the midlands as Taoiseach. Yes Enda Kenny possesses even less charisma than our current leader. But Kenny has overseen a change in fortunes for his party, Fine Gael. From a state of disaster following the 2002 general election, in which they lost 20 seats, to the 2007 election where they recovered well and gained seats handsomely. The state’s principal opposition party now has 50 seats in Dáil Eireann and are increasingly being seen as a party of government. However Fine Gael haven’t been in office since the mid 1990’s and they will have to raise their game considerably if they are to be in a position to legislate.
Corruption may not be to the fore in Irish politics these days but no longer can we leer at the ding dong politics of the 1980’s (Charlie v Garrett). Mr Kenny’s speech at the last Fine Gael party conference was delivered in a wooden, bland manner but in his favour his party is studiously disciplined, always an advantage. A good example of this has been the silence of his critics within FG. This suggests that the party have closed ranks and are preparing for power. One thing to note though: Nowhere on the cover of the 2008 Phoenix Annual is there a cartoon picture of Enda. Voters may be profoundly unhappy with the Cowen dog’s dinner er…government but at least they know who he is. Can the same be said of the FG leader?
Walking through Dun Laoghaire recently I saw Eamonn Gilmore strolling around. My initial thought was: where are the security men? Then it struck me, it’s only the Labour leader – hardly Gordon Brown or Barack Obama in the pecking order. All the huffing and puffing he expends in opposing the Taoiseach in the Dáil will not get him a seat in cabinet and it is daft for any Labour TD to think they can simply waltz into government on their own with an overall majority. The political scene in this country will ensure that Labour always occupies the thin end of the wedge.
The best way to accessing power for Ireland’s main party of the left would seem to be in striking a deal with either FF or FG. It might not please all his comrades in the party but Mr Gilmore would do a considerable service to the Irish people if he were to persuade his colleagues that going it alone is not an option open to them. An electoral pact would be the best course of action for Labour at this time. They need to know that more can be achieved inside government than outside, even if that means being junior partners in a coalition.
The death of Conor Cruise O’Brien occurred recently and a few words are in order here. Mr O’Brien was a fine, principled statesman and I was a regular reader of his articles in THE IRISH INDEPENDENT each Saturday. When certain elements of the media were soft on Sinn Fein people like Conor challenged their views. He was an unwavering democrat and I always found him to be a stimulating read. May he Rest in Peace.
02 January 2009
I HATE NEW-YEAR’S
The turkey bones are now residing in bins, the Christmas tree is starting to shed it’s pines, there’s no presents left to open, no beer in the fridge and all the shops are closed. This is New Year’s Day and the Christmas anti-climax is starting to kick in, along with the hangover.
Last night’s telly was full of Jools Holland trying to be hip and trendy (although it was good to see Dave Edmunds still rockin’) with his over-tried/over-tested Hogmanay celebration. Like chewing stale meat. Holland’s New Year’s Eve TV show is as annual an event as the Queen’s speech or the Leopardstown races and this writer is bored rigid with the feeble attempts to push the boundaries. A recent review of The Damned’s latest album stated that it was about as ‘Punk’ as David Cameron. Well Jools’ efforts are probably as cool as Gordon Brown strolling on a beach, whilst on holidays(?), wearing a suit – a total turn off. Come on BBC, do something different for a change and send Holland packing to MTV.
Over on RTE we were subjected to a casual wearing Ryan Tubridy (that means not wearing a tie). Mr T never seems to dispense with a blazer/suit jacket and, on this year's effort, he looked no different. People either warm to, or are supremely irritated by the Dalkey Dad and my feelings fleet between the two emotions. He comes across plummy and posh yet he’s sincere and after a while you can relax to his shtick.
Leo Sayers was one of Tubridy’s guests but I couldn’t retain my interest and switched over to Channel Four where a group of comedians and TV personalities were displaying their humorous talent on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Hosted by the uber polite Jimmy Carr, the laughs were a little saucy in style but they still got me cackling (not a pleasant sound to be around, according to my mother). The programme featured: Davina Mc Call (Big Brother), Dara O’Briain (Mock the Week), Michael McIntyre, Sean Lock, Claudia Winkleman and, rising star James Corden (co-writer of Gavin & Stacey). This show was my port of refuge on a night of anti-climaxes. Holland’s show has no future but this, even for Channel Four, was worth viewing.
It’s now New Year’s Day and, as bombs and missiles are exchanged in Gaza, the famous Vienna concert is being performed. Each year TV networks around the world beam the music onto our screens and guess what? 2009 is no exception. This year the main conductor is Daniel Barenboim, who has lived in Israel even though he was originally born in Argentina. The music is joyous but tinged with sadness as Barenboim’s adopted homeland is at a dangerous ebb right now. Greater efforts will have to be made to end hostilities in the Middle East and the famous conductor will be aware of the turmoil there as he leads his excellent group of musicians.
The Christmas/New-Year season is drawing to a close and people who’d never be seen out of their cars are now ‘Power Walking’, desperately trying to lose weight gained during the festivities. Someone once said that the Ulster Fry killed more people than over 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland and the guilt of excessive feasting can be seen on everyone’s faces, not to mention the bellies. Maybe it’s not that bad that Christmas only comes once a year.
2009 a note: As the year progresses I hope to continue to blog and by year's end I hope to start to get some recognition as a writer/journalist and to get stuff published. Of course if the women of Dublin get any better looking I'll probably end up dying of a heart attack and then all my problems will be solved. That's not the plan though. Best wishes to all my viewers and please stay tuned!
Last night’s telly was full of Jools Holland trying to be hip and trendy (although it was good to see Dave Edmunds still rockin’) with his over-tried/over-tested Hogmanay celebration. Like chewing stale meat. Holland’s New Year’s Eve TV show is as annual an event as the Queen’s speech or the Leopardstown races and this writer is bored rigid with the feeble attempts to push the boundaries. A recent review of The Damned’s latest album stated that it was about as ‘Punk’ as David Cameron. Well Jools’ efforts are probably as cool as Gordon Brown strolling on a beach, whilst on holidays(?), wearing a suit – a total turn off. Come on BBC, do something different for a change and send Holland packing to MTV.
Over on RTE we were subjected to a casual wearing Ryan Tubridy (that means not wearing a tie). Mr T never seems to dispense with a blazer/suit jacket and, on this year's effort, he looked no different. People either warm to, or are supremely irritated by the Dalkey Dad and my feelings fleet between the two emotions. He comes across plummy and posh yet he’s sincere and after a while you can relax to his shtick.
Leo Sayers was one of Tubridy’s guests but I couldn’t retain my interest and switched over to Channel Four where a group of comedians and TV personalities were displaying their humorous talent on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Hosted by the uber polite Jimmy Carr, the laughs were a little saucy in style but they still got me cackling (not a pleasant sound to be around, according to my mother). The programme featured: Davina Mc Call (Big Brother), Dara O’Briain (Mock the Week), Michael McIntyre, Sean Lock, Claudia Winkleman and, rising star James Corden (co-writer of Gavin & Stacey). This show was my port of refuge on a night of anti-climaxes. Holland’s show has no future but this, even for Channel Four, was worth viewing.
It’s now New Year’s Day and, as bombs and missiles are exchanged in Gaza, the famous Vienna concert is being performed. Each year TV networks around the world beam the music onto our screens and guess what? 2009 is no exception. This year the main conductor is Daniel Barenboim, who has lived in Israel even though he was originally born in Argentina. The music is joyous but tinged with sadness as Barenboim’s adopted homeland is at a dangerous ebb right now. Greater efforts will have to be made to end hostilities in the Middle East and the famous conductor will be aware of the turmoil there as he leads his excellent group of musicians.
The Christmas/New-Year season is drawing to a close and people who’d never be seen out of their cars are now ‘Power Walking’, desperately trying to lose weight gained during the festivities. Someone once said that the Ulster Fry killed more people than over 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland and the guilt of excessive feasting can be seen on everyone’s faces, not to mention the bellies. Maybe it’s not that bad that Christmas only comes once a year.
2009 a note: As the year progresses I hope to continue to blog and by year's end I hope to start to get some recognition as a writer/journalist and to get stuff published. Of course if the women of Dublin get any better looking I'll probably end up dying of a heart attack and then all my problems will be solved. That's not the plan though. Best wishes to all my viewers and please stay tuned!
22 December 2008
Virility Pills
Passing a Chinese health store recently, I spied a sign in the window. ‘Man Power’ was emblazoned on the sign. Obviously for increasing the strength of my arms I thought. I always wanted my muscles to be better at heavy lifting. Nothing of the sort. A nice Chinese girl/lady (c.20’s) darted out of the shop onto the street beside me and informed me, matter of factly, that the ‘Man Power’ referred not to upper-body strength, nor my arms. “They improve erection” she said innocently in a friendly Chinese accent. Ah! , I thought, Virility tablets, always wanted to try ‘em out but never got the opportunity, now my time had come.
I ventured inside the shop and immediately my nostrils were filled with a sanitising aroma, similar to the dentists but without the fear of drills present. The girl/lady (c.20’s) I spoke to outside was now joined by an older, female colleague who didn’t speak English. There for supervisory purposes, I thought. The tablets cost E50 for a packet of about a dozen – obviously my state supplied bank account didn’t stretch that far. However the nice young assistant must have been schooled in commerce for she soon had me walking out of the place clasping a nice authentic Chinese paper box containing precisely three Penis strengthening tabs costing E15. But I’m worth it!
How did the things work? Well I took one early one evening and nothing happened for a good while. By the middle of the night (c.2am) I was as hard as granite. Would my Penis ever be flaccid again? Could it be seen through my clothes? Walking may be difficult. These were the thoughts going through my mind. After about an hour or so, though, my erection had gone down and for the following 48 hours there would be after-shocks – plenty of quick hard-on’s that went on for roughly 10 mins each.
Some viewers of a sensitive disposition will be appalled at the unnatural stimulants used but, being single; it does bring its excitement. I’ll never have to wank again. No doubt the girl/lady, who sold me the tablets, probably thought I was married and that my wife was crap at foreplay. I called back to the health store a few days later to thank my Oriental sales assistant and there was mutual satisfaction. Unfortunately not of the sexual nature. It should be said that she was, as I find with most Chinese people in Ireland, diligent and professional in her manner. It’s hard to imagine an Irish person in the same position serving me without sniggering.
Nervous about its use, I would hesitate to recommend these tabs to just any man (most, like me probably wouldn’t need them but there still worth trying). You cannot account for the way a person can react to any sort of medication – I don’t want to be responsible for illness or death. However I found these “Man Power” capsules gave me much firmer erections and if any man experiences difficulties in that department they should at least investigate using the pills. They may save your marriage. I would say that dealing with Chinese staff is easier than the Irish: you haven’t got a clue what they’re saying and this helps lessen any embarrassment present. Now I’m off to get some more, I’m feeling horny, horny, horny……
I ventured inside the shop and immediately my nostrils were filled with a sanitising aroma, similar to the dentists but without the fear of drills present. The girl/lady (c.20’s) I spoke to outside was now joined by an older, female colleague who didn’t speak English. There for supervisory purposes, I thought. The tablets cost E50 for a packet of about a dozen – obviously my state supplied bank account didn’t stretch that far. However the nice young assistant must have been schooled in commerce for she soon had me walking out of the place clasping a nice authentic Chinese paper box containing precisely three Penis strengthening tabs costing E15. But I’m worth it!
How did the things work? Well I took one early one evening and nothing happened for a good while. By the middle of the night (c.2am) I was as hard as granite. Would my Penis ever be flaccid again? Could it be seen through my clothes? Walking may be difficult. These were the thoughts going through my mind. After about an hour or so, though, my erection had gone down and for the following 48 hours there would be after-shocks – plenty of quick hard-on’s that went on for roughly 10 mins each.
Some viewers of a sensitive disposition will be appalled at the unnatural stimulants used but, being single; it does bring its excitement. I’ll never have to wank again. No doubt the girl/lady, who sold me the tablets, probably thought I was married and that my wife was crap at foreplay. I called back to the health store a few days later to thank my Oriental sales assistant and there was mutual satisfaction. Unfortunately not of the sexual nature. It should be said that she was, as I find with most Chinese people in Ireland, diligent and professional in her manner. It’s hard to imagine an Irish person in the same position serving me without sniggering.
Nervous about its use, I would hesitate to recommend these tabs to just any man (most, like me probably wouldn’t need them but there still worth trying). You cannot account for the way a person can react to any sort of medication – I don’t want to be responsible for illness or death. However I found these “Man Power” capsules gave me much firmer erections and if any man experiences difficulties in that department they should at least investigate using the pills. They may save your marriage. I would say that dealing with Chinese staff is easier than the Irish: you haven’t got a clue what they’re saying and this helps lessen any embarrassment present. Now I’m off to get some more, I’m feeling horny, horny, horny……
15 December 2008
Marching for Zimbabwe (December 2008)
The following article was written as a report. It was requested by one of my teachers in the college in which I am doing my Journalism course. A few months ago I attended and blogged on a similar march, however unlike my earlier blog this was a different march entirely and is done more in the style of a report.
Assembly at the Central Bank plaza was scheduled to be at noon. Initially there were only a few present but after around half an hour of organising the few had grown to roughly 50 activists and supporters. We set off for Leinster House with the instructions that we were not to chant political songs.
This march was organised to express solidarity with Zimbabweans currently going through a humanitarian disaster. Cholera has been responsible for hundreds of deaths and inflation is now at over 230,000,000 per cent. Our MC for the demo was a six foot Zimbabwean by the name of Leonard and he wasted no time in praising the Gardai who were allowing us to tread on streets usually reserved for traffic.
The march started at Dame Street and went through Nassau Street before making its way up Kildare Street and paused outside the gates of Leinster House as photographers swarmed around taking shots. We’d be world famous, someone said. More like a small photo tucked away in the Evening Herald, another replied. The congregation then quietened and a number of public figures addressed us.
First to speak, to the shivering listeners, was a representative of Trocaire. He was angry and made no bones in telling us about the outrageous abductions going on in Zimbabwe at the moment. In particular Jestina Mukoko’s disappearance was condemned and we were informed that life expectancy for women was 34 years of age and 37 for men.
Seamus Dooley (NUJ General Secretary) then spoke to the crowd and he said his union would be in contact with counterparts abroad to try and maintain pressure to allow a free, independent media – something not allowed in Zimbabwe at the moment. Mr Dooley was scathing of the authorities in that country and he pointed out the importance, to a democratic nation, of having a free press.
Leonard (our MC), then introduced Deirdre De Burca (Green Party) to the throng. She also spoke about the abduction, on 3rd December last, of Jestina Mukoko and we became aware of the climate of fear and hatred in today’s Zimbabwe.
‘A nation that was once the bread basket of Africa and is now a basket case’ was a phrase used several times by speakers. Eoin Ryan MEP (Fianna Fáil) recalled that he had a Fruit and Vegetable business in Nassau Street about 20 years ago. His best produce for sale at the time originated in Zimbabwe but Mr Ryan said that if he was selling the same food today it would probably be the worst quality due to the decline in Zimbabwe’s economy. He said that the EU is trying to tackle the Mugabe junta and make life as difficult as possible for the southern African dictator. Mr Ryan was greeted by cheers.
Joe Costello TD (Labour) assured Zimbabweans, and those concerned, that Irish politicians fully backed efforts to challenge the human rights abuses which has led to the exodus of literally millions of Zimbabweans from their homeland. Senators David Norris and Feargal Quinn were both outside Leinster House to lend their support.
Despite the cold weather, people were determined to holler their approval. ‘Thank you Ireland’ could be heard and after a few brief prayers we were implored to lobby our politicians and others of influence in Irish society. Action was needed to stem the Zimbabwean humanitarian crisis currently gripping the country. Many people only ate every three days and some were even forced to eat food made from cow dung to fill them, not something us Irish will have to endure.
Kildare Street, today, was bitterly cold but we should be all be thankful for our rights. Unfortunately not everyone is afforded the luxury of protest and the freedoms enjoyed by those demonstrating in Dublin today sadly do not extend to the streets of Harare.
After approximately two hours the crowd dispersed but with a renewed vigour in the continuing fight for justice in Zimbabwe.
Assembly at the Central Bank plaza was scheduled to be at noon. Initially there were only a few present but after around half an hour of organising the few had grown to roughly 50 activists and supporters. We set off for Leinster House with the instructions that we were not to chant political songs.
This march was organised to express solidarity with Zimbabweans currently going through a humanitarian disaster. Cholera has been responsible for hundreds of deaths and inflation is now at over 230,000,000 per cent. Our MC for the demo was a six foot Zimbabwean by the name of Leonard and he wasted no time in praising the Gardai who were allowing us to tread on streets usually reserved for traffic.
The march started at Dame Street and went through Nassau Street before making its way up Kildare Street and paused outside the gates of Leinster House as photographers swarmed around taking shots. We’d be world famous, someone said. More like a small photo tucked away in the Evening Herald, another replied. The congregation then quietened and a number of public figures addressed us.
First to speak, to the shivering listeners, was a representative of Trocaire. He was angry and made no bones in telling us about the outrageous abductions going on in Zimbabwe at the moment. In particular Jestina Mukoko’s disappearance was condemned and we were informed that life expectancy for women was 34 years of age and 37 for men.
Seamus Dooley (NUJ General Secretary) then spoke to the crowd and he said his union would be in contact with counterparts abroad to try and maintain pressure to allow a free, independent media – something not allowed in Zimbabwe at the moment. Mr Dooley was scathing of the authorities in that country and he pointed out the importance, to a democratic nation, of having a free press.
Leonard (our MC), then introduced Deirdre De Burca (Green Party) to the throng. She also spoke about the abduction, on 3rd December last, of Jestina Mukoko and we became aware of the climate of fear and hatred in today’s Zimbabwe.
‘A nation that was once the bread basket of Africa and is now a basket case’ was a phrase used several times by speakers. Eoin Ryan MEP (Fianna Fáil) recalled that he had a Fruit and Vegetable business in Nassau Street about 20 years ago. His best produce for sale at the time originated in Zimbabwe but Mr Ryan said that if he was selling the same food today it would probably be the worst quality due to the decline in Zimbabwe’s economy. He said that the EU is trying to tackle the Mugabe junta and make life as difficult as possible for the southern African dictator. Mr Ryan was greeted by cheers.
Joe Costello TD (Labour) assured Zimbabweans, and those concerned, that Irish politicians fully backed efforts to challenge the human rights abuses which has led to the exodus of literally millions of Zimbabweans from their homeland. Senators David Norris and Feargal Quinn were both outside Leinster House to lend their support.
Despite the cold weather, people were determined to holler their approval. ‘Thank you Ireland’ could be heard and after a few brief prayers we were implored to lobby our politicians and others of influence in Irish society. Action was needed to stem the Zimbabwean humanitarian crisis currently gripping the country. Many people only ate every three days and some were even forced to eat food made from cow dung to fill them, not something us Irish will have to endure.
Kildare Street, today, was bitterly cold but we should be all be thankful for our rights. Unfortunately not everyone is afforded the luxury of protest and the freedoms enjoyed by those demonstrating in Dublin today sadly do not extend to the streets of Harare.
After approximately two hours the crowd dispersed but with a renewed vigour in the continuing fight for justice in Zimbabwe.
08 December 2008
Cocaine and Cannabis
It’s Saturday and no doubt thousands of people will be using ‘Charley’ (Cocaine to you and me) up and down the country tonight. Here’s what Dr Chris Baker, cardiology unit at
Not very glamorous. If people are going to use the stuff they should at least be informed about it. Having a damaged nose (like former Eastenders star Daniella Westbrook) could be the least of your worries.
On Thursday, 6th December 2007 a top Irish model, Katy French, died in hospital. She was 24 years old. In the weekend before her death, Ms French had attended a house party where she became ill. In a Hot Press interview the model had admitted using Cocaine in her past: “Cocaine is everywhere but I just wanted to say that it’s not cool, it’s not attractive…”
It’s generally known that the drug in question is widely used among socialites in
In the Observer newspaper, recently, there was a supplement on drugs where several politicians were featured. They openly admitted using Cannabis. The drug’s classification is regularly reviewed by the British government and, according to an Observer survey, 32 per cent of all respondents believe the drugs laws, in the
Drug use has become widespread and indeed you are looked upon as rather an oddball if you haven’t touched the stuff (ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine). However, as the Observer supplement says: ‘if any politician was exposed as a chronic junkie, his or her career would be over immediately’. So MP’s must be disciplined in their use but in the fields of arts and entertainment it is quite acceptable to partake in illegal substances. Although too many, in the latter occupation, have died in the pursuit of mind-altering drugs.
In
Let me be clear, by no means am I saying that all those who write at the famous Irish lifestyle mag are in favour of breaking the law. However they do seem to have, along with others in the media, an interest in bringing the views of users and dealers to readers’ attention on a regular basis. But in its favour the honesty displayed by Hot Press is admirable if nothing else. They have set the bar high and no other publication better informs the reader on the drugs issues in
I know someone who has regularly taken cocaine and that person has told me that no-one ever speaks about why people take it. Could it be that it’s enjoyable? Why do most people drink alcohol, eat chocolate, smoke legal cigarettes, and sip coffee/tea? Surely the main reason for imbibing such substances is enjoyment.
01 December 2008
Television coverage of the 2008 Labour Party Conference
This week the Fás director, Rody Molloy, has resigned following the exposé of his over-indulgence in luxury, at taxpayers expense. Following Senator Shane Ross’s investigations, Mr Molloy angered the public. Many were appalled at his jetting around at a time when people are being laid off along with the economic downturn. He didn’t commit criminal activity, it’s just his extravagance has come at a bad time. Mr Molloy did his decent duty and, following severe criticism in the media, resigned. Fás, one imagines, has been rocked by this news. There will have to be reform implemented for people’s confidence to return to Ireland’s top employment / training agency.
It’s Saturday morn and the television is on. We are greeted by Michael D Higgins in his typical, forthright and fighting best. He is addressing the Labour Party Conference being held in Kilkenny. I have a lot of time for MDH and he has considerable experience in foreign affairs. It is a shame he was never a tenant in Iveagh House. He was wearing, what looked like, a hastily put on tie. Always a passionate speaker he spoke on the importance of the unity of the left in Ireland. I am non-partisan when it comes to Irish politics however I have long admired this Galway TD with his super-intellect. We need more people like Mr Higgins in public life. Bono once said he’d be ‘pissed off’ if MDH wasn’t in government. Not half as much as me, Mr Hewson.
Next to speak was Joan Burton TD. She spoke in rather sonorous tones but, like an abandoned car alarm, I got used to her siren. Opening her speech she told delegates she’d got her hair done (a reference to Mary Harney’s media hounding over her follicle expenses). Speaker after speaker addressed delegates and they included: Manuel Cortes (British Trade Unionist), Willie Penrose TD, Roisín Shortall TD and Joanna Tuffy TD.
Jack O’Connor of SIPTU talked, or rather preached, to delegates in an extremely passionate manner. Mr O’Connor was scathing of the current government. I thought his glasses were going to fall off, at one point, like a skier going off the piste. JO’C had a rather aggressive speaking style (similar to another Unionist north of the border). He angrily denounced the government along with the banking system. If the Labour Party was more powerful, a la Fianna Fáil, Mr O’Connor’s clout would be near insurmountable.
Labour has, electorally, a much lower attraction to voters. Around 20 – 30 seats in the Dáil is about as far as they can go. It’s the ‘glass ceiling’. The Irish people will be closer to the economic policy engineered by the likes of Charlie McCreevy (former Finance minister) rather than Labour’s economic doctrine. However left-wing politics is grounded in a political ideology that seems never to have been fully embraced by Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. From the era of William Martin Murphy to that of Michael O’Leary, Labour has always stood up fro workers rights, even if they represent a minority.
I’m watching David Begg (SIPTU) speaking. He, like JO’C, sports a beard but is less angry in the way he speaks. Intellectual rigour appears to be his style. Indeed he’s considered and logical. I imagine he would be good at reminding a more right-wing government of its responsibilities. He politely tells those listening of the depressing economic outlook in Ireland right now. Mr Begg talks of the importance of Irish people to spend and spend (like Mr Brown’s fiscal stimuli in the UK). Keynes, as well as other economists, gets name-checked and Begg earns warm applause when he speaks of the ‘Credit Crunch’. He provides a clear analysis of the current problems – nearly everyone has their own analysis – that face the Irish economy and of workers rights. Mr Begg finishes his speech by quoting, scourge of the left, Donald Rumsfeld: "I used to think I was wrong but by then I thought that I was wrong to think I was wrong". He has the delegates reeling.
Of all those who spoke this morning the most impressive was Seán Sherlock TD. The Cork deputy opened a well crafted speech with reference to Marx (Groucho, not Karl) and delegates duly chuckled. Lean and well dressed, Mr Sherlock spoke clearly and finished his address by quoting from Billy Bragg’s book The Progressive Patriot. I hope and expect Mr Sherlock’s star to rise.
The news, this morning, is headed by the Taoiseach’s meeting with County Councillors. He may also need to listen to those gathered in Kilkenny this Saturday morn in late November 2008. There is a distinct chill in the air and I’m not referring solely to the weather. Economic matters demand attention and this conference is unlikely to offer Mr Cowen much respite.
It’s Saturday morn and the television is on. We are greeted by Michael D Higgins in his typical, forthright and fighting best. He is addressing the Labour Party Conference being held in Kilkenny. I have a lot of time for MDH and he has considerable experience in foreign affairs. It is a shame he was never a tenant in Iveagh House. He was wearing, what looked like, a hastily put on tie. Always a passionate speaker he spoke on the importance of the unity of the left in Ireland. I am non-partisan when it comes to Irish politics however I have long admired this Galway TD with his super-intellect. We need more people like Mr Higgins in public life. Bono once said he’d be ‘pissed off’ if MDH wasn’t in government. Not half as much as me, Mr Hewson.
Next to speak was Joan Burton TD. She spoke in rather sonorous tones but, like an abandoned car alarm, I got used to her siren. Opening her speech she told delegates she’d got her hair done (a reference to Mary Harney’s media hounding over her follicle expenses). Speaker after speaker addressed delegates and they included: Manuel Cortes (British Trade Unionist), Willie Penrose TD, Roisín Shortall TD and Joanna Tuffy TD.
Jack O’Connor of SIPTU talked, or rather preached, to delegates in an extremely passionate manner. Mr O’Connor was scathing of the current government. I thought his glasses were going to fall off, at one point, like a skier going off the piste. JO’C had a rather aggressive speaking style (similar to another Unionist north of the border). He angrily denounced the government along with the banking system. If the Labour Party was more powerful, a la Fianna Fáil, Mr O’Connor’s clout would be near insurmountable.
Labour has, electorally, a much lower attraction to voters. Around 20 – 30 seats in the Dáil is about as far as they can go. It’s the ‘glass ceiling’. The Irish people will be closer to the economic policy engineered by the likes of Charlie McCreevy (former Finance minister) rather than Labour’s economic doctrine. However left-wing politics is grounded in a political ideology that seems never to have been fully embraced by Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael. From the era of William Martin Murphy to that of Michael O’Leary, Labour has always stood up fro workers rights, even if they represent a minority.
I’m watching David Begg (SIPTU) speaking. He, like JO’C, sports a beard but is less angry in the way he speaks. Intellectual rigour appears to be his style. Indeed he’s considered and logical. I imagine he would be good at reminding a more right-wing government of its responsibilities. He politely tells those listening of the depressing economic outlook in Ireland right now. Mr Begg talks of the importance of Irish people to spend and spend (like Mr Brown’s fiscal stimuli in the UK). Keynes, as well as other economists, gets name-checked and Begg earns warm applause when he speaks of the ‘Credit Crunch’. He provides a clear analysis of the current problems – nearly everyone has their own analysis – that face the Irish economy and of workers rights. Mr Begg finishes his speech by quoting, scourge of the left, Donald Rumsfeld: "I used to think I was wrong but by then I thought that I was wrong to think I was wrong". He has the delegates reeling.
Of all those who spoke this morning the most impressive was Seán Sherlock TD. The Cork deputy opened a well crafted speech with reference to Marx (Groucho, not Karl) and delegates duly chuckled. Lean and well dressed, Mr Sherlock spoke clearly and finished his address by quoting from Billy Bragg’s book The Progressive Patriot. I hope and expect Mr Sherlock’s star to rise.
The news, this morning, is headed by the Taoiseach’s meeting with County Councillors. He may also need to listen to those gathered in Kilkenny this Saturday morn in late November 2008. There is a distinct chill in the air and I’m not referring solely to the weather. Economic matters demand attention and this conference is unlikely to offer Mr Cowen much respite.
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