Post Archives for Paddy McEvoy
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Batman O’Keeffe brings back student fees
Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe has said that next year will see the re-introduction of third level student fees in the Republic. This morning’s Indo (front page) reveals the following: “Students who hope to avoid the payment by enrolling this September will not escape, as they will have to pay from 2010. The move will signal [...] more »
With the US economy in the toilet, Obama finds a novel solution
Just thought I’d add one of many pictures of a younger Barack Obama at previous St. Patrick’s day parades. President O’bama is defiantly holding aloft what appears to be a toilet plunger. The political message is unclear: does he mean that the US economy is in the toilet and he’s going to fix it with [...] more »
Ireland beat Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground
In front of a rain-sodden crowd of 42,823 at the MCG, Ireland has triumphed in the Cormac McAnallen Cup, beating Australia 57-53. more »
Celtic fans “Ambassadors of Glasgow”
The Irish Times reports that Celtic fans have been lauded as ‘Ambassadors of Glasgow’ by Manchester police. Although I’m a Villa man myself, I have to say fair play to the Hoops fans (but not to the Bhoys themselves – ye were outclassed). “The Manchester authorities were desperate to avoid a repeat of the ugly [...] more »
Irish State to invest in Banks?
As France’s pint-sized President raps Ireland on the knuckles for precipitating a flow of UK funds to Irish accounts, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan has hinted that a move to invest capital in Irish banks might be on the cards at a later stage. However, Lenihan stressed that caution must be exercised with regard to the [...] more »
Major changes to Medical Card plan
The Government has made major changes to the Medical Card plan at a 9.45 press conference this morning. Although the over 70s will still be means-tested, income eligibility levels have been increased to 95%. Additionally, the IMO will be allowed to negotiate on behalf of GPs to help resolve the crisis. If this is enough [...] more »
Cowen faces backbench revolt as FF TD resigns
Wicklow TD Joe Behan has resigned in protest at the Government’s decision to abolish automatic entitlement to medical cards for over 70s. Mr Behan, who was first elected to the Dáil last year, quit despite the Government’s u-turn today on the issue. Biffo now faces a revolt from inside his own party as Mattie McGrath, [...] more »
Dáil approves bank guarantee scheme
The Irish Independent reports that the Dáil has approved the government’s bank guarantee scheme. “The Dail has approved the bank guarantee scheme by 114 – 22 votes. Both Labour and Sinn Fein voted against the government and accused the Finance Minister Brian Lenihan of being soft on the banks. 6 Irish and 5 foreign owned [...] more »
Paddy Power pays out on Obama victory
Paddy Power is already paying out on an Obama victory..”We declare this race well and truly over and congratulate all those who backed Obama,” Power said. “Although he seemed a little out of sorts in last night’s final debate we believe he has done more than enough to get him across the line on November [...] more »
Brian Lenihan: bruiser or bantamweight?
Now that the dust has settled on Brian Lenihan’s budget début, are we any closer to understanding Lenihan the younger? Senior Counsel, rising political star, a first in law from TCD and Cambridge and one of the finest minds in the Dáil? Or slash-and-burn merchant, drowning in his portfolio, with a grasp of finance so [...] more »
Darron Gibson starts…
Derry-born Darron Gibson, known to most as the player at the centre of the IFA/FAI tug-of-war, is starting tonight for the Republic against Cyprus at Páirc an Chrócaigh. Gibson will partner Glenn Whelan in midfield in a surprise choice by Giovanni Trappatoni. Update Great run from Duff, crosses to Keane, easy header. Ireland 1 Cyprus [...] more »
The Hangover begins…
Irish people Southerners could be forgiven for waking up with a sore hangover this morning. With tax hikes across the board, child benefits cut, and departmental budgets slashed, the days of bumper budgets are well and truly over. The collective hangover after an 18 year binge has been a long time coming, but did they [...] more »
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Books
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The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday (Neil MacFarquhar)
With perhaps the longest title of any book I’ve read this year, The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday: Unexpected Encounters in the Changing Middle East gives an insight into the lives of people living in Middle East through the eyes of journalist Neil MacFarquhar. MacFarquhar’s father was a chemical engineer [...] read our review »
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Have we Learned our own Lessons? Book Review of John Brewer’s Peace Processes
Northern Ireland’s peace process has been promoted as an international success story. The Republic’s Department of Foreign Affairs has its Conflict Resolution Unit, which aims to disseminate the ‘lessons’ of the Northern Ireland peace process. And some of the prominent players in our peace process have travelled abroad to other troubled spots to share their [...] read our review »
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Is Fianna Fail the new Woolworths of Irish politics?
It’s not published until 3rd March, but one book I recommend you place an advance order for from Slugger’s Bookstore is James Harkin’s Niche. Belfast émigré Harkin examines a number of stories from business, culture and politics and comes to a single insight: everywhere the broad middle is collapsing. He offers Woolworths as an iconic exemplar [...] read our review »
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