Category Archives: irish politics

Uncomfortable with the image of two men and a toddler – Homophobia or plain old sexism?

Seeing a back and forth on twitter last night about the softness of support for the upcoming marriage referendum, I saw a comment that illustrates a problem for the YES Campaign. A problem that if dealt with incorrectly will do … Continue reading

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Collins Institute and the future role of Fine Gael members in policy development

The recent launch or relaunch of the Collins Institute is a development in Irish politics that should be broadly welcomed. Indeed it would make sense that such efforts would receive public funding though I’d suggest more through a reallocation of … Continue reading

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No FG/Lab majority in the next Seanad

Amongst all the fallout from the recent local elections in the republic one that has gone somewhat unheralded (just as the same effect was largely missed in 2009 for the FF/Greens) is the impact that the results have on future … Continue reading

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Dublin European election prediction (April 9th 2014)

By the power of entrails and the reading of tea leaves, here’s my current estimation of the state of play for the Dublin European elections. Sinn Féin Lynn Boylan – 15% Independent Nessa Childers 12% Labour Party Emer Costello – … Continue reading

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Ten reasons to vote No to Seanad Abolition

Vote NO, because you never accept a first offer from a reluctant reformer.  The referendum is what our American cousins would call “a low ball” offer on electoral reform, accept it and you won’t see another word about changes to … Continue reading

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The Lie of the 1% Seanad

The Fine Gael campaign on the Seanad is to me as someone who is a member of the party rather embarrassing. It’s not a simple choice, it’s a simplistic one. It’s not about matching the sacrifices of families in difficult … Continue reading

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Who would you trust with post Seanad Oireacthas?

Part of the credibility problem for the government on the topic of Seanad Abolition is that we’re supposed to  believe the Dáil will magically start to do a job it hasn’t really bothered to do to date. That being to act … Continue reading

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Are you claiming me?

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Just to do it.

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Piece on Gender Quotas from IT of last year

The Electoral Amendment Political Funding Bill 2011 has been poorly served by a media debate focused almost entirely on the problem it is supposed to solve, namely the underrepresentation of women in the Oireachtas, rather than any real assessment of … Continue reading

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Some practical matters for the Constitutional Convention

A number of people in recent weeks have called for the future of the Seanad to form part of the considerations of the Constitutional Convention. Self-serving calls from incumbent members of that self-regarding body for a limited examination of the … Continue reading

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