Lesson Plans created by Fiona Kirwan

An Initiative from NewsBrands Ireland. 12 Lessons 15 & 16

Comment Pages: Material to be used 28 29 30 31 Read pages 28 to 31 in the workbook.

There are three optional activities suggested here:

1. All students individually analyse an opinion piece from one of the newspapers using prompts provided. 2. Some students could analyse broadsheet comment pieces while others look at tabloid. They could then be put into 40-80 mins+ pairs or groups to the different ways they handle comment using the compare and contrast handout as guidance. 3. Students could read the Letters to the editor pages and write ! their own response to one of the letters. Alternatively their oad nl w letter to the editor could be in response to an opinion piece o d they’ve read. o Handout for t

k analysing an c

i

l Opinion Piece. Depending on time constraints and class ability and interest, any C PDF to print/ or all of these activities can be done. photocopy

! oad nl w o d Handout for o t comparing k

c

i broadsheet and l

C tabloid opinion. PDF to print/ photocopy

www.presspass.ie @newsbrandsirl Analysing an Opinion Piece 2017/ 2018

1. Write down the name of your paper and the date of publication.

______

2. Identify an opinion piece in your paper.

3. Write down the headline/ sub head and name of the columnist (if they are all there)

Headline: ______Sub Head: ______Columnist’s name: ______

4. Analyse the article using the following prompts:

• Why did you choose this opinion piece? ______

• Can you summarise what the central opinion of the writer is on the topic they are discussing? ______

• What words or phrases indicated to you that you were reading someone’s opinion on an issue rather than just information? ______

www.presspass.ie @newsbrandsirl 2017/ 2018

• How did the writer validate their opinion? Did they have quotes from other sources? ______

• Did the article use language that appealed to you? (Did you feel like they were speaking directly to you?) Explain your answer. ______

• Do you agree or disagree with opinions voiced in this piece? Why or why not? ______

• Pretend that you have read this article online and you can send an e-mail to the columnist whose opinion piece you have just read. Write the e-mail you would send responding to their piece. ______

www.presspass.ie @newsbrandsirl Broadsheets and Tabloids: similarities and differences

2017/ in their opinion pieces 2018

In pairs or small groups decide the following after sharing the feedback from each other’s individual articles:

• Decide which opinion piece you think had the best opening and explain why. ______

• Choose which piece you preferred overall. Why is this your preference? ______

• Decide which piece contained the most factual information. ______

• What type of extra information was given or who was quoted? ______

• Which of the pieces contained the most emotional language? (e.g. did the writer use words like you/me/we/us, did they asked questions or did it seem almost as if they were speaking directly to you?) Quote any examples of emotional language you found. ______

www.presspass.ie @newsbrandsirl 2017/ 2018

• In all the pieces an opinion or point of view was expressed. Which one did you find the most credible or convincing? (e.g. did they prove their points with specific examples or were they making mostly general statements?) ______

• Which piece contained the opinion or argument that was easiest to follow? (Do you think this has anything to do with the type of language they used in the piece?) ______

• Did you spot any examples of bias or one-sidedness in any of the pieces that you read? If so make reference to your example here. ______

In conclusion::

• Did your group prefer the opinion pieces from tabloids or broadsheets? Can you identify what features of style made that your preference? (You might refer to layout, font, use of colour as well as the content and language which you have discussed above.) ______

www.presspass.ie @newsbrandsirl Comment

Comment is free, but never easy

Page 14 Irish Daily Mail, Friday, May 11, 2018

March 4 • 2018 The Irish Mail on Sunday COMMENT 25 comment Her dignity left us in snail-pace planning Gemini May 22-June 22 Get your act together and don’t be taken for a fool. Enjoy the ride system is a disgrace you have signed up for, but keep it in mind that you can abort your ThaT Denmark has the ability, not only present destination if it doesn’t feel comfortable.Take the initiative to grant the planning permission, but to tears. Now, for Emma, and make contact with someone special. WATCH FOR: Making smart moves. actually build two apple data centres in Weekly horoscope 1560 475 063 €1.27p/m. Text Gemini to 53307 €0.61p/day An openletterto... the time that it has taken our authorities Cancer June23-July 23 to decide to deny planning for one such centre is very concerning. You can fool some of the people some of the time. Bucketloads of We have had, of course, a peculiar forgiveness and understanding may be needed. Extend the hand of relationship with the planning laws in friendship, but do not hand around the peace pipe unless you really john lee mean it. WATCH FOR: Lucky breaks. DonaldTrump this country with myriad instances @LyndaVsTheNet her children and the Political JoURNaliSt of the YeaR over the years indicating that it was a Weekly horoscope 1560 475 063 €1.27p/m. Text Cancer to 53307 €0.61p/day process that, historically, was wide open to Leo July 24-August 23 abuse. It is also a process that has tradi- Lynda McCarthy asks why a wawalking,lking, talking ‘mucus plug’ can’t win the election? tionally dragged its heels when it comes to Lose those worries and insecurities, as the wheel is about to turn in decision making. your favour. Sit back and allow fate to take a hand.At the moment you are hampering your own progress with doubt. Be careful whom Now apple has abandoned its plans for you trust and protect your interests. WATCH FOR: Laughter is healing. the proposed centre in athenry, citing the delays in planning over a three-year period women we betrayed, Weekly horoscope 1560 475 065 €1.27p/m. Text Leo to 53307 €0.61p/day as the reason for pulling out of the project. Virgo August 25-September 23 a project that would have provided some much-needed jobs for this part of Galway Peace will descend closing a matter dear to your heart. Never mind and would have created a state-of-the-art finances, you deserve that trip of a lifetime.Your plans are feasible so We’re all watching AUL JOSPEH GOEB- Everything tal and the Rugby World Cup. proceed with confidence. Put emotional upset to one side and don’t data centre. BELS was the infamous Had Varadkar stuck to the corpo- There were a number of people promi- get drawn into conflict. WATCH FOR: Magnanimity brings benefits! Reich minister of com- rate communications model, the munications for Nazi SCU might have worked okay. But nent in their objections to the granting of Weekly horoscope 1560 475 066 €1.27p/m. Text Virgo to 53307 €0.61p/day the apple planning approval. That is their we must feel her rage Germany. He was a bril- this is not the corporate world, this Libra September 24-October 23 liant practitioner in the is the realm of politics. democratic right and it is to be welcomed that citizens take notice and care about Call a halt to the conflicting voices in your head and enjoy a bit of you, Mr Trump dark arts of propaganda and a viru- Politicians and civil servants have silence. Reserve judgement on a situation and leave certain things lent anti-Semite. Last week in the you need to never understood or trusted the what affects their environment and their to the hand of fate. Love finds a way through the direst trials, so have P community. Dáil, the Strategic Communica- corporate model business, for that that meeting. Imagine the emotions faith in that at least. WATCH FOR: Putting the past behind you. tions Unit’s labours were likened to world demands tangible results. On all kinds of planning issues there can DON’T even know if my little be many genuine concerns, concerns that that would be running through your Weekly horoscope 1560 475 067 €1.27p/m. Text Libra to 53307 €0.61p/day ’M DEDICATING my ffiirsrst open letter to you the work of Hitler’s close friend. Successful businessmen mostly baby is going to remember head – the regret, the sadness, the anger, Mr. Trump because, quite frankly, I think you However odious the comparison, it answer to shareholders, so are due proper consideration and me.’ They were the 13 words at how needless and pointless the whole Scorpio October 24-November 22 get a hard time of it. You’ve been pretty clear shows the level of suspicion that openness and disclosure is not a investigation before planning is either situation had become. granted or denied. That is entirely as that went through the heart If life is all work and no play, try to redress the balance. Have fun and about what you want and it’s everyone else Leo Varadkar’s new communica- problem. These things are a of a nation like a spear, Often on this page, I indulge my enjoy the mischief in the air. Romantically you will be the focus of tions machine has engendered. problem for politicians. things should be. frivolous side and write about the fripper- who is getting in your way. Can’t a billionaire The problem, therefore, does not lie with andI left anyone who heard attention, so do not let it go to your head. Be realistic with a work pro- The SCU is located in a large cor- know about The ludicrous scenes (there have ies that make life what it is, a vast ocean ject and do not push people too far. WATCH FOR: Prosperity and abundance. Iwith no political experience have a dream? A dream ner suite on the ground floor of the been a few lately) get most objectors per se. Rather it lies with a sys- them simultaneously mute with of possibility and an endless source of to be the most powerful man in the world? A dream Weekly horoscope 1560 475 069 €1.27p/m. Text Scorpio to 53307 €0.61p/day north wing of Government Build- coverage. Yet our parliament, tem that is structured in a way that allows sadness and with rage. fun. For the third week in a row, though, that he conjured up a few years ago on a whim and ings’ quadrangle. The suite looks modelled on the Houses of West- for the process to be dragged on and on, I wasn’t driving yesterday when emma even thinking about such trivialities is Sagittarius November 23-December 21 is now throwing a tantrum because it looks like it out, not on the lawns and fountains minster, does some things well. It not for a matter of a few months, but, as Mhic Mhathúna was interviewed on RTÉ beyond me as I again have to address Try to display more trust in friendships and your good nature will be might not come to fruition? Is that too much to ask? of the quadrangle’s centrepiece, excels in exposing evasiveness and with the apple project, for years. Radio 1’s Morning Ireland, but I suspect Ireland’s profoundly negligent treatment if I had been, and had looked sideways, of women, a national shame for which we rewarded.There are only certain things you can control. Do not allow And the problem isn’t you, Mr. Trump. The but on an alleyway where ministers double dealing. That an €850million project should have your independent streak to isolate you.A pleasant financial surprise is Varadkar’s every driver on the road would have had not only never have fully atoned, but that the plug pulled because the company in problem is everyone else. These days you can’t do park their luxury cars. The SCU Opposition leaders get a few imminent. WATCH FOR: Not worrying unduly. shares this office with the Govern- hours to interrogate Varadkar most tears running down his or her face. we perpetuate. question can no longer afford to wait Today, as has been the case every day any of the fun things that were allowed before. ment Information Service (GIS), Tuesdays during Questions to the The anguish in emma’s voice was so Weekly horoscope 1560 475 069 €1.27p/m. Text Sagittarius to 53307 €0.61p/day around at the pleasure of our planning raw, so palpable, so desolate, it made for since Vicky Phelan stood on the court Suddenly you’re running for president and it’s not the old press organisation that it Taoiseach. Micheál Martin, Mary authorities is simply not acceptable. Capricorn December 22-January 20 deeply uncomfortable listening, but it steps and defiantly laid down a marker OK to sexually assault women, who knew? You just will eventually absorb. The SCU is Lou MacDonald and Brendan This is not about specific approval or and the interview emma gave to Jenny that she would not be muzzled by the Love is set to wake you up and catch you out. It is time for a want to make America great again, get back to the commandeering the suite and con- Howlin relentlessly questioned denial, this is about the need for a stream- Friel in this newspaper yesterday were State that was supposed to protect her, much-needed break. Go with the flow with matters of the heart and good old days where men were men, the drinks were quering GIS, but they’re all low- propaganda Varadkar on the SCU. lined system that operates swiftly and effi- a powerful reminder of one thing, and philip nolan we will hear of efficacy rates in the testing certainly do not force issues. Get a medical check up if you are under strong and it was legal to own another human being. profile civil servants, guaranteed a ciently and, crucially, reaches a decision it is this. process, and how the new hPV test will par. WATCH FOR: The integrity of others. job for life and a healthy pension, HART the minutiae of The world has gone P.C. mad. Where are the pro- within an acceptable timeframe. We must not lose sight of what the discharges. Remember, she had not be more accurate, and we will ask why Weekly horoscope 1560 475 070 €1.27p/m. Text Capricorn to 53307 €0.61p/day so nobody will fall out. THe ONe?: Varadkar’s disclosures CervicalCheck scandal is all about. It is suffered these symptoms on the other the head of the hSe – who was asked to tests defending the rights of rich white men? Why One room along from the SCU/ The Strategic to the Dáil, and Free- not about bureaucracy. It is not about four children, but still she was told they resign ‘respectfully’ – declined to do so Aquarius January 21-February 19 is nobody standing up for people like you anymore? GIS suite is a smaller, more under- Communications dom of Information rev- Day a nation wept Tony O’Brien, the hapless head of the were effects caused by her pregnancy. until last night when the pressure from Patient waiting must give way to specific action. Stop acting out the They’re afraid, most probably – they look at you, a stated office. This was once occu- unit is accused elations in this hSe whose cyborg lack of emotion this She was on immunosuppressants for emma became to great, even for him. role of loser in love, as it is not a true reflection of your sexy spirit. NO-ONe who heard emma Mhic Mhath- week has been startling. It is not about Crohn’s disease, which has been linked to Respectfully? Yesterday, when asked human ballbag, and think ‘this sentient scrotum will pied by the Government press of being Neo’s, newspaper, and you will úna’s heartbreaking interview on RTÉ You do not need to go there.Who is pulling your strings? Dare to be secretary, Fergal Purcell. see that he tried to conceal the politicians. It is not about procedures. It a higher risk of cervical cancer, but that what he thought of emma’s interview, change the world and we can’t handle it’. PR matrix sorry Leo’s, Radio 1’s Morning Ireland yesterday could defiant if someone has taken you over. WATCH FOR: Good decisions. He aggressively controlled Enda personal PR scope of the SCU. is not about defending or protecting the too was ignored. In July 2016, she went to the one that those unconnected to her They’re worried about your ideas you see, they C fail to have been moved. It was obvious institutions of the State. a&e and was bleeding on the floor but listened to as their lower lips trembled, Weekly horoscope 1560 475 062 €1.27p/m. Text Aquarius to 53307 €0.61p/day Kenny’s press operation and was vehicle He said that it would be cost- see you, a rancid sack of loose flesh and pan stick indeed to all who listened that the nor- It is about women. Full stop. Women she was told she would have to wait until Tony O’Brien said he hadn’t heard it. “MANUFACTURING FEAR”: Donald Trump, with daughter Ivanka jettisoned soon after his boss. The neutral, yet he allocated €5m to it Pisces February 20-March 21 foundation with some hair added for realism and see new Government Press Secretary, in the Budget. He said it would mally steely presenter audrey Carville was, such as Vicky Phelan whose clarity of the end of October for an ultrasound. Where is the respect in that? If I were him, I think the very least I would do, to that you’re a visionary of your time. You’re a taboo practice years ago, so who’s the chump now? Nick Miller, has moved to an office ernment to speak the same lan- three for years in various Govern- ior civil servant, and earns €190,000 have a small staff – it now has 15. herself, extremely upset. intent and refusal to be cowed have made She was bleeding on the floor. Streamline your life Pisces so that you can swim freely and make her a towering figure in the history of our In front of them. prepare for my day, is listen to RTÉ’s headway. Give loved ones a bit more personal space and enjoy breaker, a subversive, say-it-like-it-is mutineer who When I watched you during the debates, adjoining the Taoiseach’s, up a floor guage and communicate with the ment press roles. Pappin was a year – five grand more than the He said that it would not subsume as emma Mhic Mhathúna echoed on radio the appalling reality of her terminal country, the woman who hopefully has and they sent her home. flagship news show, even if it cynically your own company. It is time now to relax after a testing episode, or just wants the liberty to talk about his admiration gurning and spitting like a partially plucked Muppet, and on another wing. It’s a good outside world in the same voice. known in Leinster House most Taoiseach. And Fraser treats the GIS – it is doing just that. changed forever the culture of omertà Later that year, another smear test was to plan my arse-covering strategy. several. WATCH FOR: Open minds and hearts. diagnosis as outlined in an interview with for Saddam Hussein and his own daughter’s ass like I thought ‘that man really speaks for the people’. five-minute walk away. Varadkar set up the SCU recently as a Brexit spokeswoman. SCU with great respect. Indeed The SCU’s output is focused on and – forgive the language, but I’m mad picked up the fact that she had Stage 2B But, look, enough of him – he will go Purcell’s old office is now this newspaper yesterday, everyone listen- Weekly horoscope 1560 475 062 €1.27p/m. Text Pisces to 53307 €0.61p/day any potential leader of the free world. Not brown people, of course, or women, Muslims or almost as soon as he You might know her from a viral few people in Government get the Taoiseach. The Rugby World as hell – the relentless arse-covering that cervical cancer. The tumour had been now, unlamented – and back to emma. It occupied by a civil servant kicked Enda Kenny out YouTube clip from 2013 where she more facetime with Fraser than Cup advert film featured Varadkar ing knew that it was one of those broad- And you know who’s really at fault don’t you? the poor… but some people. You speak to the scared blights every aspect of public life. present that July, the cause of the symp- would be lovely if someone could give her Aries March 22-April 20 with a high profile – John last June. Concannon says danced with a taxi driver. Concannon. more prominently, and more often, cast interviews that will never be forgot- It is about emma Mhic Mhathúna, a toms she begged them to investigate, and a hug, then look her in the eye and tell Things will change in unexpected, spectacular ways.A sense of Hillary – a woman who has done nothing but thwart ones, you fill them up with words about strength Concannon. Last summer, he and Leo had a ‘philosoph- The SCU will ultimately have Sometimes, like on October 12 than rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll. ten. Like Marian Finucane’s interview with lone parent to five children aged between they did nothing. her, yes, of course Donnacha will remem- feeling hard done by will soon shift. Luck is on your side and in your your presidential aspirations with her ‘facts’ and but what you’re really doing is manufacturing more Concannon was chosen by ical discussion’ which led to scavenged 15 civil servants from last, Concannon will meet Fraser at The Health Ireland video did not Nuala O’Faolain back in 2008. Tragic as two and 15. She is one of the 209 women ber her as he grows up, but that sadly corner. Survivor is your middle name so take a bow and review what ‘experience’. All that woman does is whine – it’s all fear, picking at their insecurities like a scab. You tell Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to the former Creative Ireland across the system. Besides the 9am. The two discuss how to mar- feature the Minister for Health but Ms O’Faolain’s situation was, however, she whose smear tests were misread, some of Relentless cannot be said with certainty. and this is you have held together. WATCH FOR: Timely moments. ‘equal pay this’ and ‘please stop rating women them that they’re not safe but that you’ll make them run the powerful new SCU. director being asked to head the senior aides are lower grades. They ket the Government for half an had lots of Varadkar. hadn’t been denied the truth about her whom already have died and others who where we come in. Long after the clini- cancer, she hadn’t been part and parcel of So she underwent gruelling, invasive cians and the politicians are footnotes to Weekly horoscope 1560 475 061 €1.27p/m. Text Aries to 53307 €0.61p/day out of 10’ that. If she ever took a break from her safe, that you will give them jobs and protect their SCU. Colleagues who share the bring specialist skills like that of hour. Most weeks Fraser holds at The opposition fears the SCU’s face hearing the same devastating news INCE Leo founded it last ground-floor corridor say Concan- Nick Callan. least two meetings with a senior ability to advertise Leo through a cover-up. that was delivered to emma this week. treatment, including internal radiation history, we must remember the names of Taurus April 21-May21 lifelong devotion to her career she’d realise that families. And listen, if someone who is little more summer the SCU has non is a man hard not to like. He has produced multimedia con- SCU member. But from Monday, social media. And all the while the Yet that is precisely where emma Mhic The failure to correctly identify obvious that left her so sick she, at one point, was emma, Vicky and all the women so badly sometimes a joke is just a joke, and sometimes you than a walking, talking mucus plug with a wig can He is relentlessly positive and tent since 2012 for the Govern- October 23 to Thursday, Octo- Taoiseach has a large, highly Mhathúna, and Vicky Phelan, and Orla signs of cancer in a smear test emma hospitalised for a month while a friend failed in what now surely is the worst If you remain modest, philosophical and true, the rest of the world been attacked by the minded her children. will catch up and acknowledge your talents in the natural scheme of want to sit in a steam room with a handful of your become the Republican presidential nomination in opposition parties for its outgoing. Concannon speaks of ment’s social media accounts and ber 26, Fraser meets with paid retinue of non-civil who rang into Liveline to say that she underwent in 2013 was the gravest of medical scandal in our history. errors, but it might, if you were to be Finally, on april 4 just gone, she was We must do everything in our power to things. Emotional turmoil can be turned upside down if you take that closest billionaire buddies and have a chat about 2016, who knows what could happen? industrial escalation of Leo’s ‘clarity blowing him away’ will do that for the SCU. He is also the SCU six times. That’s a service advisers. awaits news of her own fate next week, told she was free of cancer, but less than leap of faith. WATCH FOR: Someone thinking of you from the past. the Taoiseach’s publicity and how he loves Leo’s ‘wow fac- a photographer and takes home an lot of time for the second The SCU’s advertising and now find themselves. It’s where countless excessively charitable, be put down to demand change, to demand that women how all immigrants are rapists. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that the human error. a fortnight later found another lump in are listened to when they know they are Weekly horoscope 1560 475 062 €1.27p/m. Text Taurus to 53307 €0.61p/day I don’t live in America, Mr. Trump, but I am rest of the world is watching Mr. Trump. And we campaign. The SCU was last week tor’. Concannon caught Varadkar’s administrative officer’s salary of most powerful man in the marketing blitz for the other women may well still find themselves except that is not good enough, because the same area. On Wednesday, she sick, to accept that they know their own familiar with the concept of the American Dream will build a wall to keep you out if necessary. accusedS in the Dáil of co-ordinating eye too, as the marketing man who between €29,742 and €56,415. country to spend with a National Development Plan has too. Seriously ill because no-one told them no one person alone ever should be left received the news that her cancer was bodies better than anyone, and that if a a newspaper advertising campaign turned a few boreens on the west marketing unit. turned into a catastrophe. Vague what had been going on. No-one gave them – the idea that a simple-minded, bloated carcass to check every test, and we still have back and has spread to her lungs, and concern is voiced, that voice must be cloaked as real news. coast into a tourism phenomenon. HERE is lots of work at On Wednesday that week promises of future metros can’t be the information about their own health that her condition is terminal. of a person can start out with nothing more than a no idea if all the oversight protocols were listened to, immediately. Concannon has been in the public He created the Wild Atlantic Way computer screens – the Fraser and Concannon meet for marketed like breakfast cereal. that they were entitled to. followed in the laboratory contracted to Some time today, when you and I will be above all, we must tell Donnacha, and What’sinyour 14-million-dollar loan from his father and end up making plans for the weekend, hoping sector since 2006, when he joined by sticking logos on road signs and Taoiseach is obsessed half an hour until 8pm, take a break The SCU has endured a merciless The internal memo to departing hSe assess them. his siblings Oisín, Mario, Séamus and with access to nuclear codes is a tale as old as time. Fáilte Ireland as the director of a slick marketing campaign. But it with social media. Oth- and then the two meet again, political and media attack. director-general Tony O’Brien in 2016 even more chillingly, though, multiple that Leinster win the Champions Natasha, that their Mammy loved them Okay, so you’re not ‘book smart’, but most of market development. After that he was simple genius and it worked ers will be like Katie with the Taoiseach, at 9pm for Concannon will not have experi- warned about negative media coverage signs were missed. emma knew she was Cup and Ryan O’Shaughnessy wins very much and that we know this because, e urovision, emma will sit in an office. horoscope those people complaining that you have no fiscal or was a director of Creative Ireland spectacularly. Archer, a clerical another hour. enced anything like this before. over its information failure but stated that sick, but her concerns were routinely even through her tears, even with her (from where he is on secondment) Concannon was given a few staff officer who earns from €23,565 to They discuss Concannon’s plan. Some of their advertising cam- dismissed. At 35, as she was then, and and there, someone will tell her when she voice shaking, even as she faced the What does your future hold? Contact top astrologer Sarah military plans for the future of their country are all there was a communications strategy in is going to die. and he has lots of marketing quali- initially. They were mostly former €36,515. They will do the more He wants the Government to intro- paigns are up for review. place to deal with the fall-out. with five children, who could know her toughest news of her life, she was thinking Delamere Hurding on 089 4249254, www.sarahdelamer.com paying their taxes – and you apparently gave up that T own body better than emma? Instead, even typing those words is making me only of them, the joy they brought her, fications. But he has the gold-plated Government press liaison officers. mundane office tasks but will, duce ‘joined-up thinking’, a phrase The SCU was set up, we are told, What the hSe and CervicalCheck needs shiver, so I struggle to imagine what it and the love they shared. 6 Magazine+ security of an assistant secretary Andrea Pappin, an assistant princi- crucially, know the system. that makes many want to reach for to be a positive force in promulgat- is not a communications strategy. What is she was treated with condescension. grade in the civil service, with a pal officer (higher), earning The SCU reports to Varadkar’s the revolver. The SCU identified ing the work of government. Ironi- When she was pregnant with her young- would be like to hear them. Imagine send- and for emma Mhic Mhathúna, in her needed now is a service that is trustworthy ing your children off to school, and trying salary of between €122,313 and between €66,457 and €81,924 was civil service gatekeeper, Martin 450 Government websites – he cally one of its first major est child, Donnacha, she was worried remaining time, we wish her only love and fit for purpose, a service that will never about excessive tiredness and unusual to compose yourself before heading off to and strength. €139,728. brought from the Brexit press Fraser, the secretary general at the wants a single web portal. challenges is convincing the popu- again let down the women of Ireland in Concannon is no PR man, he will officer role to serve as Concannon’s Department of the Taoiseach. Fra- Concannon has given the 15 Gov- lation that it is not just a cynical such a brutal, unfeeling and cavalier MARTIN’S FAREWELL tell you. He likes to think he’s a deputy. Eugene Farrelly and Kate ser, a taciturn civil service lifer ernment departments one logo – propagandist machine using tax- What’s your vieW? Have your say by emailing [email protected] manner. ‘business strategist’. The SCU is O’Toole, assistant principal offic- from Malahide in Co. Dublin, is not the ‘Government of Ireland’. payer’s money to promote the modelled on a corporate internal ers, earning between €66,457 and known to speak often of his There were public awareness Great Leader, Leo Varadkar. communications model. It wants €81,924, joined too. Taoiseach’s ‘wow factor’. campaigns on the National Devel- And that will be a harder sell than by Mark Marlow the disparate departments in Gov- Journalists have dealt with these Fraser is the country’s most sen- opment Plan, the Children’s Hospi- the glorious west of Ireland.

acts are sacred, comment is free. pieces in newspapers, there is a lot more these must be analysed in furthering such So said the fabled editor of the required than just the capacity to have an an argument, and facts must be sprinkled FManchester Guardian, CP Scott , opinion. throughout the off ering. Never, ever rely on around the start of the last century. The fi rst tool of the opinion writer should the web for your facts, for if you do, you will This dictum has been handed down be the ability to write. You may have a fail, if not today, then certainly in the near through generations of newspapers, usually subject that is diffi cult to sustain. future. interpreted as a shot across the bows of On these days, the reader might derive Experience is a good ally for the opinion those who would comment rather than enjoyment from reading something that is writer. In order to garner opinions you must report. well writt en. have some knowledge of the way things In the near century since Scott ’s heyday, Our old friends the facts are sacred in work, such as politics, the courts, areas comment has been elevated within the comment. For opinion to hold any water it like planning or education. If you have a pages of newspapers, but today, in the must be based on fact. For example, if you reasonably good knowledge then you are internet age, his dictum has more relevance are arguing that the Government is doing a aware when something is not right, and your than ever. The web is choc-a-bloc with terrible job, then facts require that you back passion is ready to be fi red up. comment, much of it litt le more than top up such a contention. Comment may indeed be free, but when of the head opinion, the kind of stuff that Opinion poll results, policies that have it’s done properly, it certainly isn’t easy. 28 would have Scott spinning in his grave. had a devastating impact on some people, For those of us who do write opinion the performance of leading politicians, all of WEDNESDAY 21 MARCH 2018 THE HERALD IRISH FARMERS JOURNAL 2 NEWS Saturday 11 November 2017

THE

the framing of some of the questions creasingly an international con- the Citizens’ Assembly believes that predetermined the outcome. sumer of our environmental and Ireland should step back from this Nevertheless, it would be unwise sustainability credentials. But has means of generating food. COMMENT for agriculture to ignore just how this come at the expense of convinc- One wonders if the same group Editorial easily members of our society could ing our own society, who should be had been asked whether or not we Justin McCarthy [email protected] be convinced that curtailing our our best brand ambassadors? should ban food imports from out- Trolley rule ambition to grow one of the most In the current environment, con- side the EU, where the focus on the environmentally sustainable food vincing society as to the positive at- environment and welfare isn’t any- production models in the world tributes of our industry – at nation- thing like what it is for Irish farmers, on food is could somehow be advantageous to al and EU level – will be essential in what the answer would have been. the environment and our economy. strengthening our level of political Along with CAP, Brexit and inter- ridiculous Making farming part of The way this view was so quickly engagement and key to not only national trade deals, another batt le amplified across national media ensuring the political appetite re- ahead is to transform the public THE phrase “political correct- shows what needs to be done. mains to support the sector through mindset. We need to clearly com- ness gone mad” is an over-used climate change solution In the current political environ- CAP but also that the interests of the municate that in the context of cli- one that has largely lost its ment, it would be foolhardy to be- sector are protected in ongoing trade mate change, agriculture is commit- impact. he deliberations of the would make America great again or lieve that Government thinking will ted to working towards being part However, in the case of the Citizens’ Assembly at the how leaving the EU would put an not be infl uenced by the narrative Farmers are of the solution. Within existing pro- hospitals that are no longer weekend, much like the extra £350m per week into the NHS that higher environmental taxes and duction systems, farmers are embrac- supplying patients on trolleys embracing climate-smart ongoing discussion in the were never answered. restrictions on our national suckler ing climate-smart technologies that with hot meals, it cannot be technologies that are ignored. EU on the future of glypho- In Ireland, the agricultural sector herd is the direction in which future are positioning the sector as a world sate, is further evidence that society has traditionally excelled in ensur- policy should be heading. positioning the sector leader in the production of food St James’s Hospital in Dublin T and University Hospital Limer- and mainstream media are now ing the role of the sector is properly The question now is how we should as a world leader in the from an environmentally sustainable ick have taken the decision not driven by what has popular appeal understood in society. Urban and respond. The challenges of climate production base. to feed anyone waiting for a rather than fact-based argument – rural dwellers alike have had an ap- change have long been recognised production of food Of course, the commitment doesn’t bed over “safety concerns”. or, indeed, science. preciation of what the sector deliv- within the agricultural sector and negotiations and from various NGOs. end there, with farmers also seeing This means that patients, It is a trend that is becoming in- ered both economically and envi- therefore there is no need for any It is becoming clear that it is no the potential of the sector to take a who could be on a trolley for creasingly commonplace in politics ronmentally, at home and on the kneejerk reaction. But the farming longer enough for farmers to simply much more active role in the gen- days during the worst of the and policy formation. In the US, a international stage. and agri-food lobby does need to comply with the most stringent reg- eration of renewable energy sources. overcrowding, will not have a hot meal while they wait. promise to “make America great However, the events of last week look at how we bett er position agri- ulation system of food production However, for this to be realised, the Sick people will not be again” propelled Donald Trump to show that this may no longer be the culture in what is a highly complex in the world if it isn’t reflected in appetite at farm level needs to be served the hot food they need the most powerful job in the world. case. We can easily pick holes in the and emotive debate. We cannot ig- public opinion. matched by a commitment from because someone might burn Similarly, a slogan on the side of a process surrounding the Citizens’ nore how the consumer-based lob- Ireland has the most natural en- Government to properly understand their lip on some soup. bus in the UK suggesting a vote for Assembly, lament the lack of balance by organisations derive their mandate vironment in the world for beef and the potential of agriculture to fit It is patently ridiculous and Brexit would yield an extra £350m and rigour applied to some of the and power base from having mass dairy production, thanks to our ac- into the bio-economy. the type of decision-making per week for the health service tipped content within the presentations, general appeal and the political in- cess to water and abundance of grass. Such a move would undoubtedly that infests our health service the balance in favour of the leave discredit the vote on the basis that fl uence they demand from this. The only way it can be converted help shift public perception towards to its very core. campaign. it was a view expressed by just 75 Given our export focus, we have into food for humans is through seeing agriculture as part of the so- What makes this an even In both instances, the awkward people who had limited experience naturally concentrated our eff orts grazing by ruminants who in turn lution to climate change, rather than more ridiculous decision is the fact other hospitals, including questions as to how Donald Trump of the subject matt er, or even that on convincing a European and in- produce beef or dairy products. Yet part of the problem. Beaumont, Tallaght, Galway and Cork, will continue to serve hot meals to patients in A&E. There were more than 500 TRADE FORESTRY patients on trolleys across the country yesterday – how many Unenclosed land of them went without hot food? We’veforgottenthe Mercosur a big This week we feature three case stud- ***** deal in Brussels ies of forestry on upland sites or unenclosed land. Sites on unen- The Irish Farmers Journal participat- closed land formed over 70% of the Fans’ feast ed in an event in the European Par- planting programme up to the liament this week, organised by early 1990s but due to a ruling by Northern Ireland MEP Jim Nichol- the Department in 2010, virtually all of music realvalueofcaring son. It is a refl ection of how serious of these have been precluded from a threat Mercosur is to EU agricul- the aff orestation programme. MUSIC fans will be dancing in ture that the committ ee room was The productive sites featured are the streets in May thanks to T’S just so stark, isn’t it? The people that Social Justice Ireland filled to capacity with MEPs from in Cork, which – along with Kerry, yesterday’s confirmation that group of workers at the greatest mentions in its report, which is out legendary rockers The Rolling risk of poverty in Ireland are this week. across the EU and several other of- Limerick and Tipperary – has seen a Stones will play Croke Park on people “on home duties”. Carers, There are as many workers as fi cials. reduction in planting in recent years. May 17. in other words – the people at VICTORIA WHITE unemployed people among the poor, Senior teams from the IFA and UFU These sites are now being assessed Ed Sheeran will play in the home caring for others and the with a quarter of workers earning less were in att endance and took part in by using vegetation analysis. Phoenix Park the night before Ihome they live in. The people who than €11.45 an hour. the discussion, while representatives Vegetation is an excellent indica- and the two after Mick and glue this society together. OPINION Risk factors for being among of Mercosur countries att ended but tor of soil fertility but, on pages 46- company paint the town black. No disrespect to those who are the working poor are being female, didn’t take an active part. 47, Donal Magner argues that the The licence for the Stones working in full-time jobs and barely at the risk of making our home life youngest child reached the hoary old young and working in retail, hospi- The Irish Farmers Journal used the performance of nearby forests should gig was granted yesterday, have time to bless themselves let poorer. age of seven. tality or security. occasion to highlight that produc- also be taken into account when as- meaning there is now no doubt alone bless another, but you do need Perhaps it began with the aboli- Far from helping lone parents into It’s no wonder that 68pc of lone ing beef catt le isn’t the same as, for sessing the suitability of sites for about the concert. people at home as well as people in tion of the tax-free allowances for jobs and out of poverty, it made 52pc parents who were kicked off their Jagger and his band of jobs. You need a balance. children in the 1990s. of them poorer still. benefit in recent years and are work- example, building an aeroplane. aff orestation. merry men are no strangers to Except we decided some time Then, in 2000, there was tax Very little has been said about ing are still living in deprivation. Manufacturing industry lends itself These upland sites are likely to touring, having spent the best before the Celtic Tiger roared that individualisation, which meant a these insidious attacks on the care Overall, not having a job is the to sourcing individual components form no more than 15% of the an- part of the past 50 years on the the only people who mattered were stay-at-home parent no longer had provided in Irish homes. worst risk factor for being poor in from wherever they can be most ef- nual planting programme but are road. those in jobs. a tax-free allowance. People have actually swal- Ireland, with one in 10 pensioners fi ciently produced to a strict stand- capable of yields four to fi ve times Wherever the Stones go, Government after government lowed the media image poor and nearly 40pc of the ill and ard specifi cation. Beef is diff erent in higher than countries such as France, people will follow. It’s a massive found ways to cut the legs from PRIORITY of the lone parent sit- disabled. It’s shameful. that it is the disassembly of a carcase Sweden and Finland. boost to the city’s coffers, anyone who didn’t have full-time This can result in a ting on the couch eat- Social Justice Ireland is looking into its component parts, each of external suppliers to the EU were of multiple off ences and the animal the staunch defence of the EU beef No longer utilised for farming, and thanks to the Ed Sheeran employment. gap of up to €100 a ing chocolates and for increased social welfare benefit, which is sold in whatever part of the robustly challenged from the fl oor barred from the food chain. sector in the Mercosur talks by Min- they will not only provide raw mate- triple-header and a night with The first casualties were children, week between a cou- watching box sets adequate Child Benefit, a universal world that values them the most. by both the IFA and UFU, emphasis- It was encouraging that the posi- ister Creed at the European Council rial for our timber processing and the 60s legends, Dublin will be who now make up the single biggest ple with two earners when she could be state pension, tax credits that are laughing all the way to the bank. cohort of Irish people who are at risk and a couple with out working. refunded to you if you don’t pay tax It was useful to have Koen van ing for example how registration tion on beef was recognised by Ba- of Agriculture Ministers’ meeting on energy sectors but also off er carbon of being poor. one earner, even if They’ve managed and a disability payment that covers Dyck (European Commission DG and tagging of catt le 90 days prior varian MEP Albert Dess, who said Monday certainly appears to have sequestration benefi ts and a viable CONTACT US One in four Irish kids are living they’re earning the to stereotype women the cost of disability. SANTE) in att endance. His att empts to slaughter is acceptable for beef that farming was their most impor- gained the political traction neces- income for the farmers who decide Twitter and Facebook: below the poverty line. This is bound same money – as if “on home duties” as Most of all, it wants a guaranteed to persuade the att endees of the in- from South America. If this happened tant employer and that is coming sary to elevate farmers’ concerns to plant these areas as part of their HeraldNewsDesk to breed resentment, political in- making sure there’s no yummy mummies down- basic income for all citizens, whether sistence of equivalent standards for in the EU, the farmer would be guilty from the home of BMWs. Meanwhile within the Commission. farm enterprise. stability, violence and addiction, one there when a kid comes ing cappuccinos after a spot they work inside or outside the home. IRI SH FARMERS JO Editorial: (01) 705 5720 Saturday 1 URNAL 1 Nov particularly when the second casual- home from school were a policy of tennis. They don’t seem to realise we will ember 2017 Classified: 1890 516516 FOCUS 49 Display ads: (01) 705 5416. ties of our obsession with “earners” priority. It’s been very easy to impoverish need to change people’s minds as INTRODUCTION have been the people who care for In 2010, there was the reduction in parents in the home. to what counts as work before we Improving Home Delivery: 1890 130 130 FOCUS your current The Irish Irish Farm Centre, Advertising Printed by The Irish Ireland’s their own kids and their elderly Child Benefit, which at €140 a month They rarely appear on our screens can start paying carers for what yard to Times, 24 -28 Tara St, rate of Published by Independent BUILDINGS cope with Farmers Bluebell, Tel: 01-4199555 EDITOR’S PICK expansion Dublin 2. Published and newsprint here has been consid Dublin 12 [email protected] relations. per child is still not back up to the or speak to our radio stations. they do. era investmen ble t in farm infra Journal stru - cture over the Newspapers (Ireland) Ltd at ye past few ars in every enterprise but recycling is pe originated by The Agri- rh aps the invest been most pre ment has T dominantly seen Focus on buildings: get the most out dairy far on ms. Like all the people who don’t earn €166 of 2008. They never feature in advertise- I fear the only thing that will make A good milk pri ce build year has seen ing projects ta ary w ke off since Ja now over ith nu- cultural Trust, Irish Farm a lo their office, 27-32 Talbot Street, t of work being c ed with th omplet- e help of a T farmersjournal.ie aid. AMS II grant IRISH Howeve Editorial Subscriptions r, it i s important t ers are aware hat farm- in the usual way, carers have become In 2012, there was a full-frontal ments. The reason for that is simple: that happen will be for carers to walk that a TAMS gr be ant 80%. Keep sou can Centre, Bluebell, Dublin 12. of your farm by improving your yard ght for much more new shed. than just a Dublin 1. Printed at Citywest, On pages 54 and 55, we look Tel: 01-4199500 Tel: 01-4199500 at an old five-ba d y reading, keep recycling – oub Registered at the GPO as le bee FARMERS f shed less and less visible in our society. assault on lone parents, who incre- they don’t have enough money to off the job. that was co m- ple tely rewired wit Naas Road, Co Dublin. h the help of T a AMS II grant. [email protected] [email protected] and thank you. Far a newspaper. mers are no- toriou Willi Page 49 s at delay- am ing Successive governments have been mentally lost the right to claim One matter. By that time our society might be carrying out Conlon JOURNAL these Ä jobs as they do not view them as v the ital. Howeve potential healt r, determined to make us richer, even Parent Family Payment when their They’re not the only impoverished too damaged to be fully repaired. C h ri sks ar h

ews is fact - opinion is But the key is to say something 24 1RM Saturday February 17 2018 | the times your point of view. only if you have something to Comment

SASKO LAZAROV/PHOTOCALL IRELAND the left and right, have embraced the There is a vaccines-are-dangerous message because it contains elements that can Who will protect be emphasised to suit their If teachers vote to go say. There is no point sitt ing on respective causes. Leftwingers have long reserved a special hatred for the pharmaceutical industry, which they our children from present as a uniquely malevolent and manipulative force. Portraying the N manufacturers of vaccines as ruthlessly villainous drug pushers is on strike, news is the account the fence. Be provocative, stir the anti-vaxxers? right up their alley. In some right-wing circles, meanwhile, anti-vaxx hysteria has been seized upon as an invaluable Politicians with little regard for evidence have aid in the demonisation of the state helped this dangerous movement to flourish and state activity. Vaccination, of what they did. Opinion is your a few emotions, ruffl e a few fluoridisation and all sorts of other measles, with reports of more than a Liam Fay dozen cases in Limerick and an as-yet Diseases that had difference unconfirmed number in Dublin. Measles, which can be life- been eradicated are threatening, is entirely preventable. The best way to protect children — Simon Harris, the health minister, is working to debunk the anti-vaxxer myths starting to reappear view on their decision - good or feathers. There is nothing bett er who are the most vulnerable to infection — is to have them fully disinformation about vaccination whooping cough — fell last year. public health safeguards are depicted he politicisation of vaccinated with two doses of the programmes run for years by highly Uptake of the HPV vaccine, a as covert attempts by big medicine is a disease MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) motivated and often extremely well- protection against cervical cancer, government to impose tyrannical masquerading as a cure. vaccine. The first dose is funded anti-vaccine campaigners, the dropped from a peak of 90 per cent limits on personal liberty. Ireland’s health service has recommended at 12 months of age, so-called anti-vaxxers. The epicentre to just over 60 per cent. Even the flu One of the most insidious claims been grievously harmed by the second at four to five years old. of the anti-vaccination movement is vaccine seems to be encountering by the anti-vaxx community is that bad. that a good rant, once you can Tdecades of ham-fisted political A decade ago Ireland was on track the US but its reverberations are growing resistance. the diseases against which we are interference, much of it fuelled by to stamp out the indigenous global. A significant number of Irish The “science” upon which anti- urged to immunise children are not party rivalries, personal vanity and transmission of measles. Our people have evidently swallowed the vaxxer claims are based has been as harmful as the medical parish-pump concerns. In recent vaccination rates were comparatively movement’s message hook, line and repeatedly, and conclusively, community insists. Here, we see the years, however, some of the geniuses high and growing, well within sight debunked. Far from dying out, true lunacy of the movement’s credo, who’ve helped botch the healthcare of the recommended level of 95 per however, the movement has been with its implied suggestion that system have seemed increasingly cent. Then the immunisation trend One manifestation of extending its reach. Multiple factors humanity would be happier if we The views expressed are your back up your argument. eager to share their views on the went into reverse. Measles outbreaks have conspired to create a fertile abandoned this modernity lark and science of healthcare itself, with have become ever more frequent this menace is another environment for the cultivation of its allowed dear old Mother Nature to between predictably sickening consequences. over the past year or so as evidence trademark wild assertions and take her course. One of the most shameful has emerged of declining rates in outbreak of measles conspiracy theories; some The range of illnesses and illustrations of this merger between uptake of the vaccine. technological, some cultural. The treatments about which TDs assert bad politics and bad medicine is the Much of this decline has been sinker. National vaccination rates for internet has democratised public expertise seems to grow by the day. cover of respectability that’s been driven by the propagation of false several major diseases have fallen in discourse but has also fostered a false Members of the Oireachtas regularly provided by some TDs and senators claims linking the MMR jab to recent years, something which the equivalence between all viewpoints; champion the benefits of miracle own. They may not be shared by Never try to be controversial for aspects of the propaganda autism. The fears created by these HSE attributes to the growing the informed and the ill-informed, drugs and the wonders of modern spewed out by the anti-vaccination myths have been remarkably credence accorded to anti-vaxxer the fact-based and the speculative, science while a cohort of their movement. persistent, despite the voluminous falsehoods. The consequences for the expert and the amateur — a daft colleagues chime in to caution about Anyone who doubts the scale or evidence presented by the health public health have been swift. notion that becomes downright the threat posed by pharmacological seriousness of the threat posed by the authorities for the safety of the Diseases that had effectively been disastrous when applied to medical advances. spread of virulent misinformation vaccine. This triumph of eradicated from Irish society are matters. But then, contradictions and about the safety of vaccines has pseudoscience over the real thing is a starting to reappear. Politicians have played a crucial inconsistencies are the closest thing everyone, but they are how you for the sake of it. clearly not been paying attention. The sign of the times but it’s also Uptake of all the standard role in lending an air of credibility to to a coherent diagnosis we are ever latest manifestation of this growing testimony to the effectiveness of the childhood vaccines — against even the most outlandish anti-vaxxer likely to get from these part-time fact and menace is yet another outbreak of concerted campaigns of meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and claims. Evangelical ideologues, on medics and full-time quacks. feel about the teachers going on Impact of make-up is more than skin deep No one knew better than the beauty blogger Aisling McDermott its importance in helping women to face the world they could offer her only palliative about anything. That’s a proper right, because it’s bloody important? the strength to keep trying. I took Sarah Carey care. I remember thinking: palliative? journalist. Now, you’re probably The second thing Aisling understood note and felt sad for all the women strike, whether you think they But that’s what they say when thinking: “Beauty? Make-up? How to is that make-up isn’t just a mask, it’s who aren’t physically ill yet still someone is dying. Obviously she wash your face? Get a grip.” But what a suit of armour. On your worst day, struggle to face the day. The most can’t be dying. They must mean they you need to understand is how when you feel unwanted and significant demographic of drug can’t cure her but can give her pain profoundly difficult and important unloved, rejected and ruined, putting addicts are middle-aged women relief. The prospect of death was far make-up is to a woman. your face on is the literal and dependent on benzodiazepines. Why too stupid to be possible. Except then I can rail against the injustice of metaphorical act that helps you keep do my friends, who are successful, t’s funny the impact some people she did die. Just over a month ago, living in a world where women are feel like failures? Looking around me are right or wrong, the eff ects have on your life. I met Aisling and every morning and every judged instantly, constantly and The most common the most common affliction I see is McDermott only once, but I evening when I follow her precise relentlessly on how we look, but that crushing anxiety. think about her almost every day. instructions on how to wash my face doesn’t remove the imperative to affliction I see around The meds can help, but on a day Aisling and her sister Kirstie I think about her, and that maybe it’s comply. There is simply no mercy for when you’ve got nothing else left, Ifounded the beauty blog Beaut.ie silly to miss someone you never the woman who lets herself go. Dare me is crushing anxiety making up your face helps you face opinion many moons ago when blogging was really knew. I show an inch of grey? Look cheap the world. You make yourself into new and cool. She went on to write I know she was extraordinarily with the wrong foundation? How do going. When I did meet Aisling, I somebody strong and brilliant and gorgeously produced books and a gentle and wise. She was also a great I get lipstick to stay on for more than registered two things. One, she no one will ever know you feel weak the strike may have on you and beauty column for The Irish Times. journalist — and I’m the woman an hour? If evolutionary instincts are needed crutches to walk — and it and afraid. So you square your I remember listening to her and who’s never done giving out about to be obeyed my lips must look looked difficult. Two, she was shoulders and say a little prayer for Marian Keyes chatting on a podcast. journalists. But she tested everything, flushed and shiny, not pale and dry. perfectly, luminously made up. The an unbelievably nice woman you Aisling had multiple sclerosis, and reported honestly and I trusted This is highly technical information. crutches kept her body going. never really knew, who helped you other students. she said the doctors had told her every single word she had to say Who can tell me how to get this Looking her best perhaps gave her to get it right.

29 Comment

The Sunday Business Post 6 Eighth Amendment May 27, 2018 Liberalism has won in a mature, functioning democracy liberalising abortion trends. on the “hard cases” because the essence of the all that, there can hardly have been a person Colin Murphy The pro-life This is a political assessment, not a moral one. pro-life argument is that the greater good (of in the country who was not aware of the fun- movement has strengths that I disagree with them on the core issue. But in more lives saved) necessarily trumps hard cases. damental issue at stake, and the fundamental values, too, the pro-life movement has strengths This is a value judgment. It is not inherently difference between the sides. liberal Ireland would do well to that liberal Ireland would do well to respect. uncompassionate or cruel, any more than any For if there were flaws in the campaign, there In an age when opinion seems to herd to other public policy in which the greater good were great strengths in the process that led to respect, but its high communal a kind of social common denominator, the (as they see it) is served by a measure that may it. The issues were well aired at the innovative pro-lifers are willing to stand against the crowd. be unfair on individuals. Citizens’ Assembly and then at the Oireachtas standards are harsh on individuals This takes courage and independence of mind. Running through the liberal movement is committee, and the result was one which is In doing so, they are prepared to be awk- an intellectual intolerance that is unwilling rare in politics: people changed their minds. iberalism has won. Yesterday’s abortion laws abroad and made a pre-emptive ward. Maurice McCabe was awkward; Marie to accept the pro-lifers as honest adversaries. The government could have run the referen- Over to you... victory is the latest in a series of strike against such encroachment here. Collins was awkward; Morgan Kelly was Rather than debate their ideas, it seeks to dele- dum purely on the issue of the Eighth, kicking victories (on contraception, ho- The group won a brilliantly opportunistic awkward. Most of us want to get on with our gitimise them as opponents. to touch on the legislation that would follow. mosexuality, divorce, children’s political victory in 1982 by securing election lives and be left in peace, but a healthy democ- Thus, pro-lifers are “cruel” or “uncompas- Instead, it brought forward the general scheme rights, gender recognition, mar- commitments from both Charles Haughey and racy needs people who are prepared not just sionate” for not supporting the hard cases; or of their intended bill: this was honest, but risky. riage) that, together, amount to Garret FitzGerald to hold a referendum, and to stand against the crowd but to rail against are “hypocrites” for seeking to ban women The two main parties allowed a free vote. a slow-burning revolution. (The then won that referendum against the advo- them, and shout out. travelling for abortions, or to ban the morn- Micheál Martin, in particular, took a risk and battle on the secularisation of cacy of the then-taoiseach, Garret FitzGerald, The pro-lifers have great clarity of principle, ing-after pill; or are “disgusting” for pointing showed leadership. So, too, did Mary Lou Mc- education is, admittedly, ongoing, but liberal- and his attorney general, Peter Sutherland. and the commitment to follow through on it. I out abortion trends in Britain, such as those Donald. Meanwhile, Peadar Tóibín and other Lism is in the ascendant.) They then kept the issue alive for 35 years, lack such clarity. I think most principles are mud- related to Down syndrome; or “don’t care Sinn Féin members showed courage in stand- Some swagger would be understandable: this making strategic concessions or retreats when dy. I don’t envy them their clarity, but I respect it. about children” because they are a single-issue ing against their party line. victory was hard won. But along the way dam- under pressure (first, on the right to travel and I think the pro-lifers are wrong on the sanc- movement focused on unborn children. This is what a mature, functioning democra- age was done. Traumatised by the setbacks of the information; later, and with misgivings, on the tity of life from conception, and wrong that the This, broadly, was the strategy many liberals cy looks like. That gives yesterday’s result even 1980s and by the indignities of its own oppressed threat to the life of the mother), but succeeding protection of that life should trump the auton- deployed against Trump and against the Brexi- greater authority. youth, liberal Ireland grew blind to the virtues of in defending their core position. omy of women over their bodies. teers, declaring their concerns about immigra- its opponents and deaf to their arguments. The They lobbied assiduously, wielding dispro- But I recognise that my view is the easier one tion to be “racist” and therefore not worth de- Personal stories result is a creed that, at times, replicates some of portionate influence in the Oireachtas, despite to hold today. Mine is the view that imposes bating. That the liberals won this time doesn’t If the pro-life movement is now an under-ap- • Newspapers are as much about views as news. Can you the characteristics of that which it replaced: ar- declining influence in the media. They com- less on my neighbours and demands less of our mean that the tactics are sound. A robust lib- preciated force in Irish public life, the pro- rogance; condescension; intolerance. bined strategic nous with civic commitment to laws. eralism needs to be able to argue on the merits, choice movement was long in that position. devastating political effect, making the issue The pro-life position is an austere one in and to tolerate dissent, not shout it down. They fought the long, hard fight against major- A great civic movement practically untouchable for most of that time. an age of permissiveness, an absolutist one in ity opinion and powerful institutions. They did The pro-life campaign has been one of the great They may have been wrong on the law - the an age of relativism. It seeks to impose a high Both sides at it so with selflessness, tenacity and courage. civic movements of the modern era. A minori- Eighth Amendment was crudely wrought - but communal standard in an age when standards This was a campaign in which both sides The greatest courage was shown by those ty faction within Irish Catholicism succeeded they were right on social trends: the Eighth are largely held to be individual. avoided the hard questions, fudged issues, women who, silenced for so long, emerged to in bringing its cause mainstream. It correctly succeeded in its principal purpose, as a bul- High communal standards are harsh on indi- drew help from abroad, had foot soldiers troll- tell their personal stories. They were the key distinguish between the two? Select some examples. identified the threat from the liberalising of wark against the encroachment from abroad of viduals. The pro-lifers will never satisfy liberals ing online, and called the other side liars. For factor. This is their day. Clergy’s silence on Eighth speaks volumes A nun and a priest enjoy a chat during The Catholic hierarchy’s reticence in a Love Both rally earlier this month: this time, the waning influence of the the referendum debate would have Church saw clergy take a back seat in been unthinkable in the 1980s the campaign Getty revelation that Casey and Cleary had both attendances have been dropping for the secretly fathered children. Then its cred- past three decades, but clerics say that ibility was devastated by the revelations decline has accelerated in the past year of clerical sexual abuse and the cover-up or two. Churches that used to be full now by senior members of the hierarchy. only have a scattering of people at Sunday • Choose an opinion piece from one of the papers The Church’s effective absence from Mass – and many of them are elderly. the national stage during the 2018 refer- Flannery said the Catholic Church was Michael Brennan endum campaign on the Eighth Amend- in a sorry state: “It’s in a state of very Political Editor ment has shown just how much its power rapid decline.” has declined since 1983. Due to the shortage of parish priests, uring the 1983 referendum to During the live studio referendum de- parishes have been clustered together, insert the Eighth Amendment bate on RTÉ’s Claire Byrne show, there with one priest now responsible for two Dinto the Constitution, clerics like were politicians, medics and lawyers, or three each. This means they have to supplied. What interests you? Write your own version. Bishop Eamonn Casey and Fr Michael but not a clergyman in sight. perform Masses, baptisms and funer- Cleary were in full flight. It turns out that the Catholic Commu- als across large areas. Given that many There is archive footage of Cleary in nications Office never even received a priests are now in their 60s and 70s, with the audience of RTÉ’s Today Tonight pro- request for a bishop or priest to take part others working past retirement into their gramme, demanding to know if a female in the debate. There were more inter- 80s, Flannery said this extra workload panellist supported abortion. national media requests for interviews was tantamount to “abuse of the elderly”. But the Catholic Church’s authority than national requests. In some ways, It has been a sobering experience for was undermined in the 1990s by the that sums up how much the Church’s the Church to realise that abortion is now another area where its teaching is no influence has waned. longer automatically accepted. This is not This did not come as a surprise to Re- a new phenomenon. Church members demptorist priest Fr Tony Flannery, who have long been ignoring its prohibition has been officially banned from saying on contraception and divorce, as well as Mass for the past six years by the Vatican disagreeing with its attitude towards gay due to his liberal views on issues such and lesbian people. as women priests, gay and lesbian peo- There is also a huge shift coming in ple, and contraception. He said bishops The Catholic terms of control of the education system. and priests had not played a part in the Back in 1951, the head of a delegation

• Look at the letters page in one of the papers supplied. public debate. Church is in a from the Knights of St Columbanus to

p l e WE h MANY “The Church has backed away from state of very Rome reported that “the Catholic Church active participation. That’s a very inter- in Ireland had almost complete control of IRISH BUSINESSES esting decision,” he said. rapid decline education, explaining that this was one of BECOME PROFITABLE Flannery said the authority of the the reasons why the Irish parliament was Catholic Church had been severely un- almost 100 per cent Catholic in thought dermined by the clerical abuse scandals. he said, in his recent address on the ref- and action”. “It’s inevitable that there would be a lack erendum. But during the middle of the referen- of confidence and a feeling that Church One area that got very little attention dum campaign, Minister for Education Choose one that you agree/disagree with? Outline why. people don’t have great credibility any in the referendum debate was the role of Richard Bruton showed just how much more. It’s such a different world and fathers – including those who welshed had changed in both the school system society now from 1983,” he said. on their responsibilities to their pregnant and the Dáil since 1951. He announced IN RECOGNITION OF THE HARD WORK WE DO Part of the thinking among Catholic partner. One who did raise it during his the end of the ‘baptismal barrier’, which bishops was that it was not their role referendum message was Bishop of Kil- allows schools under Catholic patronage WE HAVE WON THE BEST ALL STAR BRAND AND to reach out to the wider electorate – laloe Fintan Monahan. to give preference to Catholic children in BEST CEO AWARDS AT THE ALL IRELAND BUSINESS that was for civil society groups such as “Thankfully, the vast majority of their admissions policies. Love Both and Save the Eighth. There was fathers are caring and loving towards Bruton’s move was designed to get SUMMIT - PUT SIMPLY ...WE ARE OVER THE MOON also one practical consideration which mother and baby alike. However, there his long-delayed school admissions bill would not be immediately apparent to can sometimes be an abdication of pater- moving before the Dáil broke for the non-Catholics. Bishops have their ‘con- nal responsibilities. On other occasions summer recess, rather than to influence MARC O’DWYER | CEO - BIG RED CLOUD firmation season’ from February to May, fathers can be left out of decision-mak- the referendum as one of the ministers when they have to attend the confirma- ing,” he said. backing the Yes side. (His brother, for- tion ceremonies for every child in every The Association of Catholic Priests mer taoiseach John Bruton, was a strong church in their diocese. (ACP) took an even more low-key ap- advocate for No.) But it is fair to say that the damage proach than the bishops, based on the But apart from the Catholic Primary done to the Catholic Church’s credibility first-hand experience of parish priests. School Management Association, there • Compare and contrast how broadsheet and tabloid was a key factor in the low profile of the Many massgoers were no longer pre- was barely a whimper of protest at the hierarchy during the referendum cam- pared to listen to sermons about how move. That would have been unimag- paign. There was at least one instance they should vote. Indeed, at a time of inable during the 1983 referendum on when the bishops were asked by RTÉ growing anti-authoritarianism in society, the Eighth Amendment. to contribute – which was the series of it was more likely to provoke a backlash It has been bewildering for many el- rapid-fire interviews done with Yes and or make them not vote at all. derly priests, who were ordained at a No campaigners by the RTÉ Radio News There was an angry reaction among time when the Church was at the height at One programme. But the bishops de- some of the congregation at a First Com- of its power, to see how societal attitudes clined on the grounds that it did not fit munion ceremony in Louth when the have changed over the past three decades. papers handle comment. Which do you prefer? Why? the approach they were taking. priest started to talk about the referen- “There’s almost a sense that [from] the One concern for the Church during the dum, with some parents walking out. The world they lived in, the anchors have campaign was internal research by No ACP’s view was that nobody was in any drifted,” said one priest. campaign groups showing that around doubt about the Catholic Church’s oppo- There is some hope within the Church 20 per cent of occasional Mass-going sition to abortion, so the most respectful that the visit of Pope Francis may help Catholics intended to vote Yes in the ref- approach was to let people make up their it find a new direction and purpose. But erendum. There was even a Catholics own minds. For this reason, it also urged one visit is not going to achieve much Together for Yes group. So the bishops’ priests not to bring in campaign speakers in itself. The Eighth Amendment ref- pastoral letters to Catholics were aimed into churches. erendum campaign is another warning at shoring up their own base first. Bishops One major speaker in the Church’s sign for the hierarchy that all the red also put out their messages on social me- armoury was Pope Francis. But since last lights are flashing. It could once be safely dia, with staff in their offices sending out year, it has been clear that he would be presumed that Irish people would always their messages on Facebook and Twitter. arriving in August for the World Meeting vote against the introduction of abortion But it is difficult for the Catholic Church of Families Event in Dublin. By holding here, in line with the Church’s teaching. to engage in the debate without facing the referendum in advance of that, the But, as one experienced cleric put it to hard questions about what Flannery said government avoided the prospect of me, “what we are presuming can no was “the oppression of women by the Francis restating his long-standing oppo- longer be presumed”. • Write a letter to the editor in not more than 400 words. Catholic Church for centuries”. Arch- sition to abortion. But even if he had ar- Fine Gael Minister of State Catherine bishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin did rived in the midst of the campaign, there Byrne said there was a message for the speak about the debt the Church owed are Church figures who doubt whether Catholic Church in the resounding Yes to single mothers who had brought up it would have had much of an influence. vote. “The Catholic Church has to be more their children. That is because the Catholic Church’s open to women. It’s important that we “For too long, a mentality was common key power used to be centred on the large look at what women are doing in the in Ireland in which single mothers were group of regular massgoers which it could structures of the Church. For someone PHONE: 01 204 8300 SIMPLE ONLINE ACCOUNTS bigredcloud.com ostracised and humiliated. This narrow get a message out to every week. In an who has been involved in the Church all moralistic culture was often sadly en- increasingly secular society, it no longer my life, I think this is an eye-opener,” hanced by the attitude of the Church,” has the same captive audience. Church she said.

’m looking at Mother’s Day cards the rest of me. for my mother. I’m not exactly In the chemist one day, perhaps just a Inside inspired. Mothers, in the world few days into my motherhood career, the of Hallmark, are nurturing, baby was strapped to me, screaming like self-sacrificing, unthreatening. she alone had been sent to warn humanity They love bunny rabbits, laven- of the imminent apocalypse. Does she der and bouquets of flowers in have colic, an older woman wondered, COLUMNISTS unlikely, lurid hues. They exist sending me into atailspin of panic. Why 6 SeánMoncrieff only as areflection of their greatest was she asking me? Did Ilook like some 10 Ross creation:I and that, of course, is the person kind of expert? Clearly, Ididn’t know what O’Carroll-Kelly whose signature is scrawled across the Iwas doing –the evidence was strapped to 22 MarianKeyes inside. You were always there, they read. me, bellowing. Iwent home and googled 25 RoeMcDermott The views You give us so much. “colic” and cried again. Iwas crying for “Happy Mother’s Day,” exclaims one I the child who might or might not have COVERSTORY found on the internet, “to my Greatest colic (it turned out she just didn’t like 12 Teacher, my Best Friend and my Cheapest straps), and who certainly had ahopeless- Therapist.” ly inept mother. But Iwas also crying for None of them apply to my own mother. myself, for the identity that had been expressed are your She is nurturing and kind, and yes, she forcibly retired the second the kindly offers free therapy on occasion. But those midwife in the labour ward handed me a aren’t the most interesting things about cup of tea, and called me “Mammy”. 12 Anobscurebook, her. She’s also creative, strong, feminist. Here’s the good news. It gets easier. recentlystumbledon Impeccably stylish. Whip-smart. Abaker Either that, or you find away for the two byRositaBoland, own. They may of scones and ideas. She used to coax deaf parts of your life to peaceably co-exist. In describesthelavish children out of their silent worlds. She still the almost 12 years since, I’ve noticed that dinnersthrownby has aSherlock Holmes-like ability to read some of the best, happiest mothers are the Ireland’svery human behaviour. ones who were the most resistant in the well-heeledduring JENNIFER None of them apply to me, not unless beginning, the most affronted by the the1990s there’s one out there praising mediocre cleaving of their lives in two. 8 not be shared by cooking skills, unconquered laundry Time winds down, and the long days mountains and excellent bedtime stories. spool into short years. It passes in ablur of O’CONNELL None of them apply to any mother Iknow. hot cheeks against yours and sterilising Mother’s Day cards do one thing well: and late-night dashes to the pharmacy they reflect the way we sanitise mother- and wiping and glitter-covered Mother’s Mother’s Day hood, turning women who have children Day cards and rows over hairbrushing and 8 IsabellaRossellini everyone, but they into bland, one-dimensional figures, small hands on your knee. isworkingwith whose worth is measured in acurrency of Lancômeagainat65 cards turn sacrifice and self-immolation. aftera22-year That is the most shocking thing about hiatus.Shetalks women with becoming amother, the violent eviscera- That is the most shocking ageism,feminism tion of your previous identity. No one andabusewith are how you warns you about this until it happens thing about‘‘becoming a CarolineO’Donoghue children because we’re not supposed to mind. We mother, the violent 20 chose this. It’s agift, they say, the subtext into bland being that you don’t moan about agift. evisceration of your Motherhood, the same people gush, is previous identity 14 one-dimensional the most important job in the universe. feel. COMMENT And yet there are no university degrees It passes in countless tiny triumphs only

helping to ease the transition from that you notice –the first time you get through 20 Irishfashiondesigner The Sunday Times October 29, 2017 figures life to this, no night classes, not even areal asupermarket and no one ends up lying ÚnaBurke’srising handbook. Instead there are books with on the floor. The first time you get to profileisbasedonher ESTABLISHED 1822 titles that suggest children are animals to watch amovie the whole way through. useoftraditional Spain turns a Catalan Larissa Nolan be subjugated and bent to our will: The first time they say “I love you” before leathercraftingto drama into a crisis Toddler Taming, Baby Whisperer, The you say it. Then one day, you turn around, create‘everyday The gig is up for Contented Little Baby Book.Iread, much and the angry little baby in the carrier is armour’,writes wo months ago the eyes of the too late, that Gina Ford never had chil- tall enough to wear your clothes and sling DeirdreMcQuillan world were on Barcelona Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, the coun- tragically hip Leo because of the terrorist attack try’s deputy prime minister, to be in dren of her own. She had cats, apparently. an arm around your shoulder, kind that killed 14 people and injured charge of the region. The chief of more than 100 others. The Catalonia’s autonomous police force — There are also well-meaning strangers enough to tell you you’re doing great, REGULARS people of Barcelona and Spain under investigation for sedition for failing in the Spar or on the bus. Listen to your though not with bunnies and lavender. came together in solidarity. Now to assist the Guardia Civil in dealing with 29 all is discord. pro-independence protesters — was Taoiseach should ditch the trendy music bandwagon if he wants real kudos instinct, they say, you’re doing great. But And you believe her –she should know. TAn impulsive and premature push for removed from office. Madrid has ordered independence by the region’s political regional elections for December 21. then, abeat later, they’ll add: wrap that To all the mothers: to mine and to leaders, coupled with a clumsy and The reasons for Catalonia’s push for he year was 1996: Britpop was at its unnecessarily hardline response from the independence can be debated. It is one of height, Cool Britannia ruled the waves, interested enough the first time around to go child up. Or: take that blanket off. She’ll yours; to the inept ones, the patient, Spanish government in Madrid, has given Spain’s most successful and prosperous and here in Ireland a 17-year-old named and see them. Spain its biggest constitutional crisis in Leo Varadkar joined Fine Gael. rock stars might blow up in his face. When the regions but the recession, the eurozone They’ve a lot in common, Leo Varadkar and former prime minister hosted a gin-and-tonic overheat. Or: she needs anap. In the early resistant, nurturing, or kind ones; the Neuroscience suggests the music we LCD frontman James Murphy. Both are kings of the 42 years since the death of the dictator crisis reception for Damon Albarn in the House of and arguments about the distribu- listen to as teenagers has the strongest spin. LCD Soundsystem pulled off the music PR General Francisco Franco. Commons in the mid-90s, a sceptical Campbell years I’d obediently do whatever they creative ones, the smart ones and the tion of tax proceeds have poured petrol influence on us, and it seems that our coup of the decade — breaking-up in 2011 in a DMEEIR Although the pressures and tensions asked the Blur singer: “What if you turn around 15 on the flames. Now it faces the economic first “indie” taoiseach is no exception. dramatic, extended farewell that included a irishmirror.ie FRIDAY 04.05.2018 IRISH DAILY MIRROR Leo’s entry into politics came during a heady and say: ‘Tony’s a wanker’?” suggested, and then they’d look at me like funny ones; the ones who love bunnies 4 Welove... have been building for years, the crisis has consequences of this constitutional crisis. T final show and a documentary, before re- era when musicians hung out with prime unfolded in the space of a month. On forming with seemingly indecent haste just Music lovers have little regard for those who IF YOU HAVE A COMMENT TEXT PAT ON0872953395 Nearly 1,700 companies have taken steps ministers, in what felt like a revolution. At the feign a passionate interest in certain bands October 1, in a referendum that Madrid over four years later. There are plenty of bands I’d failed an importantFOLLOWtest. HIM ONListen TWITTERto @patflanagan1your and lavender, and the ones who would 16 InConversation to move their headquarters from Catalo- Brit Awards, Noel Gallagher dedicated one of to make themselves look cool. I’m not saying who’d call that a rest between records, but the insisted was illegal, 90% of those who nia to other parts of Spain since the refer- Oasis’s wins to Tony Blair, saying: “He’s the Leo doesn’t like music at all; I just think he’s hype meant a number one album and a sold- instinct, they’d repeat, but my instinct was rather have their heads hacked off, happy 20-24 Style 1RM Saturday, February 3, 2018 voted supported Catalonian independ- man!” It was an intoxicating time to come of pretending to like it a lot more than he actually ...... 13 endum. Visitor numbers are down. out reunion tour. Genuine or not, it was a ence. It did not provide a mandate for age, and we teens in the bland land of Bertie does in order to fit his image as our young, hip During the Cold War the Soviet masterful publicity stunt. as bewildered and sleepless and cross as Mother’s Day. 26-32 Food&Drink and Bruton were happy to be swept up in it. leader. It won’t wash. It’s an appropriation and independence — many Catalonians who threat held western European countries So while LCD members Nancy Whang and Al Blair’s strategy must have impressed the an insult. oppose it chose not to vote and the turn- Doyle were more than happy to court their 34-39 Travel together and fears of past dictatorship young Leo, given that as taoiseach he has been liberal activist fans with “Resist” and “Repeal” Separately, there’s a growing society of fakes out was only 43% — but it set a trap that moderated behaviour at home. But the aligning himself with the biggest names in rock at gigs lately, brandishing iPhones, more PAT Mariano Rajoy, Spain’s prime minister, sloganeering, they turned on Leo when he FLANAGAN 40-41 Onthemove European Union, while it has offered no and showcasing a hip taste in music to modern concerned with boasting to their Facebook went backstage for a meet-and-greet facilitated email [email protected] and his government were quick to fall into. voters. Now it’s his turn to hang out with Noel friends about being there rather than actually succour to supporters of Catalan inde- by the promoters. They seemingly decided Gallagher, as he did last summer at a lengthy enjoying it. They’ll buy into anything if they’re THE IRISH TIMES MAGAZINE24-28Tara Street,Dublin2. Email:[email protected] DisplayAdvertising: 01-6758585. 44-62 TV&Radio If history tells us anything, it is that pendence, has a mission to weaken the they were not going to be seen cosying up to a lunch at Bono’s house. told it’s fashionable. Real music fans don’t feel democratic governments which deal too power of the nation state. This makes it politician — especially one as neo-liberal as Editor: RachelCollins. 63 Archi ve THE IRISH DAILY STAR, Friday June 15 2018 17 AOIFE BANNON In two decades of being around the Dublin the need to seek approval for something as harshly with breakaway movements will Blair turned out to be — even if the taoiseach is Roof falls in @Aoifeban [email protected] easier for breakaway movements to music scene, I never saw Leo Varadkar. Now natural as going to a gig, and they hold back on a friend of beloved Canadian premier Justin increase support for them. The cause of contemplate separation. Brussels has I can’t seem to go out without bumping into the hyperbole. They’re confident in their own [email protected] Trudeau, who made the cover of American CONOR McGregor and Floyd looks like the feud between the pair is IF you struggle to pack two hairdryers and seven Irish nationalism was helped hugely now had a partial deathbed repentance; him. It’s like I’ve accidentally fallen into the choices. To me, the taoiseach’s gig choices on homeless Mayweather look set to tear strips well and truly reignited. light for a short holiday, types of hair product. magazine Rolling Stone under the headline: l I AM a big fan of Derry Girls, the new com- l more than century ago by the decision of taoiseach’s social circle. But it’s no accident — were too cherry-picked to show an all-round off each other again. Verbally at least. Discussing another fight with May- edy on Channel 4. spare a thought for Kate Mid- Amanda put a snap of the its officials can observe Flemish separa- Why Can’t He Be Our President? It’s sorry State of affairs The pair faced each other in a box- weather, Conor said: “I’d do as I Set in the 1990s, the sitcom follows the dleton’s hairdresser. haul on Instagram with the I’m a big music fan, and Leo seems to be trying passion for the art. the British government to execute the tism by looking out of their windows. Or maybe they were too cool to be in selfies figures scam ing match last August, going ten please against him inside the Octa- antics of four Catholic schoolgirls. Although Amanda Cook Tucker, left, caption, “Think that’s every- to get on board the bandwagon of my favourite If Leo really enjoys music, he should resist rounds before Mayweather sealed his leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916, having with Paschal Donohue, who looks like the class gon. If he does do it, I know he’s flirt- it hardly paints Derry in the best light, I was joined the Duchess of Cam- thing” — with the post While Carles Puigdemont, the deposed groups. He’s been hanging out at Electric the temptation to be seen at St Vincent, or The 50th victory in the ring. ing with it, I’d have respect for him.” amused to see tourism chiefs attempt to bridge on a four-day Sweden quickly going viral. delayed home rule. Many Catalans who nerd, as real music fans often do. tHe Government, and useless But now a UFC rematch appears to Having been beaten by Mayweather make the most of the show’s popularity. and Norway trip this week. Thankfully the royal plane Catalan president, overplayed his hand, Picnic with wristbands up to his elbow, and XX, or whatever the current millennial favourite Blair’s spindoctor Alastair Campbell could Housing Minister eoghan Murphy be on the cards after Mayweather once, McGregor clearly wants to set- During an episode about sectarianism With pressure to keep the was on hand for the journey. were lukewarm at best about independ- coercion by Madrid can never be a showing up in wraparound sunglasses to all the is. He’d impress far more by showing up next posted a video of himself stepping tle the score. I’m just not sure the and the July 12 marches, an ad urging peo- royal tresses in tip top con- The fees to check that lot have warned Leo about how hanging out with in particular, are desperate to into the Octagon. public has the stamina for many more ple to visit Derry aired during the break. dition, poor Amanda’s lug- in with the likes of Ryanair ence were turned towards the cause by long-term solution. There has to be a key outdoor gigs. He knows that music today is month to see Gilbert O’Sullivan, our own stop the number of homeless THE IRISH TIMES Magazine | March 10, 2018 | 3 McGregor responded by saying, months of the old rivals and their I guess you can’t blame them for trying. gage included 13 brushes, would have blown even the the brutal treatment inflicted on their all about lifestyle, identity, wearing your taste musical genius who was a huge influence on “F*** the Mayweathers” — and it incessant mudslinging. six combs, three hair tongs, Queen’s travel budget. grown-up discussion about the areas in people breaking the 10,000 mark. in this so-called Republic fellow citizens by Spanish police. The as a badge, appealing to a certain set. Morrissey. Or he could go to see the Waterboys, which greater autonomy is possible and they are so unnerved at hitting sight of local firefighters trying to protect The music snob in me was irritated to see inventors of the “big music”, a sound and this landmark figure but rather NY lingering doubts that this new ones which break with increasing to be ignored? So how did we arrive at role. Leo Varadkar turned a whiter desirable, what in a Scottish context him at the Pixies gig in Trinity College in July, vision that inspired a generation of American Moira Hannon people from police truncheons, in images than find homes for the homeless State has an innate hatred of regularity. the situation where women given the shade of pale in the Dail when he was would be called “devo-max”. Most Cata- cheerleading for a band I’ve been evangelical rockers. they have now resorted to women were well and truly dis- The dreadful irony is that from the all-clear are now worried the results asked about a fundraiser organised for sent around the world, was a disaster. lans would probably be happy with that. about since I was 13. It felt a bit like someone He could use his status to give a leg-up to doctoring the numbers. Apelled this week. outside this country looks like an effi- were wrong and they might be devel- him by the chairman of the firm the That brutality has been followed by the After all, it was what they were promised trying to steal your clothes. It seemed odd that emerging Irish talent such as Farah Elle, or A leaked memo from Louth On the other hand if you were looking cient, well-run state but unfortunately oping cancer? HSE chief has joined. TELLING IT STRAIGHT EVERY FRIDAY hardest of hard lines by the Spanish Leo has only revealed his long-time love of the to support unsung heroes like Jinx Lennon. five years ago. County Council has blown away for more proof this so-called republic is beneath the surface is a mountain of Probably for the same reason the An almost speechless Taoiseach government. On Friday it dismissed Cata- Pixies (formed 1986) in recent years, just when Now, that would really be appreciated. Just be rotten to the core you didn’t need a corruption which is only occasionally State gave blood to thousands of confirmed that was the case. Is a grown-up outcome possible? they finally became mainstream cool. He has the Government’s lies and totally lonia’s political leaders and appointed sincere about it, Leo. Be yourself and lead, not contradicts Mr Murphy’s claims microscope to observe it. exposed at very low tide. women knowing it to be contaminated After the latest scandal many people Changes don’t Cooler heads are needed to stop this crisis tweeted about discovering them when he follow. that these people are not At least 17 women are dead and thou- Such a low tide occurred in the High killing at least 260 of them in what are asking what the HSE is actually getting much worse before it gets better. heard their song Where Is My Mind? on the The taoiseach should also think twice before homeless. sands more could have had their health Court last week when Vicky Phelan became known as hepatitis C scandal. there for apart from looking after the Fight Club movie soundtrack. flashing a VIP pass to get close to the latest cool it states: “it is important to destroyed or even lose their lives as a lifted the lid on what could be the worst Now the truth is out the rats are health of those in charge who pocket More galling was the knowledge that he got rock band in a bid for muso kudos. He was note that the Council still result of the smear test scandal. health scandal in the State’s history. running for cover and making promises Lotto plus jackpot-sized payoffs. backstage to meet Frank Black. So both Leo Real music fans lucky that even music fans, though suspicious consider these individuals as The latest scandal concerns cervical The mother of two didn’t find out they hope they will never have to keep There have also been questions raised True cost of tracker scandal is and I have a photo of ourselves with the lead don’t feel the of his true motives, sided with the taoiseach homeless.” cancer but has exposed a diseased State there was a mistake made with the and everyone is questioning the lack of as to why there is a need for expensive PLIGHT OF give feminism a MAURA’S singer of the Pixies, although it took me 16 when LCD Soundsystem attacked him publicly this is just the latest effort by with a health service which exists for results of her 2011 smear until 2017 and accountability in public affairs. inquiries and investigations when there years of fandom. I believe the taoiseach doesn’t on the assumption that Leo didn’t agree with the minister to hide the shocking the welfare of those who run it rather a review of her test was carried out in is a police force that could do the job. like Arcade Fire, which is a relief — at least need to seek their political views on repealing the eighth HIsTORY HUTCHES TROLLS price paid in human misery truth as he usually publishes the than for the health of the citizens who 2014, the year she was diagnosed with Probably because there are over 20 GAEILGE MUST something’s sacred. amendment. bad news late on a Friday night to pay for it. cervical cancer. In a tweet Vicky Phelan yesterday separate investigations and inquiries IS PITIFUL NEED TO It was no surprise to see him at LCD approval for But the jig is up now, and he won’t get away avoid the figures making the When it comes to secretive organisa- Now there could be hundreds, if not said she wants to see a Commission of ongoing into the Garda for such matters Soundsystem in the Olympia last month. The with it a second time. He might look back to IT is sometimes hard not something as papers and being scrutinised by tions which operate largely outside thousands, of other women affected or Investigation that is urgent, prompt and as money laundering and fraud. to feel sorry for the GROW UP Too often, controversies such as the right-on New Yorkers are the hottest hipster when he started in politics, and consider the likes of Morning ireland. government control, Britain has MI5, in the same situation. public. If past history is anything to go Republic of Opportunity? More like Hutch family. sporting chance tracker scandal simmer away in the back- the final figure could be as high as 30,000 ticket on the live circuit since they got back how that Britpop association ended with Blair. IF you’ve nothing nice to America has the CIA and Russia a new Had it not been for the courage of this by the opposite will be the case. the State of Scandal. The ongoing feud with together, especially among those who weren’t natural as going that’s transparency Fine Gael TOILET: Kim Jong Un the Kinahan gang has GOODBYE grid girls . . . into action on Wednesday with an everywhere rightly standing up to sexual say, say nothing at all. ground, present in our collective subcon- accounts. Michael D’Arcy, the junior Because ultimately musicians want to get style. version of the KGB. Ireland has the HSE. terminally ill mother other women Meanwhile, over at Dublin Castle the resulted in 12 members announcement that its “grid girls” are no harassment and inequality. It’s a good message to behind revolutionaries, not be part of the longer in keeping with its “brand values”. But are we now assuming that because scious without the full horror of the Now there is to be another statutory would be living and dying in ignorance Disclosures Tribunal lawyers are of the clan and their pick-and-mix feminism has live by whether that’s in finance minister, said the government to a concert establishment. associates being killed The move received a mixed response, these women are participating in a male the real world or on human misery they conceal quite dawn- investigation on the way, to join the He’s no won again. as some hailed it a victory for feminism, dominated sport that they are somehow might remove the role of consumer of the grave wrong done to them by the dealing with smears of another kind, in recent months. social media. Justine McCarthy is away dozens of other tribunals and inquiries, State. Were these tests not meant to that of whistleblower Sgt Maurice Gang boss Gerry ‘The This week, the role of glamorous while others insisted it was a clear case victims that are being objectified against Telly presenter Maura ing upon us. We have known for several protection from the Central Bank. Mr Monk’ Hutch, above, is women as ambassadors for sports of political correctness gone mad. their will? The girls have staunchly Are we past into a scandal which could eclipse the detect anomalies which might indicate McCabe. For me, it’s difficult to see how this is a Derrane was under the years that the pillar banks deprived some COMPULSORY Irish is like a loo-ser! in hiding, with his life in events was in the spotlight as two argued that this is not the case. Donohoe and Mr Coveney said it would BE SET FREE ... positive for women — it’s denying females Calling for the ban on ‘grid girls’, spotlight this week after hep C one. that the patient had a chance of devel- Like the case of Vicky Phelan, we people of tracker mortgage rates, much- rabid dog — it needs to be killed IS there anything danger, having lost three organisations announced they were work in a job they enjoyed. she was nastily trolled not, as no outside agency would have the Surely it’s now time for an actual oping cervical cancer in the future? wouldn’t know anything had the coura- nephews and a brother ‘walk-on girls’ and their ilk in other off for its own sake. Time to teach pupils Irish culture instead ★more powerful ditching the long-standing tradition. Thousands of women are set to lose a sports like boxing, the Women’s Sport online over an outfit prized interest charges pegged closely to caring about Generations of us have grown up to the violent rivalry with The Professional Darts Corporation she wore on her RTE same powers. Minister for Scandals to deal with the What was the point if they were going geous copper not blown the whistle and than a man with his good income because their once-valued Trust said they believe women working as the Kinahan mob. the prevailing lending rate of the Euro- used his tape recorder. learning to loathe, not love, our native own portaloo? announced last weekend that “walk-on job is now deemed to be setting a bad models at sports events is encouraging Today TV show. Mr Donohoe appeared genuinely to be Conor Brady language because ‘Gaeilge’ has been By all means, let primary schools keep Ceide fields in Mayo, ancient monaster- I suggest that Irish will emerge richer Moving scenes played girls” — the ladies who escort male play- example to young girls. ladies not to aim higher. The particular ensem- Vicky is also to be thanked for Not even Donald out in the capital this ers to the stage — will be axed from pean Central Bank, but few noticed the horrified last week at the behaviour of the our heritage? MAYdAY, Mayday, Mayday, Mcdonald’s and burning the scooters of forced down our throats — and it’s no delivering a basic grounding — a cupla ies like Glendalough, the Irish National and stronger as a result. Why? Because Trump can compete It seems to me to be a knee-jerk reac- The group explained: “We’re asking ble, above, was a per- week at the funeral of upcoming events after discussions with y the workers flipping the burgers inside revealing in a roundabout way the head wonder many children end up gagging. focail, if you like — to pupils but in sec- Heritage Park in Wexford, the Ulster boys and girls who study it will be doing with North Korean tion to the #MeToo scandal, with women (young girls) to look and admire the suc- fectly inoffensive skirt scale of the suffering caused. banks and decried their use of dehuman- socialism is lost and needs ondary school, compulsory Irish has no Folk Park in Omagh. so because they WANT to. Derek ‘Del Boy’ Coakley broadcasters. Formula 1 quickly roared cessful, talented, strong men taking part and stripey top. of the HSE Tony O’Brien was also on the This week a new report revealed that Supreme Leader Kim Hutch, with a family This national naivety was shattered President Higgins was right to rescuing from the yobs who ran riot in furthering revolution? place in the curriculum. Let children breathe in the past, let When I think of the Irish language, I in the competition — whilst the role of It was posted on the ising language, referring to ‘“customers’”, north will tell board of an American drug company. almost 4,000 Leaving Cert students have Jong Un when it friend reminding the hit out at the fact that history is Paris this week. As our friends in the managed to secure an exemption from Instead, all first year students at them imagine a time when the language recall Oscar Wilde’s poignant line in the the women is purely based on their phys- show’s Facebook page when the Central Bank of Ireland revealed Halawa had to be saved, ‘“consumers’” and ‘“accounts”, instead The Irish Times reported he joined comes to the crapper. gathered congregation ical appearance.” for interested viewers to no longer a core subject for the scenes on Mayday were an insult you, this is what’s known as recreational Irish. second level should be made to take a was part and parcel of our everyday life. Ballad Of Reading Gaol, “each man During their that “this is a family, findings from a two-year examination of course in “Irish language and culture” kills the thing he loves”. Unfortunately, this statement fails to see where the various of seeing the victims of their malpractice Junior Cert students. rioting and those involved have as the board of US contraceptive firm Some will have genuine reasons (dys- Language ★recent summit in not a cartel”. recognise that not all young girls dream pieces came from. to the French students and workers who with an emphasis on encouraging We are killing Irish — a language we Indeed friends and the problem, and when four victims of Michael d, below, said he much interest in workers’ rights as Evofem Biosciences earlier this lexia, for example) but most, I suspect, The Department of Education should Singapore, it emerged of being sports stars. However, as has as ‘“people’”. Yet, no more than the Cen- took to the streets in 1968 and who regard quitting Gaeilge as the equiva- children to take pride in their heritage. should all love — by making it locals in inner city In fact, it simply belittles those who this financial abuse gave moving personal football hooligans have in the clubs theyyear and was in line to also fund a week for every single stu- that Little Rocket become almost too com- tral Bank, the finance minister has limited shares shared “deep and didn’t need balaclavas to hide their lent of securing the Get Out Of Jail Free Go back to the very beginning of our compulsory all the way to the Leaving Man had something Dublin marched last dream of growing up to be models. receive fees totalling dent in the Gaeltacht with total immer- week with Del Boy’s monplace, many of those testimony to the Oireachtas committee on but he was reckless profound concern” of historians supposedly follow. native tongue. Explain how and why Cert. When pupils are faking dyslexia to The suggestion is that women who have tools to curb or punish abuse. The Central faces. How is smashing the windows of card in Monopoly. sion in the language and not a word of over the US President mother in a show of sup- who commented on the €45,000 a year for the Irish came to exist on our beautiful lit- escape from a subject, you know jobs that are focused on their appearance picture took the opportu- finance. For example, Thomas Ryan said at this development and so do a Yes, it’s a useless language — but it’s Bearla allowed. — his own toilet. port for the family’s are letting down the female cause. Bank’s powers to order compensation our language and just because nobody tle island (I don’t have a clue, it was something’s gone badly wrong. Apparently Lil’ Kim nity to tell Maura in no lot of others. Then, when the Junior Cert cycle kicks Far better to imbue students with ongoing suffering. The fact that these women are there he suffered a stroke at the age of 47 and his outside these shores speaks ‘as Gaeilge’, never explained to me). — as I call him — Some will argue that uncertain terms how and redress payments apply only to track- He pointed out that Bring Irish culture alive by taking off at the beginning of second year, stu- knowledge and pride in our native by choice, because they enjoy it and that is not a good enough reason to doesn’t want his poo their plight is a reminder also make good money, has been over- much they disliked her wife Claire had a nervous breakdown in ers denied after 2013. In earlier cases it understanding students out of the classroom and let- dents should be able to CHOOSE wheth- ‘teanga’ and let them take it from there. attire — and the rest. THIS FAILS TO confine Irish to the dustbin of history. er or not they want to study Irish. to come into contact of the high price that looked simply because the girls involved 2015 after five years fighting their bank, ting them relive history. The ‘compulsory’ edict is like a noose There were a few posi- must rely on moral pressure, which has the past is However, a radical new approach is Yes, there will be a massive fall-off in with foreign soil. comes with having are “glamorous”. Ed to the bank as Once a month or so, bring them on a tightening around Irish. If you love family members involved In this case, it seems the term is being tive comments but they Permanent TSB (PTSB). Independent imperative to needed. the numbers taking the subject but may Lucky he’s never had little impact on bankers up to now. Mr heritage tour — the something, set it free. ★met Gillian in criminality. used almost as a slur on the ladies were very much in the financial advisers estimated the differ- how we shape MAKE CENTS It is also a sign of just involved. Punishing women because they minority, and for the Donohoe may delay the restoration of If all Irish citizens flirted with extremism abroad, we’d run out of resources McKeith, the TV star most part they were just the future and who spent years pok- how deadly the powerful are attractive to men seems worryingly ence in interest costs between the correct CRIME really is rampant in the country as RTE guitar icon folds Kinahan cartel is — and backward to me. plain mean and nasty. bonuses and higher pay scales to senior without this viewers will have witnessed last week. Mother of ing through sh*t to everything must be And if glamour and sport is so abhor- The presenter was told tracker rate for Hazel Melbourne, another banking executives, but this will not put a future AROUND 405,000 people that the entire SITTING IN Spoil your dad help viewers lose done to stop their rent, should we consider axing she was too old for the PTSB customer, and the incorrect rate the t one point in 2015, in the second year Shocking video on Crimecall showed weight. I’d imagine roof back over the heads of the 25 families generations run here are due to attend Ed population of JUDGEMENT: bloody rampage. Ladies Day at race meets? (“badly ironed”) outfit, of Ibrahim Halawa’s imprisonment in two older men stealing coins from a church that Kim is the sort of Sadly, this kind of feminism while others weighed in bank applied to her, would be in excess of Declaration of Human Rights. Even after his the risk of being all claims Kelly Brook THIS Sunday will be my first Father’s Day without a who lost their homes. He may increase the Egypt, Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan candle collection box and in other clips a sheeran’s Irish concerts, the southern on Loose chap who wouldn’t reeks of double standards. on her make-up. acquittal, he was kept in prison for a further “permanently father. My dad Niall died in February and of course, take too kindly to the While feminists on one hand Speaking about the €60,000 over the remaining term of her bank levy on a particular institution but asked rhetorically whether the Irish soldiers had killed almost 900 people. “We woman was seen leaving a store without which apparently is capital is Women show this time 12 months ago I had no idea that 2017 would month. Anyone who has taken a longer-term burdened with a suggestion that his, er, say that women should be commentary, which was mortgage if not put right. only fear Allah, not bullets,” Omaima Halawa paying for toys. a record. going to his by Kelly... be the last year I’d be buying a Father’s Day card. able to wear what they want, we know the customer will ultimately pick government would be doing more to interest in Egypt’s human rights record will lack of cuddly figure, was a brought to wider atten- wrote on Facebook at the time. There is no Unfortunately there was no footage of the The promoter three gigs. Needless to say, the influence of a dad — of a good tad on the wide side. this latest manoeuvre now tion by a caller to Ryan About 7,000 cases were identified by up the tab anyway. secure his release if his name was not, however, be greatly surprised. Amnesty WHAT IS Kelly Brook’s dad — lives on long after they die. suggests that looking sexy at suggestion of involvement in violence, but perspective, also claims This week ●idea of “work” I Tubridy’s radio show, the banks before the Central Bank began Paddy Murphy. It was widely International’s most recent report on the €1billion plus robbed from up to 50,000 bank He’s not only responsible for 50 per cent of your DNA a male-orientated sporting Maura said: “I have to If the share price is damaged by this Ibrahim and possibly some of the other family empathy and wisdom”. that this legendary wonder? event is somehow shameful. its examination in December 2015. Its understood that she was reflecting country, in 2016, detailed sweeping detentions, customers during the great tracker mortgage but he will have helped to shape your character, your say, if it gets really scandal, or by the cost of putting it right in the feelings of members of Halawa’s family and members had attended successive Better that the young be robbery but it still happened. glorified pub guitar maker Posing in a bikini on a values, your outlook on life and even the way you raise Time to fight Bowing to politically cor- nasty, I think it can be A mass trials, arbitrary arrests, torture, ill- rect pressure, the sports review identified a further 13,000 cases. trained as corporate drones to singer is “the Gibson, left, beach, appearing on some your own kids. very hurtful.” the banks where the government holds a many of his friends among the Muslim demonstrations since their arrival in Egypt. Also, when detectives do manage to solve minor TV show, gushing IT was never going to be the toughest involved say that the treatment and summary executions. Many of work for the likes of Apple So just a gentle reminder to give your dad a big hug of interviews but Piers Morgan must At a time when cyber- The review was supposed to take three community here. Critics of the Irish authorities’ inability to the great collection box heist they might have best rockstar filed for about a new product she’s LONELINESS practice of female significant or a majority share, the tax- those who fall into the hands of the security this Sunday and spoil him rotten if you’re lucky surely have felt ridiculous asking Donald ambassadors is “at bullying of teens is at a The comment was unwarranted and have one of their citizens freed have asked why without questioning why they pay there is in the bankruptcy while being paid to promote? THE Loneliness months, but has taken 22 so far and is still payer will ultimately carry that cost too. forces simply disappear. By such obscene a look at the findings of a certain tribunal enough to still have him with you for Father’s Day. Trump if he considers himself a feminist. odds with modern record high, I find it uninformed. We now know that almost from one of Halawa’s cell-mates, Australian half their wages in tax while their which has been gathering dust for over seven world”. Ed laughs all the way I ask, because she has a Taskforce this week The ITV presenter has long been a vocal societal norms”. mind-boggling that going. The government has not been But financial cost pales alongside the standards, Ibrahim Halawa might even be made some excellent grown adults — the the moment that 17-year-old Ibrahim was journalist Peter Greste, was released so much employer pays almost none. years. Up to 120,000 of the to the bank. Kind of sums pLucky ●few choice words to say supporter of the US president, who he They say having speaking with one voice on this issue. considered lucky. Without knowing the history of about working mothers. I HAVE zero interest in the recommendations to became friendly with after appearing on The women there to majority female and human price caused by the wrongful with- detained by Egyptian security forces along with earlier. Probably because although convicted Hopefully then our modern-day Sherlock tickets are for the singer’s up the state of rock ‘n’ roll Guy Ed help combat this all Apprentice in the US. And that relationship paid promote the sport many of them mothers Paschal Donohoe, the finance minister, Yet, possibly to support his safe return, an sheeran Needless to say, the fact ■World Cup but the opening CRINGE: drawal and denial of tracker mortgage his older sisters, during violent clashes in of reporting news which was “damaging to workers’ struggles for their rights Cork shows which means at the moment. that Kelly neither holds too common human off when Piers scooped a one-on-one with the is no longer to boot — still think it’s almost wholly unquestioning public narrative Holmes will finally investigate Moriarty? ceremony was on TV in the Robbie leader of the free world. has confined himself to commenting on Cairo, Irish diplomats and officials were national security”, Greste was doing his job that will be the case. down a full-time job nor condition. appropriate and OK to say awful things rates to thousands of Irish families, in was built up around his case. This had the office yesterday so unfortu- Williams It suggests we copy In an interview that critics have blasted as it needs to about other people on the 20,000 cases we know about. Simon striving to secure their release. As soon as they and was not challenging the regime. has any children, did not nately, I witnessed Robbie being too soft and cosy, surely hardened hack be “updated”. social media. what has been a stark reminder of the Halawa siblings caught up more or less bother her in the slightest. the UK and have a Piers was aware that asking a man who fam- Coveney, the foreign affairs minister, said became aware that Irish citizens were in the Al There is not much to choose between the Williams’ cringe-inducing specific Minister for To me, telling While most parents anguish that can lie behind your unwittingly extreme violence while on She told the Loose performance. He looked like a ously boasted of grabbing women “by the women that they will tell their kids to be Fateh mosque — where shots were being brutal dictatorship that now rules Egypt and ●Women TV show that Loneliness. It also p***y” if he’s a feminist was laughable. can’t work in cer- neighbour’s front door. vacation. This was not the case. They were not washed-up crooner from urges pumping 3 kind to others and to exchanged with the security forces — the Irish the Muslim Brotherhood with its involvement she liked “professional” Thankfully, even Trump has enough humility tain roles seems never bully anyone, simply passive tourists who found themselves Vegas with his tacky suit, million a year into to admit that branding himself as such would be to be sending ambassador to Egypt, Isolde Moylan, and the in terrorism, its anti-Semitism and its mums who “never” black silk shirt with a hint of perhaps they would do in the wrong place at the wrong time. projects to alleviate “maybe going too far”. us back in time, well to also practice consul Sean Norton were working the phones aggressive fundamentalism. It “tries to mentioned their kids. hairy chest, chain necklace I don’t think anyone would argue with that. loneliness. not forward. what they preach. The date of their detention — August 16, 2013 Kelly hates women who and rictus grin. Apparently, he to have them extricated. They advised the participate in politics ... but is willing to use use their children as an Our population is — had been designated as a “Day of Rage” by also gave the middle finger to ageing rapidly so Damning verdict on TV trial Halawa siblings to stay together and to stop violence and terror,” according to a UK “excuse” for cancelling an the extremist Muslim Brotherhood, protesting the camera. I wonder how this is a problem we giving interviews. commission of inquiry in 2014. Perhaps it is a appointment. May she against violence by the security forces. The much he got paid? Not enough need to tackle now, In the four years and two months since, the bit like Sinn Fein and the IRA. never know the woes of Halawas were no neophytes. They had spoken to hide the fact that he looked not in the future. Halawa case has occupied the energies of two caring for a sick infant. mortified to be there. If it was someone’s intention to stifle any on a public platform at a mass meeting in There is no suggestion that Ibrahim Halawa taoisigh, three ministers for foreign affairs, up sits anywhere on this spectrum. Like most Rabaa where, two days previously, police and public enthusiasm for televised court when only the most learned of friends to a dozen diplomats, and any number of young men, he has ideals and aims, including proceedings, then last week’s decision to would have been anything other than officials across various government political aims. And every Irish citizen must be DON’T MISS TOMORROW’S GLOSSY MAG open the Supreme Court to the cameras mystified by last week’s judgments in departments. According to Simon Coveney, the glad he has been freed and is reunited with his FREE was a stroke of genius. Anyone hoping for current foreign affairs minister, it took up family and can rebuild his life. But it is 30 cases involving extradition and redress. an OJ Simpson-style courtroom drama 20,000 consular hours, more than any other necessary to be frank. Even allowing for his Why not open with a criminal trial, per- case in the history of his department. In will have been abruptly disabused by youth, he put himself recklessly and knowingly haps, or a compensation case in which the parallel, public opinion mobilised to a degree in the way of grave danger, in public the spectacle. injured plaintiff was suddenly confronted probably never before witnessed in support of association with an extremist movement. It was surely with his tongue firmly in with Facebook images of his recent kite- an Irish citizen in trouble abroad, with There was an outcry when emergency his cheek that chief justice Frank Clarke surfing exploits? Instead, the sight of five demonstrations, expressions of support from services had to be deployed because idiots elected representatives, petitions on social were out swimming and surfing during suggested televising the Supreme Court bewigged judges perorating on points of He put himself could “demystify” the judicial process, media and extensive news coverage. Hurricane Ophelia. The Halawa episode is law will surely have silenced any demand By any civilised standard, the case of knowingly in different only in the scale of resources that had for televised courts for at least a decade. Ibrahim Halawa is shocking. His detention for to be mobilised. If every Irish citizen were to more than four years without being convicted the way of act in similar fashion abroad, requiring the of any crime violates article 9 of the Universal state to mount a rescue operation of similar grave danger proportions, public patience would not long endure. [email protected] OVERALL WINNER 2014 WINNER ME TOO! By Alisha Shanagher Our Lady’s School, Terenure

I am writing this for the girl in Learn from last year’s winner For house keys wedged be- front of me on the bus, who tween my fi ngers when I walk edges away from the old man alone at night. For my head- beside her when his hand slides phones, my clenched fi sts, the along her thigh. I see your head streetlights on a main road. lower in shame as everyone Thank you for being my oldest watches, but no one speaks up and dearest friends, for making to defend you. I silently plead sure I always get home safely. with you to crush his creeping fi ngers between your legs. Give For the boy who stands in the him a mark so shameful that he shadows, too afraid of what can never lay those hands on everyone will think to make anybody else. his voice heard, I see you. You matt er. For my friends trying to hold For the people desperately their heads high when the boys dusting their skin to fi gure hurl insults like stones from out who has left all of these across the road. I know that this night was supposed to be For the men that eyed us up fi ngerprints. Your silence was sometimes these names are your movie moment, a snap- like women when we were not consent. more familiar than our own, and shot of your teenage years to barely girls, and the songs they For the women who will never we all wish we could fade into look back on when everything write about the damage they get to read this, because their the brick walls behind us. else fades away. Instead you will do when we fi nally turn 18. stories ended in the darkest But you are so much more than spend it with a feeling in the For the boys outside the frat part of the club, behind the blind catcalls at four o’clock on pit of your stomach that none house chanting “No means bins, or in their own homes. a Tuesday aft ernoon. You are of this is right, but he is so Yes”. For the President who will I am still searching for you in vibrant, and loud. Your sharp overpowering that sometimes it get elected no matt er where everybody that passes me on tongue is the most powerful seems he fi lls the whole room. we wants to grab me. I hope the street. weapon in your arsenal. Do not You forget how to say stop. the next woman you look at be afraid to open fi re. Do not let this be the end. Don’t carries a switchblade in her bra, For everyone who has had ‘no’ build a tower to lock yourself just for you. I hope she carves erased from their vocabulary, For the girls I see at every party away. You were brought into that smile you tormented her who has been made to feel like and disco I have ever been to. It this world kicking and scream- for into your side so you never their body was no longer theirs doesn’t matt er how short your ing. Never stop. forget her name. to own, skirt was, or how much you had to drink. What matt ers is that Me too

14 COMMENT

The Sunday Times October 29, 2017

Spain turns aESTABLISHED Catalan 1822 Larissa Nolan drama into a crisis The gig is up for wo months ago the eyes of the world were on Barcelona Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, the coun- tragically hip Leo because of the terrorist attack try’s deputy prime minister, to be in that killed 14 people and injured charge of the region. The chief of more than 100 others. The Catalonia’s autonomous police force — people of Barcelona and Spain under investigation for sedition for failing came together in solidarity. Now to assist the Guardia Civil in dealing with all is discord. pro-independence protesters — was Taoiseach should ditch the trendy music bandwagon if he wants real kudos TAn impulsive and premature push for removed from office. Madrid has ordered independence by the region’s political regional elections for December 21. leaders, coupled with a clumsy and The reasons for Catalonia’s push for he year was 1996: Britpop was at its unnecessarily hardline response from the independence can be debated. It is one of height, Cool Britannia ruled the waves, interested enough the first time around to go Spanish government in Madrid, has given Spain’s most successful and prosperous and here in Ireland a 17-year-old named and see them. Spain its biggest constitutional crisis in Leo Varadkar joined Fine Gael. rock stars might blow up in his face. When the regions but the recession, the eurozone They’ve a lot in common, Leo Varadkar and former prime minister hosted a gin-and-tonic Neuroscience suggests the music we LCD frontman James Murphy. Both are kings of the 42 years since the death of the dictator crisis reception for Damon Albarn in the House of and arguments about the distribu- listen to as teenagers has the strongest spin. LCD Soundsystem pulled off the music PR General Francisco Franco. Commons in the mid-90s, a sceptical Campbell tion of tax proceeds have poured petrol influence on us, and it seems that our coup of the decade — breaking-up in 2011 in a Although the pressures and tensions asked the Blur singer: “What if you turn around on the flames. Now it faces the economic first “indie” taoiseach is no exception. dramatic, extended farewell that included a Leo’s entry into politics came during a heady and say: ‘Tony’s a wanker’?” have been building for years, the crisis has consequences of this constitutional crisis. T final show and a documentary, before re- era when musicians hung out with prime unfolded in the space of a month. On forming with seemingly indecent haste just Music lovers have little regard for those who Nearly 1,700 companies have taken steps ministers, in what felt like a revolution. At the feign a passionate interest in certain bands October 1, in a referendum that Madrid over four years later. There are plenty of bands to move their headquarters from Catalo- Brit Awards, Noel Gallagher dedicated one of to make themselves look cool. I’m not saying who’d call that a rest between records, but the insisted was illegal, 90% of those who nia to other parts of Spain since the refer- Oasis’s wins to Tony Blair, saying: “He’s the Leo doesn’t like music at all; I just think he’s hype meant a number one album and a sold- voted supported Catalonian independ- man!” It was an intoxicating time to come of pretending to like it a lot more than he actually endum. Visitor numbers are down. out reunion tour. Genuine or not, it was a ence. It did not provide a mandate for age, and we teens in the bland land of Bertie does in order to fit his image as our young, hip During the Cold War the Soviet masterful publicity stunt. and Bruton were happy to be swept up in it. leader. It won’t wash. It’s an appropriation and independence — many Catalonians who threat held western European countries So while LCD members Nancy Whang and Al Blair’s strategy must have impressed the an insult. oppose it chose not to vote and the turn- Doyle were more than happy to court their together and fears of past dictatorship young Leo, given that as taoiseach he has been liberal activist fans with “Resist” and “Repeal” Separately, there’s a growing society of fakes out was only 43% — but it set a trap that moderated behaviour at home. But the aligning himself with the biggest names in rock at gigs lately, brandishing iPhones, more sloganeering, they turned on Leo when he Mariano Rajoy, Spain’s prime minister, and showcasing a hip taste in music to modern concerned with boasting to their Facebook European Union, while it has offered no went backstage for a meet-and-greet facilitated and his government were quick to fall into. voters. Now it’s his turn to hang out with Noel friends about being there rather than actually succour to supporters of Catalan inde- by the promoters. They seemingly decided Gallagher, as he did last summer at a lengthy enjoying it. They’ll buy into anything if they’re If history tells us anything, it is that pendence, has a mission to weaken the they were not going to be seen cosying up to a lunch at Bono’s house. told it’s fashionable. Real music fans don’t feel democratic governments which deal too politician — especially one as neo-liberal as power of the nation state. This makes it In two decades of being around the Dublin the need to seek approval for something as harshly with breakaway movements will Blair turned out to be — even if the taoiseach is easier for breakaway movements to music scene, I never saw Leo Varadkar. Now natural as going to a gig, and they hold back on a friend of beloved Canadian premier Justin increase support for them. The cause of contemplate separation. Brussels has I can’t seem to go out without bumping into the hyperbole. They’re confident in their own Trudeau, who made the cover of American Irish nationalism was helped hugely him. It’s like I’ve accidentally fallen into the choices. To me, the taoiseach’s gig choices now had a partial deathbed repentance; magazine Rolling Stone under the headline: more than century ago by the decision of taoiseach’s social circle. But it’s no accident — were too cherry-picked to show an all-round its officials can observe Flemish separa- Why Can’t He Be Our President? I’m a big music fan, and Leo seems to be trying the British government to execute the tism by looking out of their windows. passion for the art. to get on board the bandwagon of my favourite Or maybe they were too cool to be in selfies leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916, having with Paschal Donohue, who looks like the class If Leo really enjoys music, he should resist While Carles Puigdemont, the deposed groups. He’s been hanging out at Electric the temptation to be seen at St Vincent, or The delayed home rule. Many Catalans who nerd, as real music fans often do. Catalan president, overplayed his hand, Picnic with wristbands up to his elbow, and XX, or whatever the current millennial favourite were lukewarm at best about independ- showing up in wraparound sunglasses to all the Blair’s spindoctor Alastair Campbell could is. He’d impress far more by showing up next coercion by Madrid can never be a have warned Leo about how hanging out with ence were turned towards the cause by long-term solution. There has to be a key outdoor gigs. He knows that music today is month to see Gilbert O’Sullivan, our own the brutal treatment inflicted on their grown-up discussion about the areas in all about lifestyle, identity, wearing your taste musical genius who was a huge influence on as a badge, appealing to a certain set. Morrissey. Or he could go to see the Waterboys, fellow citizens by Spanish police. The which greater autonomy is possible and sight of local firefighters trying to protect The music snob in me was irritated to see inventors of the “big music”, a sound and desirable, what in a Scottish context him at the Pixies gig in Trinity College in July, vision that inspired a generation of American people from police truncheons, in images would be called “devo-max”. Most Cata- cheerleading for a band I’ve been evangelical rockers. sent around the world, was a disaster. lans would probably be happy with that. about since I was 13. It felt a bit like someone He could use his status to give a leg-up to That brutality has been followed by the After all, it was what they were promised trying to steal your clothes. It seemed odd that emerging Irish talent such as Farah Elle, or Leo has only revealed his long-time love of the hardest of hard lines by the Spanish five years ago. to support unsung heroes like Jinx Lennon. government. On Friday it dismissed Cata- Pixies (formed 1986) in recent years, just when Now, that would really be appreciated. Just be Is a grown-up outcome possible? they finally became mainstream cool. He has lonia’s political leaders and appointed sincere about it, Leo. Be yourself and lead, not Cooler heads are needed to stop this crisis tweeted about discovering them when he follow. getting much worse before it gets better. heard their song Where Is My Mind? on the The taoiseach should also think twice before Fight Club movie soundtrack. flashing a VIP pass to get close to the latest cool More galling was the knowledge that he got rock band in a bid for muso kudos. He was backstage to meet Frank Black. So both Leo Real music fans lucky that even music fans, though suspicious True cost of tracker scandal is and I have a photo of ourselves with the lead of his true motives, sided with the taoiseach singer of the Pixies, although it took me 16 don’t feel the when LCD Soundsystem attacked him publicly years of fandom. I believe the taoiseach doesn’t need to seek on the assumption that Leo didn’t agree with price paid in human misery like Arcade Fire, which is a relief — at least their political views on repealing the eighth something’s sacred. amendment. It was no surprise to see him at LCD approval for But the jig is up now, and he won’t get away Soundsystem in the Olympia last month. The with it a second time. He might look back to Too often, controversies such as the right-on New Yorkers are the hottest hipster something as when he started in politics, and consider tracker scandal simmer away in the back- the final figure could be as high as 30,000 ticket on the live circuit since they got back how that Britpop association ended with Blair. together, especially among those who weren’t natural as going ground, present in our collective subcon- accounts. Michael D’Arcy, the junior Because ultimately musicians want to get behind revolutionaries, not be part of the scious without the full horror of the finance minister, said the government to a concert human misery they conceal quite dawn- establishment. might remove the role of consumer Justine McCarthy is away ing upon us. We have known for several protection from the Central Bank. Mr years that the pillar banks deprived some Donohoe and Mr Coveney said it would people of tracker mortgage rates, much- not, as no outside agency would have the prized interest charges pegged closely to same powers. the prevailing lending rate of the Euro- Mr Donohoe appeared genuinely to be Conor Brady pean Central Bank, but few noticed the horrified last week at the behaviour of the scale of the suffering caused. banks and decried their use of dehuman- This national naivety was shattered ising language, referring to ‘“customers’”, when the Central Bank of Ireland revealed Halawa had to be saved, ‘“consumers’” and ‘“accounts”, instead findings from a two-year examination of of seeing the victims of their malpractice the problem, and when four victims of as ‘“people’”. Yet, no more than the Cen- this financial abuse gave moving personal tral Bank, the finance minister has limited testimony to the Oireachtas committee on but he was reckless tools to curb or punish abuse. The Central finance. For example, Thomas Ryan said Bank’s powers to order compensation he suffered a stroke at the age of 47 and his and redress payments apply only to track- wife Claire had a nervous breakdown in ers denied after 2013. In earlier cases it 2015 after five years fighting their bank, must rely on moral pressure, which has Permanent TSB (PTSB). Independent had little impact on bankers up to now. Mr financial advisers estimated the differ- Donohoe may delay the restoration of If all Irish citizens flirted with extremism abroad, we’d run out of resources ence in interest costs between the correct bonuses and higher pay scales to senior tracker rate for Hazel Melbourne, another banking executives, but this will not put a PTSB customer, and the incorrect rate the t one point in 2015, in the second year roof back over the heads of the 25 families of Ibrahim Halawa’s imprisonment in bank applied to her, would be in excess of who lost their homes. He may increase the Declaration of Human Rights. Even after his Egypt, Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan acquittal, he was kept in prison for a further €60,000 over the remaining term of her soldiers had killed almost 900 people. “We bank levy on a particular institution but asked rhetorically whether the Irish month. Anyone who has taken a longer-term mortgage if not put right. only fear Allah, not bullets,” Omaima Halawa we know the customer will ultimately pick government would be doing more to interest in Egypt’s human rights record will wrote on Facebook at the time. There is no About 7,000 cases were identified by up the tab anyway. secure his release if his name was not, however, be greatly surprised. Amnesty suggestion of involvement in violence, but the banks before the Central Bank began Paddy Murphy. It was widely International’s most recent report on the If the share price is damaged by this Ibrahim and possibly some of the other family its examination in December 2015. Its understood that she was reflecting country, in 2016, detailed sweeping detentions, scandal, or by the cost of putting it right in the feelings of members of Halawa’s family and members had attended successive A mass trials, arbitrary arrests, torture, ill- review identified a further 13,000 cases. many of his friends among the Muslim demonstrations since their arrival in Egypt. the banks where the government holds a treatment and summary executions. Many of The review was supposed to take three community here. significant or a majority share, the tax- those who fall into the hands of the security Critics of the Irish authorities’ inability to The comment was unwarranted and have one of their citizens freed have asked why months, but has taken 22 so far and is still payer will ultimately carry that cost too. forces simply disappear. By such obscene uninformed. We now know that almost from one of Halawa’s cell-mates, Australian going. The government has not been standards, Ibrahim Halawa might even be But financial cost pales alongside the the moment that 17-year-old Ibrahim was journalist Peter Greste, was released so much speaking with one voice on this issue. considered lucky. human price caused by the wrongful with- detained by Egyptian security forces along with earlier. Probably because although convicted Yet, possibly to support his safe return, an Paschal Donohoe, the finance minister, drawal and denial of tracker mortgage his older sisters, during violent clashes in of reporting news which was “damaging to almost wholly unquestioning public narrative has confined himself to commenting on Cairo, Irish diplomats and officials were national security”, Greste was doing his job rates to thousands of Irish families, in was built up around his case. This had the the 20,000 cases we know about. Simon striving to secure their release. As soon as they and was not challenging the regime. what has been a stark reminder of the Halawa siblings caught up more or less became aware that Irish citizens were in the Al Coveney, the foreign affairs minister, said anguish that can lie behind your unwittingly extreme violence while on There is not much to choose between the Fateh mosque — where shots were being brutal dictatorship that now rules Egypt and vacation. This was not the case. They were not neighbour’s front door. exchanged with the security forces — the Irish the Muslim Brotherhood with its involvement simply passive tourists who found themselves ambassador to Egypt, Isolde Moylan, and the in terrorism, its anti-Semitism and its in the wrong place at the wrong time. consul Sean Norton were working the phones aggressive fundamentalism. It “tries to The date of their detention — August 16, 2013 to have them extricated. They advised the participate in politics ... but is willing to use — had been designated as a “Day of Rage” by Halawa siblings to stay together and to stop violence and terror,” according to a UK Damning verdict on TV trial the extremist Muslim Brotherhood, protesting giving interviews. commission of inquiry in 2014. Perhaps it is a against violence by the security forces. The In the four years and two months since, the bit like Sinn Fein and the IRA. Halawas were no neophytes. They had spoken Halawa case has occupied the energies of two If it was someone’s intention to stifle any on a public platform at a mass meeting in There is no suggestion that Ibrahim Halawa taoisigh, three ministers for foreign affairs, up sits anywhere on this spectrum. Like most Rabaa where, two days previously, police and public enthusiasm for televised court when only the most learned of friends to a dozen diplomats, and any number of young men, he has ideals and aims, including proceedings, then last week’s decision to would have been anything other than officials across various government political aims. And every Irish citizen must be open the Supreme Court to the cameras mystified by last week’s judgments in departments. According to Simon Coveney, the glad he has been freed and is reunited with his current foreign affairs minister, it took up was a stroke of genius. Anyone hoping for cases involving extradition and redress. family and can rebuild his life. But it is 31 an OJ Simpson-style courtroom drama 20,000 consular hours, more than any other necessary to be frank. Even allowing for his Why not open with a criminal trial, per- case in the history of his department. In will have been abruptly disabused by youth, he put himself recklessly and knowingly haps, or a compensation case in which the parallel, public opinion mobilised to a degree in the way of grave danger, in public the spectacle. injured plaintiff was suddenly confronted probably never before witnessed in support of association with an extremist movement. It was surely with his tongue firmly in with Facebook images of his recent kite- an Irish citizen in trouble abroad, with There was an outcry when emergency his cheek that chief justice Frank Clarke surfing exploits? Instead, the sight of five demonstrations, expressions of support from services had to be deployed because idiots elected representatives, petitions on social were out swimming and surfing during suggested televising the Supreme Court bewigged judges perorating on points of He put himself could “demystify” the judicial process, media and extensive news coverage. Hurricane Ophelia. The Halawa episode is law will surely have silenced any demand By any civilised standard, the case of knowingly in different only in the scale of resources that had SEARCHING FOR RESCUE 116 by Steve Humphreys for televised courts for at least a decade. Ibrahim Halawa is shocking. His detention for to be mobilised. If every Irish citizen were to more than four years without being convicted the way of act in similar fashion abroad, requiring the of any crime violates article 9 of the Universal state to mount a rescue operation of similar grave danger proportions, public patience would not long endure. [email protected]