Radio Men

Roddy Doyle, in an interview with the gifted John Kelly (The View Presents, RTÉ 1 Tuesday 6th July 2010) mentioned that "The Irish are best at being Irish...talking, telling stories, looking out for each other..." This got me thinking about our radio network and how we have the industry that we so richly deserve , in the most positive way. Rightly criticised for being a personality driven medium and how it is nauseating to hear such titles as 'The Tubrudy Show, Sean Moncreiff, The John Murray Show, Michael Cahill, The Ray Foley Show etc. etc. etc. it is a format that permits us to talk to associate with an indivudal and to engage with the topic of discussion, the banter being shared and the stories being emparted. It is a truly wonderful gift to the Irish people that has been well fostered and cherished and the hand of the BAI should be aware of what they are nourishing and tending to is a rare and wonderful beast that should only be complimented with its licencing strategy and preserving in it policing.

Kept Women

As I walk around the beaches north of Wexford town, I am aware of the ever present 'holiday home hurrahs!' who are holed up here for several months in their second homes, however temporary they are in nature, and am conciously aware of the vast majority being women with children. I am also very keanly aware that my proceeding comments may, at first glance, appear sexist but please look at them for the intention expressed and know that I have been born and raised in an environment thirving with independent women and whose values I support and endorse.

That said, these ladies of leisure are, to all intents and purposes, are in this county as a preoccupation while the husband works.'She' is being entertained while 'He' provides. It really struck me that she is living her life through him, and granted she is giving him things and caring for him more than he would himself, but the sheer possibility occured to me that she has a list of activites from book clubs to wine and cheeses to lunch dates and coffee mornings,,,and now the holiday home and is being kept. I am amazed that a female of independent spirit, the same nature that is prevalent around my me in my family home, could want this and feel that it is natural. I know some situations are mutual and I am cognoscente that there is give and take in any relationship and a contribution to that 'merging' of individuals is made 'in lieu' but I simply though in one fleeting moment on the sea shore that do all people feel the same compulsion to provide, make, create and not be handed 'pocket money', maintained and provided for without question?

A little strange as I find this on the screen but it was a thought that seemed valid at the time so is now committed to the blogosphere- make with it what you will

Protectionism in the Gael Camp

Enda's new cabinet looks more like a self-protection measure rather than a programme for government. The removal of Brian Hayes and Olivia Mitchell is surely cutting his nose off to spite his face (but he rarely picks up the 'political' scent). The concessionary head-nod to Richard Bruton is pathetic and while his economics brain may sit well with innovation really neither he or the leader wants him to be there so frankly the public image that is trying to be perceived is derisory.

Also bringing back from the rot of the backbenches some politcally dead or geriatric individuals shows no youthful direction, lacks fresh perspective and adds heapes to the theory that he is surrounding himself with non-threats. Only Leo Varadkar with an outside portfolio stands a chance to be ayre-apparent (one would feel that Richard has had his moment and looks a defeated man).

And speaking of vintage faces, there is Noonan who is a valued contribution to finance, a portfolio he has held in and out of the actual office and now a probable pussycat having had a taste of leadership and using more than his quotas of heaves against the in-situ leader (three against John Bruton and been in the party for an additional three)

But what is one to make of the supposed Tainaiste in waiting (provided a pack with Labour doesnt manifest) James O'Rielly. He does nothing to complement or contrast 'Inda' or does he add any dynamite and is only good for throwing words across the foor, the studio or the telephone and is hardly a strong deputy.

If Cowen isnt in the hot seat at the next election then would would have to fancy yet another term of the Fianna 'Failers' (lack of fádá is the author's emphasis!!!)

The rub of The Greens

And so it has come to pass - a little later and under different circumstances than originally anticipated but a series of bills focusing on animal welfare passing through the house ahead of the summer reccess is causing the man on the street, when the microphone of the public broadcaster is stuck under their nose, appear inclined to mention ad nauseum that the 'little' sister is dictating to the 'bigger' bruiser and that they should "get back in their box". Comments echoed by Fianna Fáil TD, Mattie McGrath who, kind of, voted against the party on the stag hunt ban (He voted against in the electronic vote and then abstained in the face vote) that the baby coalition partner is bullying its senior.  Also, in a society where money talks and is talked about at length, the appetite for wider government policy does not digest well with the taste of economic woes still firmly on the palate. It is the Greens that are seen to be distracting the work of an already 'faultering' government. Once again the curse of the smaller partner in a Fianna Fáil led term is imploding.

John Gormley's own actions, orinactions are to blame. His percieved floundering on the Poolbeg incinerator is coming at a financial (€250million) and economic cost (600 jobs) as well as the interim disposal of Dublin's increasing rubbish pile. The procrastonation smacks of NIMBYism. SImilarly his removing of The Ward unions hunting licence was legally challenged resulting in court costs and now the legislation

But why introduce these bills now? Surely if the public mindset is not with such change and, indeed is largely opposed, why cause a tremble? Tittle-tattle round Leinster House has it that a Cowen heave is imminent and Green chairman Dan Boyle has now set his gaze beyond the term of this government and is putting the party, and its troops on an election footing. So perhaps pushing through these Green pointers on the policy for government now before it topples, collapses or is concluded by the 'bamino' themselves could be taken back to those disposed to giving them 'the vote'.Ironically, it could be this run that could end the party (but the tea- and the political) It has cost Fianna Fáil their fifth TD to the whip and also broken the loyalty of two independents who, now the seal has been broken makes further opposition both easier and consequently, more inevitable; especially in the budget-led agenda that will no doubt shape the final quarter of the year.