MORE to follow.
State Lights – Let You Go
Size matters.
That’s why this big emotional synth-rock anthem works so well. It reaches for the sky.
Singer Shobsy (second left) gives it socks and is ably assisted by, from left: Joe Regan (guitar), Paul Ridgeway (drums) and Noel Perry (bass).
The song is released as a double ‘A’-side alongside their cover of The Blue Nile’s Tinseltown In The Rain (great choice, lads).
The video by Paul Barnes was shot partly on Sandymount Strand, Dublin 4.
The band, who met at the BIMM music college, play the Button Factory, Dublin, on April 25.
Nick says: State of the art.
Taking Shape
at
This afternoon.
Leinster House, Dublin 2.
Scenes from today’s talks on the formation of a new coalition.
TD Paul Murphy said the two sides discussed how to form a left-leaning government. Solidarity-PBP want Sinn Féin to lead one-but without Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael.
They want the two big parties to abstain for a Dáil vote on Taoiseach and “get out of the way”.
TD Richard Boyd Barrett said the minority left wing government, involving them, would then implement change, including reversing the pension age to 65 and freezing rents and increasing the minimum wage.
The TDs said they and the left-wing administration involving Sinn Féin would then “defy” either of the two big parties to bring that coalition down and trigger a fresh general election.
From top: Social Democrats co-leaders Roisin Shortall and Catherine Murphy; Solidarity/People Before Profit/Rise’s Paul Murphy, Richard Boyd Barrett and Mick Barry; Sinn Féin’s Eoin O Broin, Pearse Doherty and Louise O’Reilly.
Healy-Raes Ask How Sinn Fein’s Promises Will Be Funded (irish Examiner)
Earlier: Room For Small Ones
Oh.
O’Connell Street, Dublin 1.
Michael Smith writes:
Clery’s, a robust nineteenth-century building, is being demolished behind facade, as is revealed by daylight coming through the front. All that embodied energy junked. Why?
Previously: Behind The Clock
A Royal College Of Art, London graduation short by Natasza Cetner inspired by the true story of Nigel, the lonely gannet of Mana Island who fell hopelessly in love with a concrete statue.
His tragic tale of idealisation and delusion shows us a reflection of our own misconceptions in love.
Mmf.
Dublin’s Q102 writez:
Tayto Beef Stew vs Tayto Bacon & Cabbage: Which would you choose?
Ehm.
What the actual fNOMNOMNOMNOMNOM.
Sud’s Law
at
Architect Dermot Bannon and gardener Diarmuid Gavin On RTÉ’s Room To Improve last month
This afternoon.
Madeleine Lyons, in The Irish Times, reports:
Celebrity architect Dermot Bannon has come a cropper with Dublin City Council over his own high-profile extension, which was the subject of a recent RTÉ series.
The target of the council’s ire is the rear garden structure under which Bannon famously shared an outdoor bath with celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin.
While a bumper Sunday night viewing audience watched the two chat in the (unfilled) bath under a moonlit sky, eagle-eyed council staff were drawn instead to the structure that Bannon fashioned at the end of his Drumcondra garden…
Planners probe Dermot Bannon’s garden bath den (Madeleine Lyons, The Irish Times)
Previously: Stop That
Crown Jewels
at
Earlier…
Irish Rugby coach Andy Farrell announced the Irish squad (top pic) when Ireland faces England this Sunday in Twickenham for the Six Nations.
Ireland name unchanged side as Caelan Doris starts from the bench (RTÉ)
Meanwhile…
At your service, Sir… and always at the service of a truly great Irish team…! Bono @JohnnySexton @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/lhv2T4oKQg
— U2 (@U2) February 19, 2020
Anyone?
RUCK!
As Do Cheann
at
Independent TD Denis Naughten
This morning.
Independent TD for Roscommon/Galway Denis Naughten, who resigned from his position of Minister for Communications in October 2018 after it emerged that he had a series of private meetings with the last remaining bidder for the National Broadband Plan project, announced that he would like to become the next Ceann Comhairle, writing:
Dear Colleague,
I am writing to inform you that I have submitted my nomination to seek the role of Ceann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil.
The reason I am putting my name forward for the role of Ceann Comhairle is because one of the consistent messages I received on the doorsteps during the recent General Election was the public frustration with accountability.
In an open, questioning culture, we need an effective and questioning parliament.
Getting straight answers to straight questions is becoming more difficult in Dáil Éireann. This is reflected by that public frustration.
While the office of Ceann Comhairle is very restrictive in terms of the reform of Dáil Éireann and the role of TDs, one of the primary functions of this office is to protect the existing rights of members.
In the past I have been involved in Dáil Reform and have participated on an informal committee supporting the rights of members of Dáil Éireann. This is something I would like to expand upon in cooperation with colleagues.
I have been more than happy over the years to provide advice and assistance to new members, regardless of political beliefs, because I firmly believe there is a responsibility on every member to support less experienced colleagues in doing the best job they can as a member of Dáil Éireann.
If I had the honour to be elected to the post of Ceann Comhairle I would only serve one term because my purpose for taking on this role is to re-establish the authority of individual parliamentarians in the interests of our democracy.
I intend to outline how I believe this can be achieved on the floor of the House and I would ask you to keep an open mind on which candidate you will be supporting until you have had the opportunity to hear my contribution.
Ceann Comhairle of the 33rd Dáil (Denis Naughten)
Previously: “I Didn’t Wilfully Or Any Other Way Mislead The Dáil”