60 thoughts on “Bank Holiday Monday’s Papers

    1. Rob_G

      The Greens are in a unique position to get many (though not all) of their policies implemented. We have 10 years to avoid a climate catastrophe; they (and we) can’t afford them to wait and hurl on the ditch for the next 5 years.

      1. GiggidyGoo

        Serious question Rob. Have a look at Ireland on the globe. You’re saying something about 10 years to avoid climate disaster. The question is – what can Eamon Ryan and the Green Party do to in Government here avoid what you see as the climate disaster?
        I’m asking that by reference to our size, emissions etc. in comparison to the US, Germany, China etc. What can Eamon Ryan and the Greens achieve on a worldwide basis?

        1. bisted

          …the green wave that was predicted in the last election failed to materialise…instead, many of those elected under the green banner were perceived as part of the movement for change…they have betrayed those who included them in their preferences…

          1. Nigel

            Everyone knows the real movement for change and radical new policies belongs safely and eternally in opposition.

          2. V

            @Bisto
            They struggled to find decent Candidates
            Authentic and Committed GP people I mean
            Which explains why there is a high incidence of being related to each other within the longer standing party members

            I’d heard it myself form a senior party strategist (another crowd) About the Green Party attracting a lot of carpetbaggers looking to slip into Professional Politics while there was an ample tailwind – particularly post Locals/ Euro ’19.

            All neither here nor there
            Only people wanting an election now is Fine Gael and Sinn Fein

            That Sinn Fein surplus won’t be bringing in anyone else ‘cept themselves next time out
            ( Now is the time for FF to cop on to themselves and remember where they’re from of course)

            But FF, Labour, Soc Dems, PBP and the circus of far leftists will be bricking another election.

        2. Rob_G

          If enough small countries have green-oriented governments, it could prompt China and America to act. The alternative is to throw up our hands and do nothing, in the knowledge that civilisation as we know it will not survive even for our grandchildren to witness.

          There are loads of things that the Greens can do on a national level that don’t require international agreement – over 1,000 people die prematurely in Ireland each year due to air pollution. They could ban the sale of diesel vehicles, ban/punitive taxes on solid fuels, and already they could be saving lives, with or without international agreements.

          1. bisted

            …ban the sale of diesal vehicals you say…very unfortunate choice to demonstrate the power of greens in government…

          2. Rob_G

            Yes, as they enacted some ill-thought out policies before, they should never ever be allowed in government again.

            I can see why none of the left parties want to ever be in government – can’t be called to account on a patchy track record if you have zero track record of making any decisions.

          3. SOQ

            Or instead of banning stuff and raising taxes they could actually learn from the crisis?

            One of the biggest urban contributions to pollution is communing so actively encouraging employers to allow people to work from home is a fast move – a quick win if you like. Imagine how much better everyone’s lives would be if the amount of people commuting was reduced by 25%? 10% even?

            Likewise staggered start times for both schools and work places so that everyone is not trying to get somewhere at the one time. Cars sitting in traffic is a substantial pollutant so keep them moving because until there is a proper public transport system in place, some people DO need cars.

            Then there is public transport itself. Take a run out to somewhere like Tallaght to see 3-4 cars sitting outside every house. Then- try and get a bus into town and you will quickly realise why that is. A quality public transport system should be the number one Green priority and to at least part fund it- force CIÉ to sell the swathes of unused land they own.

            The whole Green approach is of punching down on the little man or woman when in fact, things like listed above would be hugely popular with the general public. What about something basic like raising awareness of buying local foods from local retailers even?

            Even GO’D would support that one- ha ha.

          4. Nigel

            I know, right? The diesel car thing was a massive fraud perpetrated by the motor industry – corporate executives went to jail over it. If anything it shows that corporations are literally willing to go out of their way to poison people for profit, and shows the need for careful independant regulation and oversight, but here it’s parochially seen as a reason to never do anything Green ever again.

          5. Ghost of Yep

            “If enough small countries have green-orientated governments, it could prompt China and America to act”

            Hilarious.

          6. Rob_G

            @Yep

            Whatever – some things are beyond our control, some things are within our control; we should at least do the things that are within our control.

            There will be no uses pointing fingers saying, “Well, America should have done it first”, when Ringsend is under the sea.

          7. Nigel

            People really think these countries don’t have people living in them who don’t want their children to die fighting for the last few scraps of arable land after the rest have dried up and blown away? Astonishing how vast swathes of the world’s population just get written off as too inherently indifferent to make any effort worth bothering with.

          8. Ghost of Yep

            Point is, we can do everything within our control and we will still be pointing at Ringsend saying someone else is to blame because someone else will be.

            “We have 10 years to avoid a climate catastrophe”. If you truly believe this then you know full well there is no possible way it can be reversed. UK plans on having banned diesel cars in 2035. Sure that would be too late no?

            The pandemic crisis has hampered China in Africa but you can be sure the
            industrialization will ramp back up soon enough. West Africa was already showing a huge increase in air pollution with no proper testing. Do you think all the infrastructure for the Belt and Road Initiative is going to be green in it’s manufacture or use?

            If the monumental change you feel is needed is ever going to happen it will not be from people in developed countries voting for a particular party.

          9. Nigel

            Well, vote for those parties anyway, just in case, because it won’t go away just because you ignore it.

          10. Ghost of Yep

            I’m not ignoring anything Nigel. I would suggest i would be more focused on it as i’m not wrapped up in party politics and see it as a viable solution. I have voted green but am in a constituency that doesn’t elect from the GP. So, what more can i do?

            My suggestion would be we all stop depending on the Greens because environmental issues is “their thing”. It’s childish flag waving and far from the pragmatic approach needed. Ryan is also a dose IMO.

          11. GiggidyGoo

            Rob – doubtful if a small place like Ireland could influence the likes of China or the US.
            The ‘boxing above our weight’ byline is a fallacy.

            But the Greens will be a godsend to FG in that they can use ‘green’ to increase taxes, levies, duties etc. to refill the coffers and not another USC. In fact, an increased tax on fossil fuels already came into force in the last couple of weeks.

          12. SOQ

            Or instead of banning stuff and raising taxes they could actually learn from the crisis?

            One of the biggest urban contributions to pollution is communing so actively encouraging employers to allow people to work from home is a fast move – a quick win if you like. Imagine how much better everyone’s lives would be if the amount of people commuting was reduced by 25%? 10% even?

            Likewise staggered start times for both schools and work places so that everyone is not trying to get somewhere at the one time. Cars sitting in traffic is a substantial pollutant so keep them moving because until there is a proper public transport system in place, some people DO need cars.

            Then there is public transport itself. Take a run out to somewhere like Tallaght to see 3-4 cars sitting outside every house. Then- try and get a bus into town and you will quickly realise why that is. A quality public transport system should be the number one Green priority and to at least part fund it- force CIÉ to sell the swathes of unused land they own.

            The whole Green approach is of punching down on the little man or woman when in fact, things like listed above would be hugely popular with the general public.

          13. Rob_G

            @SOQ – the best way to reduce traffic is to discourage people from driving their cars; the quickest way to to do that is to increase excise on petrol and diesel.

            The coast road to Howth is clogged with traffic every morning, even though it is served by the DART for its entire length – people are lazy, and won’t leave their cars solely induced by carrotts, you need some stick as well. The buses which you are complaining about will run a lot quicker and with more reliable timing once some of the car traffic has been removed.

            I query your use of “the little guy” to describe a household that owns and runs 4 cars…

          14. Nigel

            Ghost of Yep – you haven’t suggested anything pther than ignore the one party that has environmental issues as their central concern. Climate change and biodiversity loss are more of a dose than eamon Ryan, I guarantee it, and the pragamtic approach of the other parties is to ignore the environment as much as possible, which is the opposite of pragmatism.

          15. Nigel

            GG – if that is the way that FG choose to pursue environmental issues, and the Greens, as potential junior partners will have to go along with it or see it ignored completely for another five years, then that is what the electorate wanted, since they effectively voted them back in. If other larger-taen-the-Greens parties had better ideas about tackling climate change, they should have brought them to the fore, and perhaps worked with the Greens to form a government and implement them. I don’t understand why it always comes down to this, personally, but people will keep voting for it.

          16. SOQ

            @ Rob There is a BIG difference between Howth and Tallaght and no, it is not uncommon for 4 cars to be outside a house where adult children reside.

            The problem is that it is all stick. Luas from Tallaght is jam packed on a two and a half hour rush ‘hour’. The crazy cost of car insurance is not something any average person takes on lightly, it is a necessity- especially around the largest settlement in the country, as the bus service is dreadful.

            And that is part of the Green’s problem- they are essentially a middle class party who think people do these things by choice- they don’t.

          17. Rob_G

            @ SOQ – no it isn’t; the whole time I lived in Dublin, I drove for one year, and that was only because I was learning to drive (and I haven’t driven since). The rest of the time I cycled; 60% of car journeys are for distances of less than 8km

            Edit – sorry, mispoke there

            I lived about the same distance as Tallaght is from the city centre and cycled every day. If someone is prepared to spend €3-5k on a car, and €2k per annum per child on insurance, it’s because (saving some physical disability) the grown-up children are too lazy to cycle. And because we have made it too cheap for them to drive – a good argument for congestions charges.

          18. Nigel

            SOQ – most of the people commuting in and around Dublin are middle class for feck’s sake. Even if the Greens are ‘just’ a middle class party, the idea that they would be out of touch with the, uh, rest of the middle class that commutes is just dumb. Hence the, y’know, emphasis on cycling/walking/public transport infrastructure.

          19. SOQ

            @ Rob- not everybody has a job where they can cycle then go into work and, for various health reasons a lot of people cannot cycle. The fumes alone will kick off some people’s asthma. Personally I wouldn’t ride a bike in Dublin for love nor money- outside of the cycle lanes you are taking your life in your hands.

            @ Nigel- what a snobby thing to say- working class people work too and- and, Tallaght would be considered a working class suburb. Also, not everyone works in the city centre but even that could be at least eased with the equivalent of London’s hopper bus service- which is not CC focused.

            I just think that The Greens should be coming up with practical suggestions as to how to make improvements in the quality of people’s lives AND doing the Green scene- they are not mutually exclusive.

            You won’t be getting much support for predictive modelling once the bill for this CoVid-19 overreaction comes in- that much I am certain of.

          20. Rob_G

            @SOQ not everyone can cycle, no. The number of people with chronic asthma is grossly outnumbered by the number of cars on the road, though. Everyone has a reason why they need their cars; though in practice the number who actually do is less than the number who are currently driving every day

            The pollution is bad enough to set off people’s asthma because too many people have to drive. 60% of journeys less than 8km, one-fifth less than 2km – these are all people who are convinced they need to drive, but experience has shown that not all of them to when forced to take up an alternative.

          21. SOQ

            @Rob_G

            The population of the greater Tallaght parish is more than Belfast- you want them to ALL travel by bicycles?

          22. Nigel

            ‘Working class people work too.’
            Of course they bloody do, and they also care about the environment and their city and their health and would like to have a better public transport/cycling/walking infrastructure.

            Oh no, SOQ’s going to lose faith in science because people were mean to Trump for shilling a miracle cure for Covid 19. Meanwhile air pollution being bad for people’s asthma is a reason…. not to reduce traffic in cities? Solid logic.

          23. Rob_G

            @SOQ – still cycle to work (just not in Dublin any more).

            The population of Amsterdam is several times greater than that of Tallaght, and 63% of their population cycles every day – there will always be people who genuinely need a car or van for transporting equipment or materials, but the only thing holding back Tallaght from having a similar proportion of cycling commuters to Amsterdam is a lack of political will.

        3. Nigel

          It’s not just Eamon Ryan versus the world, you know. People in other countries are aware of the problem and care about it beyond their own immediate local partisan political posturing.

      2. Cathal

        Simple question, do you actually consider the Irish Greens to be an environmental party?

        1. Rob_G

          Apart from their blindspot on nuclear energy and (I think) GMOs, yes, for the most part. Do you not?

          1. bisted

            …oh no…I’m nodding in agreement with Bog_R over nuclear energy…second time this year I’ve agreed…maybe I’m turning into a blueshirt…

  1. GiggidyGoo

    Reading the Star’s headline, you’d think that seagulls now had a dose of the clap, and their numbers were being decimated.

  2. SOQ

    So WHO are now saying that anti bodies suggest some sort of immunity which is at least a little more consistent than their previous position where they said there was no evidence of immunity. By consistent I mean that if antibodies did not equate to immunity then a vaccine was impossible.

    Meanwhile- ‘100 per cent accurate’ antibody tests to tell millions of Britons if they have already had coronavirus ‘will be available in TWO WEEKS sez Dailymail. Apart from giving some chance of a return to normality, it will be the first real indication of how widespread the infection rate of this thing actually is.

  3. Cú Chulainn

    I see the seagulls are back .. and, if you’ve had enough of Holly Willoughby’s knickers.. the prospect of a different girls knickers.. it’s the simple things..

  4. Kingfisher

    Poor seagulls. We steal their fish with our hideous super trawlers dragging nets (literally) the size of Mayo that make the seabed a wasteland.

  5. V

    If the crèches don’t get back up
    Watch mortgage and other loan arrears become mainstream again
    And immigration

    Only this time a Bankrupt Exchequer won’t be in a position to bail Banks out – not with the tax free operating profits handy number they got after the last one still in-situ

    Of all the times for Zappone to be at her most useless
    She had to pick this one
    Bet that 60 million her Dept returned last year would be just to job to ensure crèches remain available
    Feic, it’s not like childcare workers get Banker level bonuses and salaries
    A far better investment to ensure our economy gets back into the swing in as much as it can

    This incompetence and negligence often has me wondering who the Acting Government are really working for

      1. V

        What part of
        Watch mortgage and other loan arrears become mainstream again
        And immigration

        Only this time a Bankrupt Exchequer won’t be in a position to bail Banks out
        Did you not understand? Or not recognise as eevn remotely similar to Bank Bailout 2008?

        1. Rob_G

          The “who the Acting Government are really working for” part – I am struggling to see who benefits at all from any of this.

          What do you expect the government to do – little children at that age are little petri dishes, god bless them, they would be the worst spreaders of a novel infectious disease.

          Anyway, don’t fret – the ECB will fire up the printing presses, governments will issue bonds and the market will snap them up, and everything will be right as rain by 2023.

          1. SOQ

            Not true- most recent research is saying that CoVid-19 near bypasses children altogether. The few who do develop symptoms are usually milder and are as a rule, much less infectious.

            It is one of the distinct differences between CoVid-19 and flu- which is mainly transmitted by children.

    1. Rob_G

      It’s a bank holiday; only the real BS weirdos post on non-working days*

      *I’d like to point out at this juncture that I am working today.

      1. GiggidyGoo

        Wasn’t what I was getting at Rob. Cian made a faux pas here a few days ago which placed him deep in FG (despite his denials this past year or so). A boo boo in FG terms.. Approx 4pm on 1st May.

  6. f_lawless

    Tuned in to RTE radio just now to hear a discussion about the dangers of sweaty balls. “Both players will be working up a sweat and handling the same balls. There will be sweat on those balls” Titter.

  7. SOQ

    By this stage everyone knows what The Streisand Effect is but I after the numbers watching last nights interview and since- I am wondering if it is going to be renamed The Icke Effect?

  8. Dr.Fart

    FF aren’t “worried” about rural ireland. they’re not worried about anything other than power. they hear ‘climate change’ and no if they rail against it they’ll get the backing of all the farmers who protested in dublin a while back. they don’t have any actual concerns for anyone. only votes. same can be said about FG, but theyll be telling FF “relax, just say what they wanna hear until we’re in power, and then ignore it all and use them as a mudflap” which is what they did to labour, who never recovered.

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