Author Archives: Bodger

And the price of speaking out against them.

From the ‘Very Opinionated Kate Wand Show‘.

Covid response critic Ivor Cummins writes:

A must watch. I can say no more. You can support the corporate takeover of our society. Or you can support truth in science, and protect our future. The latter protect our society, over the actions of vandals. It is your choice. Make it wisely….

Earlier: The Hugs Don’t Work They Just Make It Worse

RollingNews

Chairwoman of the RTÉ Authority Moya Doherty

This morning.

Further to Rtegate…

…via The Times:

In an email to all staff on Thursday afternoon Eimear Cusack, director of human resources at the broadcaster, said:

“As we enter what remains one of the busiest periods of the year, please ensure you are fully aware of our Covid-19 return to work protocols which we have carefully developed to enable us to operate safely as an essential service and to protect you and those who, out of necessity, visit our sites.”

The story in The Irish Sun was published on Friday morning.

Ms Cusack also told staff that they “must work together to stay apart (two metres) and continue to wash our hands”.

In a statement, RTÉ did not respond to queries if there were any reasons why the email was sent out, a day before the story broke…

Meanwhile…

Moya Doherty, chairwoman of the RTÉ Authority, said:

“I have asked for an update on this matter this week, and the board will address the matter in full at its meeting next week.”

RTÉ reminded staff of rules just before scandal broke (Brian Mahon, The Times)

Previously: Crimecall

RollingNews

This morning.

Arracht, a feature length Irish language film has been selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category.

Deirdre Ní Choistín writes:

TG4 is elated by today’s announcement by IFTA that Arracht, an Irish-language feature film from the Cine4 initiative has been selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 93rd annual Academy Awards.

Cine4 is a partnership between TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to develop original feature films in the Irish language.

Arracht was written and directed by Tom Sullivan and starring Screen International Star of Tomorrow 2020 Dónall Ó Héalaí alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Arracht was produced by Cúán Mac Conghail for Macalla Teoranta with executive producers Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell of Fantastic Films.

Arracht (Cine4)

From top: Dublin Airport at Christmas; Professor Luke O’Neill

This morning.

UPDATE:

Biochemistry professor at Trinity College Professor Luke O’Neill has told Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio One that people can have ‘a very quick hug‘ outside ‘as it’s Christmas’.

Prof O’Neill said that children should “hug their grandparents briefly outdoors, while wearing a mask”.

He said “sadly the less time the better” is the best way to reduce the risk of passing on the virus to older people.

“Don’t pass the gravy boat,” Prof O’Neill advised.

Thanks, Luke.

Earlier…

Via Irish Examiner:

The Government is to allow people to visit their family members on Christmas Day — but hugging their relations will not be permitted.

After the three party leaders in Government met on Monday night ahead of a key Cabinet meeting today, the Irish Examiner understands that while level 3 restrictions will apply in the main, the Government will permit “unfettered” movement across the country to allow families to come together.

All retail, gyms, and hairdressers will be able to open from next week, while a decision on restaurants and other pubs is likely to be made at a later date, possibly the following week.

Restaurants say that they have been told by the Government that daily cases have to be in the 200s for their reopening to be viable.

Strict warnings about keeping gatherings in homes safe will form a central part of the messaging to be rolled out later this week.

These will include ensuring no physical contact with family members not in your immediate family, and that rooms remain well ventilated throughout.

No hugging but government to dismantle travel restrictions for Christmas (Irish Examiner)

RollingNews/Claire Byrne Live

Earlier: The Science Of Not Worrying Enough

Brush Bags.

Irish-made pouches for make-up brushes and more.

Gillian Murphy writes:

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There are 5 Brush Bags in each box @ €14.95. We have a 20% Christmas discount code: Xmas20

The perfect stocking filler for that make-up lover in your life!

Brush Bags

Irish-made stocking fillers to Broadasheet@broadsheet.ie with short bio and pics marked ‘Irish-Made Stocking Fillers.

Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health Dr Tony Holohan; ‘Worry Index’

This morning.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said new research shows that people are feeling less worried about Covid-19 and warned this may cause them to drop their guard.

Via RTÉ

It follows the reporting of an additional 252 cases of the disease but no further coronavirus-related deaths.

Dr Tony Holohan said the latest study by Amárach showed that the worry level has reduced and is now similar to levels last seen in July.

A third of those surveyed said they thought the worst is yet to come but 28% believed the worst was behind us – which the National Public Health Emergency Team considers “significant” he told a media briefing.

Dr Holohan said: “It’s not that we want people to be worried but we do think there is a correlation between people’s level of concern and ultimately the behaviours that people exhibit.

“It can lead us to drop our guard from time to time in ways that we may not intend to.”

Um.

Holohan asks people not to drop their guard as 252 new Covid cases confirmed (RTÉ)

RollingNews

FIGHT!

Earlier: Hi Dee Hi

‘…Now, unfortunately, we see a rise in discriminatory organisations and vocal transgender exclusionary activists using Twitter and divisive antics to attempt to a drive a wedge in queer communities between transgender people and fracture our support from feminists.

For our decades of solidarity, some seek to repay our community with a call for division based on falsities and bigotry. Let us say unequivocally that the statements of newly launched organisations that seek to defend biology or fight gender identity and expression do not represent the wider LGBTI+ community nor feminists in Ireland.

More importantly, they are not organisations at all, they have no governance, no accountability, and are simply Twitter accounts. Further, they are not supported by the wider Irish community. Ireland has dealt with these pseudo-feminists before, and the work of Feminist Ire dealt swiftly with their attacks by stating “Trans women are our sisters; their struggles are ours, our struggles theirs.They were our sisters before any state-issued certification said so and will always be no matter what any legislation says, either now or in the future.”

In addressing these accounts it is simple enough to refute them by stating they are not radical, they are not inclusive, and they are not feminists. They are simply misinformed and transphobic.

The vitriol and disinformation these accounts and people share does not represent the beliefs of the legitimate organisations and signers of this letter, and together we repudiate their beliefs, and call for an end in giving airtime to their despicable brand of harassment.

In Ireland we exist as a strong coalition of intersectional solidarity. As LGBTI+ and feminist organisations we stand together, we march together, we advocate together. We will not allow transphobia to grow and our history of work together will only continue to propel us to a more equal future for all marginalised people.

We call on media, and politicians to no longer provide legitimate representation for those that share bigoted beliefs, that are aligned with far right ideologies and seek nothing but harm and division. These fringe internet accounts stand against affirmative medical care of transgender people, and they stand against the right to self-identification of transgender people in this country.

In summation they stand against trans, women’s and gay rights by aligning themselves with far right tropes and stances. They have attacked LGBT+ education in school, attacked anti-bullying campaigns, and attack access to medical services. They stand to remove equality, and cause a legacy of damaging discrimination. In particular, the road to Gender Recognition was long and public, and we in the trans community are thankful for the support of the many who stood by our side. We are thankful to the wider gay, lesbian and bisexual communities that marched and worked alongside of us for legal recognition. We are thankful for the feminists that saw, and still see, trans women as their sisters and use their voice to speak for equality…

Portion of an open letter to mark Trans Day of Remembrance 2020 last Friday, signed by Amnesty Ireland and members of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community.

Irish LGBTQ+ community stand in #IrishSolidariT against transphobia on Trans Day of Remembrance (GCN)

Meanwhile….

Amnesty founder Seán McBride;l Amnesty Ireland chief Colm O’Gorman

Seán McBride?

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