Author Archives: Bodger

Devout Catholic David Quinn (left) and firm atheist Richard Dawkins

This afternoon.

Yesterday: Where Is Your God Now?

From left: Social Democrats co-leaders Roisin Shortall with Catherine Murphy, Jennifer Whitmore TD and Holly Cairns TD this morning

This morning/afternoon.

Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

The launch of a Social Democrats Private Members’ Bill which will be brought to the Dáil tomorrow to ‘eliminate consistent child poverty’ by 2025.

Jennifer Whitmore TD, the party’s spokesperson for Children, said:

“Our motion calls on the Government to firmly state that they will eliminate consistent child poverty over the next five years and asks that they make that commitment in law to the children of Ireland. With political will, this can be achieved during the lifetime of this Dáil.

“We want the Government to legislate for this ambitious target, and establish a cross-departmental Child Poverty Unit, headed by the Department of the Taoiseach.

“The statistics are stark. One in five children under the age of 18 – that’s over 200,000 – are living in poverty in Ireland today. Of these, more than 90,000 children are living in consistent poverty.

“All previous Government targets to reduce child poverty have failed time and time again. These targets are meaningless unless there is a coherent, comprehensive and properly resourced approach, matched with the ambition to deliver.”

Sam Boal/RollingNews

This morning.

More as we get it.

Can we see the shed?

Last night.

Claire Byrne Live on RTÉ One.

In further RTÉ theatrical fear porn silliness, Dr. Phil Kieran gives Claire Byrne advice on how to ‘have a guest over to your house safely’.

DON’T touch the jug.

Meanwhile…

This morning.

On RTÉ’Radio One’s Today with Claire Byrne.

Further to scenes of students in Galway not social distancing….

Ms Byrne had this exchange with Fianna Fáil Senator Ollie Crowe (above).

Claire Byrne: “You have said today that it’s time to start thinking about putting the army boots on the street to sort this out.”

Ollie Crowe: “Well, Claire, you know I’m from the inner city myself and what I would say at this stage is that you know the gardai are under enormous pressure, they’ve a very challenging job on their hands in Galway. And particularly, you know, in the last, as you’re well aware, it’s Fresher’s Week here in Galway and there’s huge challenges in Galway and other cities.

And I think it’s appropriate for Government, you know, to examine how we can allocate additional resources to the gardai. As an army town here in Galway, we have the barracks in Renmore and I’ve no doubt that the officers, you know, stationed there, would be willing to pitch in and assist the gardai if that was required.”

Byrne: “It’s a serious move, putting an army on the streets?”

Crowe: “Well, look it, as I said, you know I was in touch with the gardai on Sunday night also, and last night. And look it, what I am calling on and what I will be relating to my colleagues is that they, the gardai supported this juncture, you know, they really, really, are under-resourced in Galway with Fresher’s Week and with students coming back…”

Um.

Earlier: Looking Fresh

Meanwhile…

Anyone?

This morning.

Hebert Park, Ballsbrisge, Dublin 4.

The O’Rahilly’s House (top) was the home of 1916 rising leader Michael Joseph O’Rahilly, and is  to make room for a proposed aparthotel development with 105 flats fronting on to Herbert Park.

Prevously: A Cold House

Meanwhile…

In fairness.

Last night.

Galway city.

In a statement to Extra.ie, Gardai said

‘Gardai attended the scene of a gathering of people that occurred in the Galway city area at approximately 10pm.

‘The crowd was dispersed without incident and Gardai advised people present of the relevant health guidelines in place.

‘Gardai are not investigating breaches of Public Health Regulations by those in attendance.

‘There are no penal regulations prohibiting [a] person/persons attending such gatherings. There are no penal regulations in respect of social distancing, wearing of masks in [a] public area.

‘An Garda Siochana has no statutory powers under “COVID Regulations” to prevent these gatherings taking place.’

Watch: Fury in Galway as large crowds of students congregate around the city (Extra.ie)

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