Cobble Wobble

Bodger at 3:03 pm July 13, 2020

This afternoon.

Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin declines to chat with reporters holding enormous microphone stands ahead of a cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile…

The deputy leader of the Green Party has called for more clarity regarding Minister for Agriculture Barry Cowen’s drink-driving conviction.

In an interview with Newstalk radio, Catherine Martin said that Mr Cowen had “strenuously denied” the allegations over the weekend.

However, the Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht added that “more questions” had arisen and “more clarity” was needed.

‘More questions’ around Barry Cowen drink-driving offence – Catherine Martin (RTÉ)

Meanwhile…

This afternoon.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan deigns to chats with reporters – from a distance.

Earlier: Derek Mooney: It’s Not Just Loyalty – It Is Loyality

Yesterday: No Turning Back

Rollingnews

Sorted For E-Whizz?

Nick Kelly at 2:35 pm July 13, 2020

Had to cancel guests booked on guided tour today who just arrived from the US and didn’t think 14 days self isolation was ‘mandatory’. I know we are in tourism but I’m just not willing to risk it for staff and other guests. These people are in the country and socialising

— E-Whizz (@e_whizz) July 12, 2020

Nope.

E-Whizz

Meanwhile…

US Tourists To Be Quarantined In Carrolls Gift Shop For 2 Weeks https://t.co/bQtI8jZHT5

— WWN (@WhispersNewsLTD) July 13, 2020

They’re Killing Kenny

Nick Kelly at 2:00 pm July 13, 2020

Mary Kenny was to interview Kevin Myers at the Percy French festival in Roscommon

New: following our interview with @MaryKenny4 this morning, the organisers of the Percy French Festival have confirmed that she will no longer be attending the event in person ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MO4vzjscUo

— Today RTÉ Radio 1 (@TodayRadioRTE) July 13, 2020

Of course I won’t flout quarantine prohibitions by speaking at the Percy French Festival at Roscommon next week. (Though I can come to Dublin and remain chez moi.) I hope others will attend – a great line-up of speakers. See: info@percyfrench.ie

— Mary Kenny (@MaryKenny4) July 13, 2020

This morning/afternoon.

“Covid-19 was not the Black Death,”Mary Kenny said [on Today with Sarah McInerney on RTE Radio One] . It killed “some” who were vulnerable, but for most the symptoms were flu-like and unpleasant. And as such the government’s response should be proportionate.

“People should be sensible and take precautions, they should proceed with their lives. There are risks in life.”

Meanwhile…

A lesson in performative dumbness for attention from troll Mary Kenny on #todayrte about quarantining. Asking would she have to stay in her “little house in Donnybrook without food or water” and whether this is the “death of Éireann'”.

— Glenn Fitzpatrick (@glennthefitz) July 13, 2020

FFS, people still not understanding that this was as much to do with NOT OVERWHELMING HEALTH SERVICES as it was about controlling the spread.

If less people get it at once, the higher chance of them having access to life saving treatment.

Mary is the draconian one.

— Emily Monroe (@emilystillalive) July 13, 2020

Someone take Mary Kenny’s temperature. I don’t think she can be well.

— Donna Dent (@DonnaDent1) July 13, 2020

G’wan Mary.

Don’t mind them fearful ninnies.

FIGHT!

‘Covid-19 was not the Black Death’: Mary Kenny brands Irish quarantine regulations as ‘draconian’ (Irish Examiner)

Le Retour

Bodger at 1:46 pm July 13, 2020

Saturday.

Café society returns to Dublin city centre.

The new old normal.

Rollingnews

It Wasn’t Me

Bodger at 1:07 pm July 13, 2020

From top: Thomas Byrne: left to right: Micheál Martin, Thomas Byrne and Ken McFadden in happier times

Minister Thomas Byrne addresses online allegations against him https://t.co/mBgUPJpm3u via @acast

— LMFM RADIO (@LMFMRADIO) July 13, 2020

This morning.

The Michael Reade Show on LMFM.

Junior minister Thomas Byrne denied the claim by Meath Fianna Fáil activist Ken McFadden that he was the source of the leak of Barry Cowen’s drink-drive conviction.

Via Irish Examiner:

Mr Byrne said that he hadn’t spoken to Mr McFadden at 1.30am as suggested, adding that the conversation had taken place around 1am.

Mr Byrne said he had made phone calls to “many of his friends” on Saturday, June 27, when Mr Byrne was overlooked for a full cabinet position.

Mr Byrne said that he “absolutely” refutes Mr McFadden’s claims.

Mr Byrne said that he had taken legal advice on the claims, and had assessed his options, but suggested his role as a junior minister would preclude him from taking a case against Mr McFadden.

“‘As someone who has worked on defamation cases, these things take up all of your time.”

Seems legit.

FIGHT!

Listen back here

Thomas Byrne denies leaking Barry Cowen drink-driving ban to press (irish Examiner)

Meanwhile…

I am not on a campaign to take any one down or destroy anyone & I don’t plan on making any further comment on this matter unless provoked by the @thomasbyrneTD camp or supporters on his behalf, I think the business of government now should be on covid, housing health brexit

— Ken Mc Fadden (@unspeakable28) July 13, 2020

Yesterday: No Turning Back

Friday: Byrne After Reading

Rollingnews

Animation: Space Man

Chompsky at 12:47 pm July 13, 2020

A nutty, glitchy short created in Adobe Animate and After Effects by UK-based animator Dan Britt for Adult Swim in which Richard, his identical twin Graham and a spaceman ‘from the planet Space’ experiment with friendship art and mortality.

shortoftheweek