4km per hour.

No one’s getting fed tonight.

EARLIER:


This evening.

Farmers leave Dublin city to begin a slow tractor protest down the M50.

It’s their country.

We’re just kipping in the barn.

Earlier: Be Grand

Farmers plan slow tractor protest on M50 (RTÉ)

Rollingnews

On BBC2’s Trust Me I’m A Doctor.

The Institute of Cannabis and Cannabinoids at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, Czech Republic conducted tests on popular CBDs, including Celtic Wind Crops, the largest selling CBD product in Ireland.

(@2.38):

‘A third product, Celtic Wind CBD Multi-Complex Hemp Oil Concentrate, claimed on the bottle to contain 500 milligrams of CBD.

The results for the particular sample we tested showed barely detectable amounts – 0.00075%.’

Celtic Wind Crops responded:

“CBD oil testing is extremely complex and there is currently no laboratory in the world that has the relevant accreditation.

We are currently going through this process with the independent laboratory that we use in Ireland, which will be the first in the world to receive this license.

So, at present we do not feel that the University of Prague is licensed to carry out a comprehensive test of CBD oil products.”

What’s really in cannabis-based health products? (BBC)

Thanks Louis

UPDATE:

‘In response to the BBC 2’s ‘Trust Me I’m a Doctor’ programme which included an investigation into CBD products by Dr Javid Abdelmoneim on Wednesday 15 January 2020. We note that the reference regarding the CBD content of our product in this programme is based on research conducted by Professor Jana Hajslova and her team at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague in the Czech Republic.

As stated in the BBC programme ‘a key issue is the lack of internationally recognised, standardised laboratory tests’. Interestingly,

in the research study Celtic Wind’s CBD Multi-Complex Hemp Oil was the only one of 12 products tested that was a totally natural, cold-pressed product.

It is precisely for this reason it cannot be tested in the same way as other products that are made using Co2 extraction or isolate. It’s like comparing ‘apples and oranges’, the composition and profile of the respective product types are completely different.

Simply put, the methodology required is quite different. According to John Gough, Head Chemist at JHG Analytical Services, says “The method of analysis needs to be correct for the sample being tested. In the case of a whole-plant oil it needs a very specific analysis, much the same as olive oil.It cannot simply be tested in the same way as an extract or isolate product.”

We don’t just test once. We test twice. First with JHG Analytical Services in Ireland and then we corroborate our results with another leading laboratory in the field, DB Labs in the US.

Again, using the correct testing methodology of analysis for a cold-pressed CBD oil. It is worth noting that both labs work to an internationally recognised IS0 17025, the gold standard for testing CBD in the US and increasingly in Europe.

We are currently in conversation with the BBC regarding the inappropriate testing methodologies used and will continue to champion the cause for more robust testing. Our commitment to producing a quality product with significant CBD levels is unrivalled.

With over 10 years’ experience of growing and cultivating hemp CBD here in Ireland, we have developed a unique quality-assurance management system that allows us to control the integrity of our raw material.

To this end, we believe much more research and development needs to be done in this emerging and fledgling industry. As one of the market leaders in this category, we will continue to champion for more appropriate testing.’

Press statement from Celtic Wind, January 18, 2020

This morning.

Middle pic from left: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Business and Enterprise Heather Humphreys, Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe speaking to the media in Dublin on day two of campaigning for the general election 2020.

Fine Gael in 200,000 jobs pledge at economic plan launch (RTÉ)

Sam Boal/Rollingnews

Meanwhile…


This morning.

Fianna Fáil’s Finance Spokesperson Michael McGrath and Brexit Spokesperson Lisa Chambers at the party’s election headquarters for a press briefing on the economy and Brexit on day two of the general election 2020.

Fianna Fail pledges to ‘do a better job’ with public finances (Belfast Telegraph)

Leah Farrell/RollingNews

O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 (1920s)

Rob Cross writes:

My colourised and restored 1920s photo of the General Post Office featuring Dublin United Tramways Co. trams which had 137 trams running routes which totalled over 32 miles….

The Luas currently has 73 trams in service.

Fight!

Original photo : National Library of ireland

.

 

The votes are in!

Last week, with a tasty voucher for Golden Discs worth 25 big ones (Euros) on offer, I asked YOU to name a favourite song from the years 2010-2019 (this was mine.

You answered in your tens appropriately.

But there could be only one winner:

Third Place:

Myth by Beach House

Jonboy writes:

While there’s loads of brilliant songs, particularly from the first half of the decade, I would have to say the objectively correct answer is Beach House – Myth. It’s the kind of song where you can fall in love with someone on the drive home.

Runner up:

I Can’t Give Everything Away By David Bowie

Fez writes:

What a beautiful and sad way to say goodbye to the world. Ends the album and his life story beautifully

Winner:

Heart Is A Drum by Beck

Rosette of Sirius writes:

Midway thru the decade, Beck released what I believe to be his magnum opus. I am of course referring to Morning Phase. On that album, a track called Heart is a Drum stood out to me. As a track, it’s tight yet airy and warm. It’s melodic and has wonderful rhythm. It’s harmonies are syrupy and with its mellow but distinctive stringed bass, it’s a track (and album) I can’t stop playing. It’s also a piece of music imo that was made for vinyl. Or vice versa…Love it.

Thanks all.

Golden Discs

Last week: Win Nick’s Voucher

From top: Green Party Deputy Leader Catherine Martin (left) with Green Party leader Eamon Ryan (centre) and Senator Pippa Hackett at the Royal Society of Antiquaries Ireland Dublin for the Green Party General Election Campaign Launch yesterday; Dan Boyle

For the first time in my political life I find myself involved in a general election, where I am still very much emotionally invested, if not psychologically so.

In 2016 I was lucky to have had the distraction of working in Wales to help me to avoid sulking at not being on a ballot paper for the first time in twenty five years.

Like all Greens I was pleased to see the party move towards recovery. On my return from Wales I re-engaged to play my own, small, part in taking the party’s recovery further.

The local and Election results in 2019 were truly astounding. No one was more surprised than me.

Success brings its own problems. Among those being how to manage expectation. We know from experience that Irish voters have been more inclined to vote Green in local and European elections than in general elections. There is a hope that this may not be the case this time.

I’m so glad not to be a candidate on this occasion. I’m not saying that should the circumstances have demanded it I would not have stepped into the breach, but I would have done so with less enthusiasm or energy.

Having someone of great ability, and with a far stronger skill set, to be there instead is a source of great relief to me.

Being a candidate, seeking to represent any party or none, is hard. It places huge constraints upon your personal time and resources. It turns you into a paranoic, not knowing whether you are behaving, speaking or doing anything that would make any voter think less kindly of you.

In a smaller party there is certainly some licence to be associated with some beliefs or values. However the Irish political system has been dominated by catch all parties that seek to be everything to everyone at all times. Every deviation from the norm is punished.

Whether we have a new politics, or have finally rid ourselves of civil war politics, may be what this general election helps us resolve. Or maybe not.

It is our fifth general election of the twenty first century. A trend can be identified where the old order, if it hasn’t actually collapsed has certainly been significantly chipped away at.

Its diminution has created a chasm that has yet to be filled. Than is unlikely to be closed after this vote, which will be another transition election.

My preference has always been for evolution rather than revolution. For some, even within my own party, this puts me into a category of being ideologically impure. But I am old and I have heard these arguments many, many times before.

I’ve learned that it is possible to be pragmatic while seeking radical change. Where progressives have failed in the past has been the desire to achieve all necessary change immediately. The failure to prioritise through agreeing what can be done when and how, has in the past delayed change.

I envy the passion of those coming through. The confidence of certainty can sustain such passion to help bring about change. Making that change last. Making it real. Making it help fuel future change is the challenge of the next generation.

They might think about those of us who have tried while they are doing so.

Dan Boyle is a former Green Party TD and Senator and serves as a Green Party councillor on Cork City Council. His column appears here every Thursday. Follow Dan on Twitter: @sendboyle

Rollingnews

This afternoon.

Independent TD Maureen O’Sullivan announced that she will not be seeking to retain her Dáil seat in the election.

She said:

“After much thinking and talking, I have decided not to stand in this election. It was a difficult decision to make especially after what’s been a very considerable and unprecedented legacy of almost 40 years of an Independent seat in Dublin Central – held by the late Tony Gregory for 27 years and by me for over 10 and a half years.

I’ve worked hard in those years and in a respectful way to raise constituency issues, especially for the north inner city, and also raise national and international issues.

Those issues ranged over addiction, mental health, disability, community empowerment, housing, youth – services and education – great to see History restored for Junior Cert. I worked with New Communities, with prisoners, with group Justice for the Forgotten those affected by the Dublin/Monaghan bombings.

I worked in relation to Moore Street, the Magdalen Laundries, Ireland’s neutrality.

While progress is being made on animal welfare, it’s disappointing that cruelty continues but I do believe we will soon see an end to live hare coursing.

I’m sorry not to be here to complete my Sex Offenders’ Bill which would have made it difficult for those convicted of child sexual abuse in Ireland from being able to abuse children in countries where there is a sex trade involving children.

And I’m also sorry not being able to progress my planned legislation on Business and Human Rights due diligence.

I’ve been persistent on tax justice, especially corporate tax, persistent on Human Rights for those in the Developing World – communities, indigenous peoples who risk their lives campaigning for justice, accountability and in exposing corruption.

I’ve supported our Development Aid, poverty focused and untied.

Being part of Independents 4 Change group has been very positive – we co-operated, collaborated also disagreed and voted differently from each other sometimes – real independence. I wish them well.

Everything I’ve said and done has been through a commitment to Social Justice, Equality and Fairness.

Finally, I want to thank you to those who voted for me, followed me on Facebook and Twitter.

I want to thank all the Oireachtas staff and very especially my own staff.

Then a massive thank you to the canvassers and friends for their support, commitment, energy, enthusiasm, good humour and not only at election times – I think we can be proud of our contribution.

It has been an honour to serve Dublin Central and to have extended the Independent seat after Tony’s death.”

Maureen O’Sullivan

Lankum – Hunting The Wren

How do you like your trad?

If it’s dark, moody and brooding then you’re going to love this new live video by Lankum which was shot by Peadar Gill at their recent sell out show in Dublin’s Vicar Street.

Joining the band on stage are Adrian Crowley, Alex Borwick and John Dermody.

The song appears The Livelong Day which has been nominated for the Choice Music Prize.

Nick says: Winging it.

Lankum

Drummer Pete Best was a member of The Beatles from 1960 to 1962

On The Late Late Show…

Jennifer O’Brien writes:

Meabh and Sebastian Quoirin will join Ryan to thank the Irish public for their continued support following the devastating death of their daughter Nóra during their family holiday in Malaysia last August

A former Ireland captain who has swapped his football boots for virtual ones, and is making waves as one of the best FIFA videogame players in the world, will be joining Ryan for a chat.

Alan Sugar won’t be mincing his words when it comes to his feelings on Jeremy Corbyn, and will discuss the calibre of aspiring Irish entrepreneurs he’s on the lookout for ahead of the next series of The Apprentice.

Pete Best, former drummer for The Beatles, will be in studio to discuss his early days as part of the group that went on to be the biggest band in the world…

When she appeared on The Late Late Show two weeks ago, Kathleen Keyes appealed to people all over Ireland to sign up for organ donation.Tomorrow we will meet some of the people who have benefited from the courageous decision to donate.

Limerick’s Hermitage Green will also be among the musical performances tomorrow evening.

The Late Late Show on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.

Pic via Express

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