Bar None

Admin at 1:38 pm February 3, 2016

Outside Gandon House this morning

Further to the erection of bars outside the Department of Social Protection in Gandon House, Dublin, where homeless people used to sleep…

Ciaran O’Rourke writes:

The Department of Social Protection is meant to be responsible for fighting homelessness, not making conditions even more unbearable for rough sleepers in Dublin city centre.

The recent installation of anti-homeless devices at the Department office building on Amiens street is an unacceptable measure, described in the following terms by the Director of Inner City Helping Homeless (ICHH) Anthony Flynn:

“[From] the department that is supposed to look after our vulnerable people…This the most unsympathetic way of dealing with the homeless crisis, it’s a ‘not in my doorstep attitude’ and we certainly condemn it.”

Accountability, however, has been lacking in the responses of both the Department of Social Protection and the Office of Public Works, which apparently manages the building in conjunction with a private landlord.

But it’s time for government to stop shirking responsibility. An Tánaiste Joan Burton is also Minister for Social Protection, and TD Simon Harris is Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works. Let’s call on them to take action against this appalling measure, and to advocate immediately for the removal of all anti-homeless devices from Gandon House.

Those who wish can sign a petition to remove the bars here

Previously: Invest In Spikes

Fending For Himself

Thanks Ciaran

The Square Mile In 4K

Admin at 1:37 pm February 3, 2016

Devinsupertramp’s ultra high definition paean to Lahndun Tahn.

A full screener.

highdefinite

Media Gender Audit, Anyone?

Admin at 1:28 pm February 3, 2016

Directors of elections for Labour Alan Kelly, for Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes, Fianna Fáil TD Billy Kelleher and Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carty, with RTÉ’s Sharon Ní Bheoláin this morning

Magdalene Hayden, assistant to Senator Katherine Zappone, writes:

The gender disparity in media is glaringly obvious, particularly when you examine the media coverage provided to female politicians on currents affairs programming in Ireland, according to Independent general election candidate for Dublin South West Katherine Zappone. For example, in recent weeks there were no female politicians participating in some of Ireland’s flagship political programmes.

During her recent feminism conference in Tallaght, attended by over 300 people, women from all walks of life shared their experiences and a common thread between them all was a sense of frustration at the imbalance of gender representation in Irish media.

Journalist, broadcaster, and activist Una Mullally made an impassioned call for media organisations to tackle the massive gender disparity endemic in our news and media organisations. She believes that a gender audit is the only realistic way to tackle the lack of representation of women in the media, while also examining the lack of women in positions of power in the industry itself.

Zappone echoes the sentiments of Mullally as someone who has been collaborating with and educating women, helping them achieve their potential for over 30 years. Having helped sow the seeds of many local women’s journeys into higher education via An Cosán, the Jobstown-based education centre, Zappone believes the time for an Independent voice with a passion for equality is now. Katherine champions equal opportunities for women in the workplace, education, health services and public life.

FIGHT!

Meanwhile, On The Campaign Trail

Admin at 1:09 pm February 3, 2016

‘Party today and our children can pay tomorrow.’

From Joe Bloggs.

Of the Party Now party.

Previously: The Phoney Celtic Phoenix

Via Friends Of The Earth

Who’s The Boss?

Admin at 12:58 pm February 3, 2016

Conor McMorrow tweetz:

Joan Burton tells media Alan Kelly is “an incredibly obedient employee”.

Yikes.

Context

Previously: So Long, Joe

Arms And The Men

Aaron McAllorum at 12:50 pm February 3, 2016

http://youtu.be/Qek0Woye3Cc

For the weekend that will be in it.

A look back at Saturday, April 4, 1987.

At the Cardiff Arms Park, Ireland put in an oddly schizophrenic performance but prevailed over Wales.

Edmund Van Esbeck writing (through rose tinted spectacles) in the Irish Times said:

A season that started with such bright promise and hope, but faltered in the midway period has ended in a triumph and triumph this was. Never has the appellation “the fighting Irish” been more appropriately applied to an Ireland rugby team..

..the heart of Irish rugby still beats with strong rhythm. It was a great day for the fighting Irish last Saturday.

Mmf!

Previously: How Green Was Their Valley?

Retro Rugby on Broadsheet.ie

The Bathroom

Niall Murphy at 12:36 pm February 3, 2016

jimbenton

Fair And Balanced

Admin at 12:15 pm February 3, 2016

Team shots of RTÉ’s General Election 2016 team.

Providing comprehensive election coverage on telly.

And the wireless, of which RTÉ’s Laura Fitzgerald promises:

From today, RTÉ Radio 1 takes to the road to meet voters across the country and highlight the issues affecting homes in every corner of Ireland starting from this evening with a live programme from An Taoiseach’s hometown – Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Drivetime with Mary Wilson and Today with Sean O’Rourke will broadcast live from 17 constituencies over the next three weeks, from Letterkenny to Castleisland and from Ashbourne to Nenagh, holding to account the men and women seeking election to the 32^nd Dáil Éireann.

Drivetime’s team of reporters, including Olivia O’Leary, will also be on the ground across the country throughout Election 2016, following candidates and exploring the local stories that will influence voters’ decisions. Morning Ireland will be on the road with the Party Leaders all throughout the Election and feature probing interviews and analysis.

*burns imaginary licence fee*

Top (left to right back row): Claire Byrne, Dr Gavin Jennings, Keelin Shanley, Cormac O’hEadhra, Miriam O’Callaghan, Richard Crowley, Mary Wilson, Bryan Dobson, Aine Lawlor. (left to right front row) David McCullagh, Eileen Dunne, Seán O’Rourke, Rachael English.

Second pic (left to right): Mícheál Ó Leidín, Ailbhe Conneely, Brian Dowling; Mícheál Lehane , Deirdre McCarthy, Edel McAllister, Sharon Geoghegan, David Davin-Power, Katie Hannon and Martina Fitzgerald. Missing political unit staff: Conor McMorrow, Sorcha Ní Riada and Paul Cunningham.