Last night.
The FG Annual Think-In at the Fota Island Resort in County Cork.
An essay by Eamonn Farrell who writes:
“Normally a political party Think-In starts with the party leader addressing the media from a podium after his or her arrival at the event via a phalanx of brightly coloured mics, supported by a microphone holder on the podium. This year the party minders changed the set up with only the taoiseach, two ministers and a local TD at the podium. But they also left out the mic holders, which meant that the poor media operators (there are no journalists/photographers/cameramen or broadcasters anymore, just ‘media operators’), had to try and build a pyramid of individual mics…”
From top: Fergal Keane; Paraic Gallagher (Newstalk) and Eileen Brophy (UTV); Martina Fitzgerald of RTÉ (left), Damien Eagars (Irish Independent) and unidentified Sorcha Ní Riada, (RTÉ Nuacht) RTE.; Stephen O’Brien (Sunday Times); Katie Hannon (RTÉ); Enda Kenny and Michael Noonan.
(Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland)
Dissolve (they of the excellent This Is A Generic Brand Video) sez:
Scenes you’ve seen … or have you? Using Dissolve stock footage – and the magic of editing – we’ve created this impressionistic homage to some classic movies. Can you name all 14 films?
Of course you can.
Music: Retro Smash Hit by Pat Andrews
Oscar Pistorius and the late Reeva Steenkamp
RTÉ reports:
Oscar Pistorius has been convicted of the culpable homicide of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Culpable homicide is South Africa’s equivalent to manslaughter. The Olympic and Paralympic track star could face anything from a suspended sentence to 15 years in jail.
Pistorius found guilty of culpable homicide (RTÉ)
Pic: The Guardian
The BetYou.ie social betting app.
Bonzer writes:
“Saw this advertised in the Metro today (page 8) Ridiculous Irish Startup. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that “social betting apps” are a terrible, terrible idea.”
Latest odds:
Terrible, Terrible Idea – evens
Harmless Fun – 10/1
Splutter – 5/1
FIGHT! – 2/1 (Fav)
Coade – Understand
Photographer Mick Quinn writes:
“‘Understand’ is a song from a father to his son. The video features real life Irish fathers and sons…”
*phones da*
If you want to know what’s to be viewed,
In Drumshanbo, the highlights include,
A few dangly bits
And uncovered tits,
Because everyone there’s in the nude.
John Moynes
(BBC)
Step 1. Plant seeds
Step 2. Wait while tree grows
Step 3. Cut tree
Step 4. Make into Hurley shape
Step 5. Pull Hard
Dalachy writes:
“From Craic and Divilment Productions. Available in County Colours of your choice. €5 or three Lotto scratch cards. Pick them up in The Blue Note, Galway.”
Previously: Pints By Post
Protests outside the Marie Stopes clinic in Belfast in 2012
An abortion clinic in Belfast has been training volunteers to escort clients past anti-abortion protesters. Escorts trained in the use of body-worn cameras have been accompanying clients of the Marie Stopes clinic to and from its city centre building.
A Northern Ireland Assembly member has said the measure is an over-reaction to the protests. There have been regular protests since the clinic opened in Great Victoria Street in 2012.
Clinic director Dawn Purvis said the protests were having an effect on clients, and that the clinic had to respond. “The women that come to us are very upset and very frightened by the behaviour of the protesters,” she said. “Our volunteers have been through a vetting scheme and a very intense training course in de-escalation methods and how to deal with conflict.”
The escorts have also been trained in additional security measures including body-worn CCTV cameras and distress calls.
However, DUP MLA Jim Wells supports the protests outside the clinic and said they are important and peaceful. “I have spoken to some of the protesters and they do try to talk to women and persuade them not to have an abortion, but certainly watching what goes on, I don’t see anything that would cause me concern.” He said the clinic has gone “over the top” by introducing the escort scheme and additional security measures.
Meanwhile, an harassment case against Precious Life founder Bernie Smyth is due to resume on Tuesday next.
Anti-abortion campaigner harassed Purvis, court told (Irish News)
Marie Stopes clinic in protest escorts move (Robbie Meredith, BBC News NI)
Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland