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Cause a Commotion

Cause a Commotion Last Saturday week just gone I was in a boarding queue (No.3; Non/Priority) at Terminal One, Dublin airport, with six friends waiting to get on a Ryanair plane. We were heading to the Basque country, a place I always enjoy visiting for its relaxed way of life, beautiful beaches, cheap... 

Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales The other day while watching evening-time Television I observed an advert by Insurance Confidential (the industry’s representative body) which made me laugh. The cause of my mirth was down to Insurance Confidential’s portrayal of Insurance Fraud & its explanation for the increases... 

Pastafarianism

“I agree that I will always put salt in the water and allow it to boil before cooking the pasta.” These are the vows that were said when the world’s first ever Pastafarian couple got married. On the 16th of April 2016, Toby Ricketts (35) from Britain, married Marianna Fenn (33) from New Zealand. The... 

Demonstration for the “Crumlin2”

Demonstration for the “Crumlin2” On Wednesday 27th April, Ireland woke up to the news that water charges now looked to be suspended for at least two years according to sources who are negotiating the formation of the next government. This of course, means no new bills.  Standing Minister for the... 

Get Parked

Get Parked For those of us that live on the Luas line, we know firsthand how hard it is to find parking on a daily basis. I am talking about the people who like to leave their cars on our roads, then jump on the Luas, then return later on in the evening. The problem is so bad it’s nearly impossible... 

Wishful Thinking

Wishful Thinking Apologies to the two readers of this column for not producing anything since November. My reason for being out of circulation had to do with writing a play for work (in case you thought I carked it or more likely was sacked). Anyhow not much has changed in the life of this correspondent... 

The Big Lie In

Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services has arranged for a day in bed for everyone in the country. On Sunday the 17th of April Ireland is being asked to stay in bed the whole day without feeling guilty – all you need is a sponsor and the proceeds will be donated to Our Lady’s Hospice and Care... 

Who’s That Knocking on my Door?

For the last few weeks, I had many TDs knocking on my door.  I had them all except the three main parties I would have liked. I was ready with my list of questions but to my disappointment they never came. Just because they did not knock on my door, I was still flooded with leaflets asking for my... 

Saturday’s National Day of Protest

Saturday’s National Day of Protest Saturday 23rd January 2016 be a special date for me, indeed many others, who have fought the good fight against water charges over the past years. In Dublin City and other main urban centres, ordinary people took to the streets again voted on this highly controversial... 

Escaping the Grim Reaper

My time it had been borrowed From the clock upon the wall Its pendulums just ticked away As my life heard death’s loud call Every day the clock ticked louder To help my life extend As the minutes turned to hours Its face became my friend And days turned into months And the months turned into years And... 

Minimum Cans – A Minister’s Drink Problem

It was Sunday the 29th of March 2004: The last day a person could legally smoke in Ireland’s public houses and nightclubs. I was working in a well known establishment in Dublin’s city centre. Just after we finished last orders, the manager pulled me aside and told me that as soon as it was midnight,... 

The Financial Strain of Christmas

The Financial Strain of Christmas It’s that festive time of year again and with just over a week to go until Christmas day, people are starting to feel the financial burden of it unfolding.  While most people enjoy buying gifts for family and friends, it can be very expensive, especially if they... 

St Catherine’s Gate Vigil

St Catherine’s Gate Vigil In modern Ireland, people who are serving time in prison have rights. They are entitled to receive a visit from a loved one, to be safe, to have shelter over their heads, as it should be, for everyone should have these basic rights. In the emergency accommodation units... 

Christmas Cheer!

Christmas cheer and carols sing People go on the beer and gin Snow falls and children play As Santa prepares his reindeer and sleigh It doesn’t matter if you have been naughty or nice  This year leave out the cinnamon spice Children gaze into the sky Hoping to see Santa when he drops by In the... 

Conor – Life on the Streets

I first met Conor outside Centra in Rathmines in late October.  He was sitting under his sleeping bag with a beige blanket wrapped around him; his light blue eyes were fixated on his book.  His face was pale and his wavy red hair looked unwashed.  His body looked thin and undernourished.  My sister... 

Irish Water Protesters appear before Court

A total of 32 protesters made an appearance at the Dublin District Court on Monday afternoon. The defendants, who were been charged over three separate incidents relating to water charge and anti austerity protests, were met at the steps of the court house by a group of several hundred demonstrators. Speaking... 

Help! The Halloween Party!

Help! The Halloween Party! Every weekday morning, I walk my two young daughters to school along with my friend’s little boy. Last Friday, the last before the mid-term break also happened to be the day of the school Halloween party. Every child and teacher would be in full costume for the day. My friend... 

Is Temporary Good Enough Now?

Is Temporary Good Enough Now? Having been homeless myself I know what it feels like not having a permanent roof over my head.  Now, 10 years later, homelessness in Ireland is a serious problem. We are now seeing people of all ages and families on our streets. Families through no fault of their own... 

Law and Disorder

There is only one occasion this correspondent can recollect being openly discriminated against in the nearly two score years of being privately discriminated against (by girls in nightclubs, previous employers in work, etc….). The incident occurred on a train journey from Liverpool Street to Chelmsford,... 

Safe Hands

Safe Hands This writing lark can be a tough job, especially when you have nothing to write about. Last week your correspondent found himself in such a story-less state and told his colleague Jackie Spain of his predicament. She informed this correspondent of a story she’d heard of ten wheel-barrows... 
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