A veto on judicial appointments is wrong and constitutionally questionable
There is something wrong and ridiculous about the apparent state of paralysis at the level of Government in relation to the appointment of new judges. Sources close to Minister Shane Ross are informing the media that Shane has an “absolute” agreement and a “cast-iron” undertaking that no new judges will be appointed unless and until […]
Trump and the implosion of a candidate
If, as now appears very likely, the Trump candidacy implodes, some very serious questions arise. How did a monstrous, egotistical buffoon with psychopathic tendencies ever get so close to assuming the presidency of the most powerful nation on earth? Can it happen again? How can we stop it from happening again? The blame for this […]
The politics of paralysis and where we might go from here
With every change within the margin of error, today’s Red –C poll appears to be “business as usual”. But the problem is that business is not at all usual. Today’s slight flicker in poll ratings has happened in the context of continuing uncertainty about Brexit, and of the Apple €13bn controversy, and of the NAMA […]
Islamic extremism is incompatible with our liberal society
The cruel murder by ISIS adherents of a defenceless, elderly Catholic priest celebrating Mass in a small Normandy church is by no means the first of its kind. Jihadists waging “holy war” have been doing similar cowardly acts to Christian clergy and lay-people here and there across the Maghreb, the Middle East and in Saharan […]
Citizens’ Assembly is a phony piece of window dressing
The Citizens’ Assembly which the Government has decided to convene is, in my view, a somewhat ridiculous idea. That is why I spoke and voted against it in the Seanad. The media have, in general, left the public largely in the dark about its purpose and its composition. Anyone that I have spoken to believes […]
From Frodo to Mojo – why Enda Kenny is in no hurry to vacate the top job
Like Frodo standing at the precipice on Mount Doom, torn apart by simultaneous, conflicting emotions about casting the Ring into the inferno (no reference to Michael Ring intended!), Enda Kenny stands on the political ledge of Government Buildings, eyeing the mob below, a large portion of which is shouting “Jump!”. But will he? Or will […]