Our government and diplomats have their work cut out now
Avoiding clichés such as “seismic”. “historic” and “game-changing” is difficult when describing or analysing the democratic decision of the people of the United Kingdom to leave the EU. The legal and political process of withdrawal will take years – years of uncertainty. Uncertainty is bad for our economic growth and investment. Until the UK’s trading […]
Is there any way back from the Brexit brink?
Apparently, nobody, but nobody, is willing to publicly contemplate a re-running of the Brexit referendum in the same way the Nice and Lisbon treaties referendums were re-run in Ireland. As of now, the idea is toxic. And no contender for political high office is willing even to mention a re-run as a possibility. And so […]
Parallels between Westminster and Kildare Street – starting with a vacuum at the top
In the order of importance of the world of real politics, the greatest priorities for England’s two largest parties are their respective leadership struggles. Everything must take second place until it is seen whether Theresa or Andrea emerges as leader of the Tories and until it is seen whether Jeremy or anybody else will emerge […]
Our ‘New Politics’ has caused a lurch to the Left
The reality of the “New Politics” is slowly emerging. Let’s look at some important issues. The Irish Constitution divides the powers of government into three categories – legislative, executive and judicial. These categories are not completely water-tight; but what is termed “the executive power of the State” is required to be “exercised by or on […]
Polls, wallops and political messaging as Brexit campaign reaches the home straight
The Brexit campaign, in horse racing terms, has rounded the last turn and is on the run in to the winning post. It is a two horse race. “Stay” and “Leave” are matching each other stride for stride, if the polls are to be believed. Which horse has the greater reserves of energy and which […]
Seanad Bill 2016 initiated 15/06/16
I was delighted to today initiate the Seanad Bill 2016, which was co-sponsored by a number of colleagues in Seanad Éireann, please see link below to a pdf of the full document Seanad Bill 2016 BILL (as initiated) SeanadBill2016 An Act to implement reforms proposed in the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform […]