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 […]
Mad, bad and dangerous. Trump and the connotations of language

Language in politics has consequences and its meaning is always in the ear of the audience.
The Ventotene mini-summit and the dangers of the Euro-federalist agenda being pursued by governments

Prior to the tragic loss of life in the Umbrian earthquake this Wednesday, Italy was in the news for an all-together different reason on Monday. Italian premier, Matteo Renzi, had invited Angela Merkel and Francois Hollande to join him for a short conference to discuss the future of the EU in the aftermath of Brexit […]
Apple, Europe and how “boxing above our weight” includes throwing the odd punch

The Commission ruling on Apple handed down by Commissioner Margrethe Verstager is a disgraceful and unedifying abuse of power by the institutions of the EU. Its brazen character is stark but is in character with the soul of the federalist behemoth in Brussels. I carry no candle for multinational capitalists who preach corporate ethics and […]
Local Property Tax is a ticking political time bomb – but there is an alternative

Mark my words, the so-called Local Property Tax is a ticking political time bomb that will play a central part in the next General Election, particularly in the greater Dublin area. You don’t need a crystal ball to see why. Anyone who comes up with a proposal to abolish it and to replace it with […]