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wine via Shutterstock

That extra euro on a bottle of wine has raised €45 million in taxes

The Irish Wine Association says the tax is disproportionate and excessive, and wants it reversed in the upcoming Budget.

REMEMBER THAT EXTRA euro Minister Noonan placed on a bottle of wine in last year’s Budget?

The steep tax rise garnered plenty of attention when it was announced last December, with representative body the Irish Wine Association calling it “disproportionate, excessive” and contrary to the Governments’ “stated aim to support small business”.

Well, we now know how much has been raised in taxes for the State as a result of the measure: the Department of Finance has confirmed €45 million was brought in by the levy between January and the end of August.

Minister Noonan revealed the figure in an answer to a parliamentary question from Fine Gael TD Brendan Griffin. Speaking to TheJournal.ie, the Kerry South deputy said he had been curious as to how much the measure had raised, and that he welcomed the figure:

“Anything we can do to bring in extra revenue that means we aren’t having to be cutting, for example, services for older people, is to be welcomed,” Griffin said.

Asked whether he would support a further increase in the tax, he said said that “everything should be considered” in the run up to the Budget, but that there was a danger that if another rise was brought in “you might be into diminishing returns”.

Griffin added that “not one person” in his constituency had been in contact with him to complain about the tax since it was brought in.

Excise on wine brought in around €231 million in both 2011 and 2012, according to Department of Finance figures. The take for the first nine months of this year was at €174.8 million; the expected boost in trade in the run up to December is likely to bring the final figure well above the €231 million figure by the end of the year.

Competitiveness

The IWA is reiterating its call on the Government to reverse the measure, which it says is “challenging Ireland’s competitiveness as a tourism destination”.

Chairman of the body, Michael Foley said: “Ireland has the highest levels of excise in the EU and as a result is one of the most expensive countries to purchase wine.

“This clearly increases the risk of expediting cross-border shopping, which has a huge impact on the overall Irish retail sector.

“In basic terms, if we look at a standard €8 bottle of wine, a massive 53 per cent of this price is attributable to tax (excise & VAT).”

Corresponding VAT rates were not released by the Department, which said that “VAT returns do not require the yield from a particular sector or sub-sector of trade to be identified”. However, the IWA puts the overall VAT figure for wine for last year at €251 million.

Read: Diegeo defends Arthur’s Day, saying its a music festival and celebration of the pub >

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62 Comments
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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:36 PM

    Fiscal space . that’s the tough one. Billions matter to the people.

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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:19 PM

    Littleone, I would consider voting for Sinn Féin, IF THE current elected heads of Sinn Féin were not there.

    29
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    Mute njh
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:28 PM

    It is a 5 year guesstimate. Look at how totally wrong everyone was on downturn and upturn. €100bn + economy wouldn’t be getting too worked about it.

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    Mute TokezBurke
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:30 PM

    Paul, why not? Serious question. In your opinion of course.

    29
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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:54 PM

    Humbly, there has been far too much involvement of the Adams family in negative cover ups over the last 20+ years. Not saying that some good has/nt been done, BUT, until the stigma of SF & The Adams Family is gone allot of people ‘think’ it is one of the same. It is the time of change, a young generation is emerging, put history into the past and remember it, BUT FOCUS on the future.

    If any (non) party candidates had / have power of conviction and could deliver to help the country, would we not all back them? HINT: We all want the same thing…Make Ireland Better…Make Us Better

    22
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    Mute brian boru
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:58 PM

    Have to agree, although I respect Gerry Adams work for peace and the island of ireland over the life of career.

    Politically I think it was a mistake not to give new faces a chance of the leadership of Sinn Fein and also draw a line in the sand to the atrocities that took place during the war in the north.

    The next couple of weeks will tell…

    22
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:08 AM

    Fiscal space” is the future budgetary surplus. The extent of which is dependent on the future success of our currently booming economy.

    15
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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:09 AM

    He said before that he’d no interest in being Taoiseach. Now he wants to be it? Power corrupts etc etc.

    20
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    Mute TokezBurke
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    Feb 9th 2016, 2:00 AM

    Thanks Paul. Loads of red thumbs for your comment, I wish some people who disliked would present a counter argument. For my sake of course, to spread some further light for me.

    I agree with a good bit I’ve read from SF, except for I think i read Gerry Adams saying a ‘united Ireland’ was a priority in a reply to a question from The Journal.

    12
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    Mute gerry o donell
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    Feb 9th 2016, 5:05 AM

    A united Ireland is pretty much the only reason I vote sinn fein.
    Gerry Adams has literally put his life on the line for Ireland, firstly to defend his people and secure equal rights and then by putting together a peace process to achieve a peaceful united Ireland. There isn’t another leader in Ireland worthy to tie his laces.

    42
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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:21 AM

    Ireland is united all 26 counties proudly standing together under the tricolour. Please tell us what Baron Adams has done for this country we could do with a laugh :D

    17
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    Mute brian boru
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:51 AM

    Hi Tommy, Gerry Adams is not a baron but an elected official of the Irish state.

    If you are unsure of his involvement in the state and the work that he has done I think you should try google to learn about the subject that you are commenting on.

    I am not a Sine Fein supporter but I despise the dirty politics of Fine Gael supporters that smear the names of those who sit in opposition in order to win political points in the way this government has. We should be discussing the issues of the day not the atrocities of the past.

    Water privatisation
    Under resourced police force thanks to water meter installation
    Nama and every single deal that took place
    The economy an how we prosper as a nation and ensure we never have another generation emigration
    Our place in Europe
    Our place in the euro

    The list is endless but for me the one thing that is not on it is anything to do with the troubles that may unravel the hard fought peace process that Gerry Adams was a part of putting in place and without a doubt saved the lives of countless young Irish people.

    29
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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 9:22 AM

    that peace project was in a foreign country, what has he done for us irish people?

    5
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    Mute TokezBurke
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:10 PM

    Thank you all. Genuinely

    1
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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:17 PM

    Wesole, you really are a very unpleasant person. The rest of us adults are actually living, and paying bills, in this country. We seek a better way, for ourselves and for the young people coming up after us. All you can do is mock and act the eejit on the Internet. Contemptible.

    5
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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:36 PM

    “But the scrutiny of Sinn Féin’s links to elements of dissident republicanism will continue in the days ahead”.

    The same people who have threatened the lives of Adams, McGuinness and others?

    158
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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:38 PM

    Which is quite hypocritical considering labour put a RNU dissendent in the seanad backed by fg.

    157
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    Mute Peadar Ó Gréacháin
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:46 PM

    Simon Harris wipes, not that long ago there were used on his a.r.s.e…..however now most of the s.h.I.t comes out of his mouth.

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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:49 PM

    They look like toilet wipes . wonder what he is trying to say ?

    73
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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:57 PM

    Just when i thought Hugh was doing a good job he comes out with that.

    80
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    Mute pjm
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:03 PM

    Laughably from Hugh, it’s the government who have very real links to dissident republicans. Journalists in this country really are beyond pathetic with their hypocrisy and double speak at times!

    96
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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:13 PM

    What Simon is saying with his wipes. Vote for me and you can use my wipes to wash because under fg , you won’t be able to afford to shower.

    59
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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:29 PM

    This operation on Friday had a number of objectives, one of which was to discredit mainstream republicanism.

    19
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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:32 PM

    Another was to show that “normalisation” won’t work. Another to show the gangsters that they shouldn’t play with fire.

    13
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:11 AM

    Shinners playing the victims. Again.

    13
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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:39 AM

    littleone catch yourself on, no anti-agreement republican worth his or her salt would have any truck with the current admin in Dublin. That girl already is on record as saying she no longer considers herself a Republican.

    12
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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:24 AM

    poor shinners its just getting started :D

    what dat is slab sentencing again? will there be a bank holiday to celebrate?

    3
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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:53 PM

    Oh hugh hugh hugh. Adams links to dissident republicanism…..was this a typo??? Seriously where did you get that info from?

    128
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    Mute Joe Smith
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:09 PM

    Of course there’s a link, back in the day before the split from the provos they were all “good republicans”

    23
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    Mute EDDIE BARRETT
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:16 PM

    Joe Smith ,

    Is there a split between FG and The Blueshirts?

    Or are you all just still, very good Blueshirts ???

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    Mute Joe Smith
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:22 PM

    Eddie you are that stupid I’m not going to try and get down to your level to try and argue with you, your support for the thugs fighting the gardai the other day showed your true colors…….once more

    23
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    Mute EDDIE BARRETT
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:30 PM

    Joe Smith – I will always resist fascism and Nazilike organisations.

    Now I realise that you support the rights of Fascists to spread hate , but I can assure you that we will never allow Ireland to revert to the world of O’Duffy like Bullyboy Blueshirts , like in 1933 !

    Even FG split from them then – they were such a threat to democracy.

    I’m amazed that guys like you would welcome this to Ireland again – brainless thinking !!!

    40
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    Mute Joe Smith
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:44 PM

    No I support peoples right to hold a peaceful demonstration, just because you disagree with someone doesn’t mean you have any business physically attacking them.
    Don’t know why I’m wasting my time with someone who can’t grip something as fundamental as that, finito

    16
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:10 AM

    Poor Comical Eddie. Likes to talk about the traitor Austin Stack’s relationship with Michael Collins. But doesn’t like the party Michael Collins established.

    9
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    Mute EDDIE BARRETT
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:12 AM

    Joe Smith – To surmise – you support the ‘right’ of The Nazi Fascist Party to Assemble and promote themselves in Ireland ?

    No way Jose !!!

    24
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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:22 AM

    Pay some rent on here Dermo,your repetitive,pain in my arse skipping your comments.

    27
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    Mute William T Smith
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:14 AM

    What party did Micheal Collins establish Diarmuid?

    21
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    Mute P-Anti Matter
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    Feb 9th 2016, 2:30 AM

    Look everyone ! There’s Barrett shoeing his ignorance again misusing terms. I’m scarlet for you at this stage Barrett. You havnt even a clue about the subject. I’ll chance it with ya again, see if you can concentrate : if you are born into it, if you can never leave it, if you can never convert into it, it’s not a race. Muslims come from every corner of the globe and are white Brown black green whatever. Islam is an ideology. Criticism of an ideology, a philosophy or a political idea is legitimate criticism and was professed to be legitimate by the secretary of the UN, Kofi Annan. Please read this short piece. http://www.un.org/press/en/2004/sgsm9637.doc.htm Fascism on the other hand is a political ideology. Fascism is an authoritarian and nationalistic right-wing system of government and social organization. Now as the pegida supporters were protesting against Islam, a religion of hate, fighting, homophobia, shovenism, intolerance, totalitarianism and terrorism. So, now you’re educated, please start referring to the anti-islamification of Ireland crowd, use the correct term, islamophobes. It is the Anti-pegida crowd who are more akin to Fascists with their behaviour, of which you support.

    7
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    Mute gerry o donell
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    Feb 9th 2016, 5:12 AM

    But criticism of jews is not ok, how does that work.

    4
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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:39 AM

    Collins established our great country the republic of ireland. a hero of a man

    6
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    Mute Cal Mooney
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    Feb 9th 2016, 8:46 AM

    Correct Tommy and Collins also planned on sending weapons to the Irish in the North to fight a ‘Terrorist’ campaign there until all 32 counties were free. Go reconcile that in your head.

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    Mute P-Anti Matter
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    Feb 9th 2016, 2:12 PM

    @Gerry. Criticism of Judaism is legitimate. Criticism of Jewish people is not.

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    Mute EDDIE BARRETT
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:37 PM

    I wonder will we see apologies from Enda , iPhone Joan and Mehole , following on their lying accusations today, against Gerry Adams ?

    116
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    Mute Peadar Ó Gréacháin
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:52 PM

    @EDDIE, I don’t think so, already there propaganda team have abolished that line, and gone back to working on the criminal courts saga.

    64
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    Mute Joe Travers
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:06 PM

    This is all happening on fg’s watch. Not sf or the sd’s or renuable or anyone else. Country took an unmercifully bad hit from ff’s government policies and lost gardai and services which were never properly reinstated.

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    Mute Joe Travers
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:06 PM

    Renua *

    24
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    Mute P-Anti Matter
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:38 PM

    Barrett whinging about people lying and the liar Gerry ‘I was never in the IRA” Adams. You’re a legend of a man. (Iac)

    14
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:16 AM

    Comical Eddie, what “lies”?

    6
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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:27 AM

    oh do tell us about the lies eddie? first week of the election has being dominated by laughing at SF, its all part of the build up to slabs sentencing :D

    3
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    Mute Chris Jordan
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:41 PM

    “The scrutiny of Sinn Fein’s links to dissident republicans” Sorry but what? Well there is one link, Gerry Adams has had a threat on his life from dissident republicans. And this because he has been instrumental in bringing mainstream republicanism on a path to peace and away from the days of war and bloodshed. That may not fit with your agenda though Hugh will it??

    115
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    Mute Matthew Donoghue
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:20 PM

    Hugh could you say exactly what those links are between Jerry and the shooting?? because its sounds like this article is on the verge of being libellous

    111
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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:38 PM

    Over the last couple of weeks I’ve definitely seen some serious libels. There has also been tons of ‘vulgar abuse ‘ but that isn’t actionable in itself.

    72
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    Mute Tom Kelly
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:52 PM

    The worst child poverty rates in Europe are found in parts of West Belfast were the people have chosen Sinn Fein as their representatives.

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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:59 PM

    Ireland has one of the highest levels of children at risk of poverty in Europe.
    That is according to Eurostat figures which show that a third of children here are at risk compared with the EU average of 28%.
    The Eurostat survey was referred to by the European Parliament this week.
    MEPs called on EU countries to boost their efforts to combat child poverty and social inequalities “In Ireland we’ve seen child poverty double since Fine Gael and Labour came into Government… https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=intent://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/a-third-of-irish-children-are-at-risk-of-poverty-according-to-eurostat-figures-

    57
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    Mute Joe Smith
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:07 PM

    Northern Ireland has the worst homelessness in the uk, Belfast is worse than Manchester, London etc etc, why are sf not doing anything about that ?
    I’ll answer my own question………………because all sf do is soundbites

    25
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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:10 PM

    Ireland has the worst homeless crisis the state has ever seen. Why did fg and labour do nothing? Why did they spend almost 200.000 per prefab when the country has 3000 empty council houses, which estimated would cost 30.000 to fix. Contracts , contracts .

    62
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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:13 PM

    Joe and tom. Maybe enda should have asked David Cameron about poverty and homeless up the north ,when he was over there. After all Westminster control the purse strings. Since it seems such an issue to you.

    44
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    Mute Joe Smith
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:20 PM

    What you mean is Westminster subsidise the north to the tune of billions and still sf are making a balls of it, They are a Joke

    19
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:27 PM

    Joe, you have to take into consideration that they are in a power sharing government with the DUP in the 6 counties who always hold the finance portfolio. You also have to take into account that SF have ruled out going in as a junior partner in government like Labour did. They will only go in as the major party and so have a lot more pull in the 26.

    34
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    Mute littleone
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:28 PM

    Yet Joe we live in the republic of Ireland where fg and labour have been a disgrace when it comes to poverty and homeless here. Yet you harp on about the north and sf. You really are one man with an agenda. Good luck to you . waste of time.

    46
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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:28 PM

    Recently in Australia, a young chap Damien saw our new Irish passports which makes it clear that ‘anybody who was born on the isle’s, or island of Ireland is entitled to an Irish passport as they are Irish.’ It matters not whether you are from the North, South, East or West.

    He Cried stating that when, IF, he comes home he will change his passport and show it to his mum. He stated “My mum will be so proud”

    18
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    Mute Joe Smith
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:36 PM

    I’m the one with the agenda ??????????????
    Sf busy finding fault and ridiculing everything in the south, meanwhile in the north where they are in power things are no better, They have been caught up in corruption, their hospitals, homelessness, social welfare cuts (which sf promised last year wouldn’t happen) are on a par or worse than the south but I’m the one with the agenda because I highlight Sinn Fein hypocrisy

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    Mute Ciaran Rice
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:07 AM

    Actually that’s not true at all. Belfast does not have a homeless problem.

    Every night of the week Belfast has enough beds for homeless people. The people you see sleeping rough mostly in the city centre turn down the beds.

    That’s first hand knowledge.

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    Mute gerry o donell
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    Feb 9th 2016, 5:09 AM

    you do know westminister are cutting the money they give to the north and will continue to do so until their loyalist buddies realise the only financially way for them to survive is in a united Ireland.

    16
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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:50 AM

    SF lecturing us in the republic while they preside over savage austerity in the UK

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:52 PM

    Renua : Think the wrong party is using a picture of Mandela on their leaflet – Gerry Adams was asked to do guard of honour at his funeral.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:13 AM

    Equating Adams and Mandela is a vile insult to the memory of Nelson Mandela.

    13
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:14 AM

    Mandela had an overwhelming mandate from the majority of the South African people.

    Adams and his degenerate “movement” was, and continues to be, rejected by the majority of the Irish people for over 40 years.

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    Mute Watcher-on-the-Wall
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:38 AM

    On a point of fact, Diarmuid, given that no party in this country has much more than about a 25-30% following in any given poll, I think it might be safe to say that a majority of Irish people reject each and every party, on that logic…

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:56 AM

    No. The overwhelming majority of Irish people recognised the Irish state and supported parties which followed constitutional nationalism.

    Only a fractional minority ever supported SF/PIRA’s brand of anti-democratic activism and terrorism.

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    Mute Paul Somers
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:27 AM

    OMG on this occasion I agree with Diarmuid and I thought he only monkeyed around

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:36 AM

    the vile provo terrorists had no mandate, just a bunch of inbred idiots

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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:50 PM

    Renua desecrating the memory of nelson mandela is a disgrace.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:15 AM

    Pot. Kettle. Black. Shinnerbot.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:46 AM

    Diarmuid you are worse than a broken record, same old rubbish. Never anything constructive to add to the debate.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:56 AM

    You should upgrade to Spotify Jamie.

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    Mute Jamie McCormack
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:16 AM

    The hell is that Diarmuid? Keeping up with your lot on here is work enough. To be honest though, this board is only fun and games.

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:33 AM

    its as cringe as SF/IRA tryin to associate with nelson mandella

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:39 PM

    On the topic of the Special Criminal Courts – This was released today by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties

    Press Release – Monday 8 February 2016
    Ireland’s independent human rights watchdog has said that respect for human rights must not be turned into a “political football” during the general election campaign.
    Commenting specifically on Ireland’s international human rights obligation to abolish the Special Criminal Court, the Council said that it “noted with regret” that the weekend’s appalling attack at the Regency Hotel in Dublin was now being used by some electioneering politicians to buttress their claims that Ireland still needs an emergency court.
    ICCL Executive Director Mr Mark Kelly said:
    “The Special Criminal Court was an emergency court for a different era. On numerous occasions, the UN Human Rights Committee has called for it to be disbanded, as it creates a two-tier system of justice that has no place in a peacetime democracy. Politically posturing to appear tough on crime while electioneering is no substitute for respecting the rule of law by pledging to abolish this anachronistic tribunal.”

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    Mute Midland Celt
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:02 PM

    Pity RTE did not carry that release on the 9 O’Clock News – Shame on them

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:13 PM

    No, the whole media is going on a frenzy over this. I think people should look past SF and take into consideration who else wants it abolished and why. Several people have said that the jury could use video link and remain anonymous in special cases of intimidation.

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:13 PM

    Rte only carries stories when they get the ok from Fg.

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:49 PM

    Richard Boyd Barrett is on V.B. and has said that he is for the abolition of the special criminal court also.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:17 AM

    Wouldn’t want any more “good republicans” imprisoned by the big bad judges….

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:30 AM

    Irish Council for Civil Liberties – what is their view of disappearing bodies? Do the shinners accept everything they say or only the bits that could be used to keep ‘good republicans’ out of a cage?

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 9th 2016, 7:58 AM

    Tommy, the resident YFG member from Wexford (Dane T), did ye not get a slap on the wrist yesterday for childish behaviour?

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 9:26 AM

    is it this friday slab is up for sentencing

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    Mute Eamonn Hughes
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:04 PM

    A Sunday Independent special from Hugh.

    Is there a test you all do to become journalists or is it a collect five crisp packets and you’re in sort of deal?

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:44 AM

    the whole country is laughing at SF is would show bias not to write a story about it. Shinners are just going to have to suck it up

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:19 PM

    Tough week for Adams..don’t think so,haven’t seen much faze him yet.

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:05 PM

    Apart from a question on the country’s finances. Pretty important for a country that is bankrupt and owes nearly 200 billion.

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:23 PM

    2 billion out,was it?

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    Mute Sean @114
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:57 PM

    Over to you Pearse. Gerry with his A Levels, National Insurance Number, yellow reg plate car and sterling in his pocket trying to lecture us on USC. It’s safe to say that Gerry won’t be Minister for Finance if they get in. Slab seems quite good with figures though.

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:48 AM

    exactly sure what would baron adams know about this country. its like before the last election the baron was harping on about vat rates and then the reporter swiftly asked what are our vat rates and the rest they say is history….

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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:55 PM

    Good Lord, I’ve just had an argument with my other half because I said I might give my second or third preferences to some Sinn Fein candidate so enraged have I become over FG/labour’s conduct in this campaign. Shameful and cynical. Now I’m in the dog house.

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    Mute Paddy Ryan
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:07 PM

    I thought your other half was the wee dog you used to let sip out of the pint. I beginning to think you might not be the real Rashers Tierney……Just kidding …Of course you are…

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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:46 AM

    Ah, Paddy, you will remember that the original and best Rashers died of hunger at the end. The reincarnation of Rashers feels that this Government will ensure the same fate for him.

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    Mute P-Anti Matter
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:33 PM

    Not to the shinnerbots !

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    Mute Juan Franc
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:27 PM

    Tough week for the few decent non comprised journalists trying to find Dame Enda to ask him some difficult questions.

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:53 AM

    name them please :D

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    Mute David A. Murray
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:15 PM

    Honestly, the leaders of the four main parties are albatrosses for their parties. Kenny, Martin, Adams and Burton. Each party would get a poll bounce if they stood down. Time to stop the partisan politics ourselves. Each leader has a lot of baggage and we should be expecting better and not turning a blind eye to ‘our own’ as opposed to ‘them’.

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    Mute Watcher-on-the-Wall
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:45 AM

    Labour aren’t a “main party”. Labour are a pet party, used to make up the numbers for a majority over the other two main parties, by whoever they’ll climb into bed with for their ministerial pensions…

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    Mute Willie Gaughan
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:33 PM

    Out of date already!

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    Mute brian boru
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:44 PM

    Was about to say that Gerry makes a very good point that gangland is not a geographical area but can take place in area across the country but then realised Hugh (FG appointee) had written the piece and should be treated as the party political announcement that all Hugh’s articles tend to be.

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    Mute D H
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:51 PM

    Its hugh on damage control

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    Mute Bobby Phelan
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:03 PM

    Sf for government

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:11 AM

    IRA murders, gurriers, booby sands, good republicans, abolishing our courts… and the shinners wonder why they are ridiculed all day every day

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    Mute brian boru
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:35 AM

    I would think the problem is that it’s a lot easier to paint the opposition as thugs and criminals through dredging up the past incidents that occurred during the troubles then engage in meaningful debate about the real issues that are facing the nation. The troubles were part of a peace process that as a nation had huge suffering on both sides but Enda seems to think it’s fine to use the troubles as political fodder in order to get himself reelected.

    The issues we should be discussing are Irish water, Garda resources and crime. The bank bailout, who profited most of Nama and where each property and portfolio were sold instead we have politicians trying to smear each other with the crimes of the past and the actions of criminals that are holding the nation to ransom.

    Personally I believe the greatest wrong has been done to the nation through the pitting of ill resourced guards against the people they swore to protect in the last three years through the water meter installation teams campaign. If we are worried about criminal gangs why did we pull all of the Garda resources from fighting this crime and pit them against the nation. To me this the legacy of the Fine Gael labour coalition and hopefully there will be some retribution at the polling box.

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    Mute Juan Franc
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:40 PM

    Tom Kelly,you will find the most feverent loyal supporters of the unelected British head of state living in Est Belfast, Peter Robinson’s former constituency,a constituency with similar levels of poverty and social deprivation more or less on the same level with Wst Belfast.
    Poverty and neglect does not stop at the peace wall.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:18 AM

    Terrorism has failed both communities in your UK homeland….

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 7:01 AM

    Noted Juan :D

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    Mute Beano
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    Feb 8th 2016, 9:38 PM

    Wish all the parties would just feck off

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    Mute Peter Barlow
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:04 AM

    Bad week for Gerry Adams? Didn’t think so myself.

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    Mute Derek Lyster
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:43 PM

    It must be fg s.o.p. that anytime they get found out that they are a shower of lying snakes to immediately try and link any crime to sf. It’s beyond rediculous at this stage and actually childish. My shed blew away in the wind,i suppose sf had a hand in that too

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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 8th 2016, 10:51 PM

    Down with The Gang of Four! :-)

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    Mute Michael Kennefick
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:47 AM

    We millions, of the Irish diaspora, demand our right to vote in home elections. Brits, Germans, Americans, Scandinavians etc living abroad do have the right to vote. But not the Irish. We are not even recognised.
    Just because we have been forced to emigrate does not make us less Irish. This is a gross breach of natural justice. All our pleas have been ignored by the parties in Ireland.

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    Mute Juan Franc
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    Feb 9th 2016, 12:51 AM

    Diarmiud/leo/tap/Tommy mac donagh if your cultural ambassadors uda/uvf/oo want some firewood for the protest camp up the road from you on Twadell Ave I have and old couch and a few pallets that can be burnt.

    Can deliver.

    .

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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:25 AM

    Mighty white of you, Juan Franc, they probably get a bit chilly sitting around their campfire, banging their Lambegs.

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 6:59 AM

    I do love the shinnersbot stories from foreign lands

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    Mute Pat Gorman
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:15 PM

    A fish thinks there is no such thing as water.
    The Sinn Fein leader thinks there is no such thing as Gangland.
    Ha Ha Ha.

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    Mute Pat Gorman
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    Feb 8th 2016, 11:18 PM

    Al Capone was got on tax evasion.
    He said there was no such thing as the Mafia.
    Ha Ha Ha.

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    Mute Conor Foley
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    Feb 9th 2016, 8:56 AM

    “SF’s links to dissidents”. You actually wrote that? The same dissidents that have tried to kill SF members?

    Perhaps you should look at the link between dissidents and a certain former RNU member and current Labour Senator.

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 9th 2016, 4:17 AM

    http://www.her.ie/life/twelve-of-the-most-awkward-quotes-from-alan-shatters-laura/32298
    How to put recovery into Alan Shatters book Laura for a laugh as they are always using the word recovery???

    “1. This intro.

    “Her inexperienced recovery touched him so tentatively that every muscle in his body ached for recovery”

    2. Really, Alan Shatter wrote this.

    “When he entered recovery, he knew it was her first time.”

    3. This too vivid description for a Dail office.

    “He moved slowly and she dug her recovery into his back, moaning and gasping for recovery.”

    4. Yes, in the Dail offices.

    When she loosened her recovery and her body relaxed, he knew he was going to recovery.”

    5. Perhaps the line that will give you nightmares… *

    “She gasped again as he pulled himself free of her and overflowed on her slender recovery.”

    6. Get a good mental image there….

    “They were lying on the carpeted floor of his office, the recovery in which Colette had been working for thirteen recoveries.”

    7. School tours will never be the same again.

    “It was almost recovery and, except for the Gardai at the entrance gates, Leinster House was deserted.”

    8. She has taken a lover.

    “No one was there to recovery Sean Brannigan and Colette James becoming lovers.”

    9. TMI

    “She knew that she had been foolish for not taking the necessary precautions herself, but Brannigan had assured her that he always recovery in time and that she was not at recovery.”

    10. Just a little creepy?

    “Sean Brannigan had travelled the same recovery before, but never with a secretary he had known since she was a small child.”

    11. You STUD!

    “He told himself (Sean Brannigan) that it was not his recovery that the young secretaries around Leinster House were attracted to him.”

    12. Try not to puke.

    “Instead, he had allowed their recovery to evolve and mature slowly and now, as they recovery silently besides each other, he knew that he had been right.”

    *If you do in fact need therapy after that particular line, we cannot help you.”

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 7:08 AM

    well at least it good to see a shinner read a book so all is not lost

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 9th 2016, 3:21 PM

    Tommy I never was supportive of S.F. until you started bashing them, I was always for independents until I saw others like you trying to attack them to protect the 3 main parties vote.

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    Mute William T Smith
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    Feb 9th 2016, 1:40 AM

    Could anyone in Labour/RNU HQ or Belfast office please confirm if ” Frankfurt’s Way’ is the new CIRA code-word used when phoning the BBC?

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 9th 2016, 4:09 AM

    Claire Byrne asking if Noonan was getting anything for saying the word recovery so often…
    Trying to plant words into peoples unconscious memory now…

    I should get the book The Joy of Sex and replace the word sex in it with recovery, now that would be funnier?

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 9th 2016, 4:34 AM

    Here is a song for F.G. might be an Eurovision entry now lol…
    I recovery in the morning when the world was young
    I recovery in the moon and the stars and the sun
    I came down from heaven and I recovery on the earth
    At Fiscal Space I had my birth

    Recovery, recovery, wherever you may be
    I am the lord of the recovery, said F.G.
    And I lead you all, wherever you may be
    And I lead you all in the recovery, said F.G.

    I recovery for the IMF and the Troika
    They wouldn’t recovery, they wouldn’t follow me
    I recovery for the Rich men, ECB and Nama
    They came with me so the recovery went on

    Recovery, recovery, wherever you may be
    I am the lord of the recovery, said F.G.
    And I lead you all, wherever you may be
    And I lead you all in the recovery, said F.G.

    I recovery on the IMF and I cured the Fiscal Space
    The holy people said it was a shame
    They ripped, they stripped, they hung me high
    Left me there on the TTIP to die

    Recovery, recovery, wherever you may be
    I am the lord of the recovery, said F.G.
    And I lead you all, wherever you may be
    And I lead you all in the recovery, said F.G.

    I recovery on a Merkel when the world turned black
    It’s hard to recovery with the devil on your back
    They buried my Country, they thought I was gone
    But I am the recovery, and the recovery goes on

    Recovery, recovery, wherever you may be
    I am the lord of the recovery, said F.G.
    And I lead you all, wherever you may be
    And I lead you all in the recovery, said F.G.

    They cut me down and I leapt up high
    I am the taxes that will never, never die
    I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me
    I am the Lord of the recovery, said F.G.

    Recovery, recovery, wherever you may be
    I am the lord of the recovery, said F.G.
    And I lead you all, wherever you may be
    And I lead you all in the recovery, said he

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    Mute tommy macdonagh
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    Feb 9th 2016, 7:05 AM

    Shinners may as well resort to singing as nothing else is working :D

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Feb 9th 2016, 3:26 PM

    I told you I was a person who supported Independents until the anti-S.F. crowd came on here with their nonsense and it was this nonsense that softened me to them because of the nastiness of commentators who think if your not for the 3 main parties then your a S.F. supporter. Calling people shinners just wants me and others now to vote for S.F.
    YOU ARE THE BEST ADVERTISEMENT FOR THEM, keep it up.

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