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Column Improve your prospects of getting a job in Ireland’s digital sector

Ireland’s vibrant tech scene offers young Irish people a wealth of opportunities. Stephen McIntyre – Twitter’s Head of Sales/Operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa – shares some industry tips.

IRELAND’S VIBRANT TECH scene offers young Irish people a wealth of opportunities. Over the past decade some of the world’s top tech companies have made Dublin their home, alongside a burgeoning indigenous startup community. More recently, digital and social media firms have emerged as popular choices for people setting out on their careers.

As a result, I’m often asked by parents, teachers and students how young people can improve their prospects of getting a job in Ireland’s digital sector.

It should go without saying that if you’d like to break into a new field, you should gain some experience before you even apply for the job. The nature of web technologies makes this straightforward if you have the passion and are willing to put in some work. Whether you’re in college or already working, there’s nothing to stop you becoming a social media expert in your spare time.

But what about the job application and interview process itself? I’ve spent much of my career in internet companies, at Google for six-and-a-half years and now at Twitter, where we’ve built our European headquarters from a handful of people to more than 100 employees in the past 18 months. Over these past eight years I’ve interviewed more than a thousand candidates from all around the world.

My conclusion is that while there is no such thing as the perfect candidate, the most successful ones do have common characteristics.

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Attitude, attitude, attitude

Above all, it is attitude that distinguishes the best candidates at interview and indeed the highest-performing employees at work. Natural intelligence, relevant experience, technical expertise, good industry network – they’re all important of course. But when you start out, and long after that, the characteristic that most defines you in your professional life is your attitude.

This is not about pasting a grin on your face and having a firm handshake. It’s about the way you respond to adversity, the way you channel your energy, the choices you make. Do you embrace new things, push yourself to achieve, volunteer without being asked, look for the silver lining in every cloud? Or do you complain about others, make excuses, and wait to be asked before you act?

Good interviewers will discover all of these things in a 30 minute chat. In fact, they’ll probably be able to spot it from clues on your CV within 30 seconds.

Self-awareness

Another defining characteristic of great candidates is self-awareness. Being open to feedback is crucial – other people observe things about you, good and bad, that you find hard to recognise in yourself. A great way to learn more about yourself is to experiment in the early stages of your career. That doesn’t mean job-hopping — it’s always preferable to stay in a role long enough to make a real impact and earn a reputation — but it does mean pushing the boundaries of your job and trying new things.

If you’re an intern in a tech company, you could volunteer for an assignment that gives you project management skills. Or if you’re a trainee accountant in a small firm, you could become the social media expert and volunteer to use social tools to win new business.

People with high self-awareness know what they’re good at, what they’re bad at, and they know what motivates them. They have a set of personal values — a non-negotiable understanding of what’s most important — that guides them through life. This is a lot to ask of someone in the early stages of their career of course. It takes lifetime to hone these senses. But the best candidates show evidence of self-awareness early in their lives and it is strikingly clear in interviews.

The best subjects to study?

Another common question I am asked is “what’s the best subject to study if you want to work in a company like Twitter?” This of course depends somewhat on the role. You’re unlikely to get a job as an accountant or lawyer without some formal education in the area. But for many of Twitter’s jobs there is no perfectly matching degree course. It matters less what you study and much more how you build on it afterwards. People in our team have studied subjects as diverse as microbiology, archaeology, law, and psychology.

I studied engineering myself and I’m a fan of broad-based Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) courses. They give you a grounding in how to manipulate numbers and how to problem solve — two skills that will not become obsolete over time — and they can serve as a springboard into a variety of fields. It’s certainly worth considering that some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs studied computer science in college, not business. And it’s undeniably true that numbers play a large part in the vast majority of senior executive roles. So if you’re wondering if maths is worth all the effort, my answer is yes.

The technology landscape is shifting rapidly. In such a fast-moving environment, creating a precise career plan for yourself is not only difficult, it’s self-defeating. Make ambitious goals for yourself by all means but be flexible and try to enjoy the journey wherever it takes you. I spent the first six years of my career traveling the world and designing cellphone networks. No career plan could have envisaged the path that lay ahead of me. Your career is a personal journey that is as unique as your fingerprint. Half the fun is carving a route that excites and challenges you.

And remember – the job you’ll end up doing in a decade probably doesn’t exist yet.

Top tips for job applications in tech companies

The CV

  1. If you’re not Barack Obama, you don’t need a 3-page CV. Especially early in your career, a short CV (1-2 pages) is more appropriate.
  2. Tailor it to the job. Think about what makes you suitable for this particular role and adjust the emphasis of your CV accordingly.
  3. Be concise, relevant, and distinctive. Design your CV so that the main points are obvious within 30 seconds. Don’t waste space on irrelevant information or generalities.
  4. Never lie. If you don’t speak Spanish, don’t say you do because you’ll probably be caught. But worse than that, lying on your CV is a terrible professional habit to get into.

The interview

  1. In advance of the interview, research the company’s vision, products, and business model.
  2. Predict the predictable questions. Don’t memorise answers but think about how you’d answer the most common interview questions.
  3. Listen carefully to the interviewer. Answer the question asked, not the question you wish had been asked.
  4. Give examples. These are hard to think of on the spot so prepare in advance. Examples that demonstrate key characteristics like initiative, achievement, collaboration, leadership, innovation and passion will always work well.
  5. Use the interview as an opportunity to learn. Ask questions to which you want to know the answers rather than questions that you think make you look smart.
  6. Be yourself. It really is better not to get a job by being yourself than by pretending to be someone else.

Stephen McIntyre is the Europe, Middle East and Africa Head of Sales/Operations at Twitter.

Twitter Dublin recently announced that plans to double the size of its Dublin office to more than 200 people by the end of 2014. People interested in finding out more about employment opportunities at Twitter should visit https://twitter.com/jobs/positions/ and follow @JoinTheFlockEU on Twitter to hear about new positions as they come available.

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17 Comments
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    Mute Katie O'Brien
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    Jun 1st 2013, 1:59 PM

    I know this will probably get red thumbed but if one of the women is working, surely she can afford to at least pay for a hostel where they would be safe? Not to suggest that they shouldn’t protest, but if they’re unhappy, there are other options

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    Mute Cliona
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:35 PM

    I am finding it hard to be sympathetic they had weeks to find accommodation that they would have got rent allowance for……..
    yeah they might have to move further afield than they liked but most people in Ireland have to move places for cheaper rent…….
    sometimes in life you need to be accountable for yourself and your children and not be dependent on the state and what you are ‘Entitled’ to!
    Instead of a sleeping in the county council get on daft get in contact with the local community welfare officer and be pro-active don’t wait for other people to look after your business!

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    Mute Lieutenant Worf
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:40 PM

    @ Clíona – I agree fully with you. There are many organisations and agencies to help in these situations and women with children would be prioritised.

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    Mute Cliona
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:45 PM

    I think it’s a case of throw your dummy out of the pram until you get the 5 bed semi next door to the school!

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    Mute PJ Walsh
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:07 PM

    Surely Dick Roche has a spare room?

    39
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    Mute mattoid
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:56 PM

    Maybe John Brady does?

    52
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    Mute Kerrie Mor
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    Jun 1st 2013, 8:56 PM

    once you sign up ti the ras you are not allowed go back to rent allowance!!!! my friend found it very hard to find some where to take the ras when her landlord decided they wanted their house back

    19
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    Mute Martin St John
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    Jun 1st 2013, 10:31 PM

    Sadly Cliona I totally agree with you … I supported three tenants on welfare and dole for over six months … They stoped paying rent claiming they had not received rent allowance … I reduced their rent and and did not charge them for central heating or piped TV … When I contacted to social welfare I discovered they all received rent allowance , fuel allowance , and medical cards and food vouchers from the St vincent de Paul ! It cost me €180.000 to have them removed and to clean up their mess . Never again !

    26
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    Mute Coffee
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:13 PM

    Can I have a free house too?

    215
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    Mute OccupyKerry
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:15 PM

    Just to let you no that people who live in council houses do pay rent :-) :-) :-) :-)

    123
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    Mute Coffee
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:15 PM

    I cant even afford to have one kid on two incomes, just really frustrating some people have 3 kids and no jobs and expect me to pay for everything.

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    Mute Coffee
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:18 PM

    Pay rent from the dole?

    98
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    Mute James Smith
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:20 PM

    Maybe your just living beyond your means

    53
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    Mute Sharon Barry
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:21 PM

    Yes people do pay rent on dole :-)

    79
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    Mute Coffee
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:22 PM

    No James I live within my means thats why I dont have kids I wouldnt be able to support.

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    Mute Sharon Barry
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:23 PM

    The Fg party will love you maybe you should join them and draw up a plan were people should not be allowed children if their on the dole :-) :-) :-) :-)

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    Mute Leonard Annett
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:25 PM

    So what you’re saying is that if you lose your income you’ll refuse state aid? I highly doubt it.

    51
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    Mute Denise Friary
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:26 PM

    Coffee, why are you hiding your identity.

    27
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    Mute Adam Power
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:27 PM

    “Pay rent”

    Ye €50 a week for a three bedroom house, they’re really making a sacrifice.

    A two bed apartment in Bray is €800-900 a month.

    Good on you Coffee got respect for the people like you!

    155
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    Mute Leonard Annett
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:34 PM

    Why do you have respect for him/her? You can have 3 kids on a good income, but what happens if you lose your job? Do we give the children away? I wish people would sit and look at the real picture instead of generalising a situation behind their keyboards.

    71
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    Mute Adam Power
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:36 PM

    Leonard I’m talking about people who have been on the dole the majority of their adulthood.

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    Mute Niamh Ui Cheallaigh
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:38 PM

    My husband works, we have 5 children and we pay our way!! it can be done, I think something is very wrong if you have two people working and they cannot afford one child!!
    One of the ladies is working but she is a lone parent, as far as I am aware, the landlords wanted more money and the RA has set limits so if your house if over it then sorry you have to move! Then you have to try and find some were else that will accept RA before your move out! For these two ladies they could not find any were in time! B&B cost a lot of money and actually so do hostels it all adds up and who wants to live like that any way!! Why should they, they are right to make a stand!
    I hope those who are quick to begrudge people on the dole or lone parents never find them self’s out of work or alone because then you will be very glad there is support out there when needed!!

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    Mute Sharon Barry
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:40 PM

    50 euros is a lot of money to most people who have lost their jobs and have no other choice but to be on the dole:-) :-) :-)

    55
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    Mute Coffee
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:45 PM

    Sure some people need help when they are out of luck.

    But if you’re cutting your finances so closely that you will be on the street if you lose your job, you really shouldnt be having kids.

    Maybe im the crazy one but my household is based around the fact that even if we both lost our jobs we wouldnt end up on the street.

    Im sorry for thinkin ahead more then the next paycheck. My bad.

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    Mute Sharon Barry
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:54 PM

    Maybe bring in forced sterilisation Coffee if you can’t afford children after their all their such a burden on you .:-) :-) :-)

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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:07 PM

    Couldn’t agree more

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    Mute Gearóid O Machain
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:34 PM

    he probably already works for government to troll these pages Sharon

    14
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    Mute Tom Scott
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:05 PM

    yup ive just moved back from uk and i pay my rent out of dole money dont claim rent allowance you just have to lower your means

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    Mute Francis Howard
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:11 PM

    Me too

    20
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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:32 PM

    The most vocal contributors on this site tend to hide their identities Denise. Keyboard heroes!

    20
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:46 PM

    Shhhhhhh

    8
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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:52 PM

    Like this guy John Collins or whatever his/her real name is ;)

    7
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:57 PM

    John Collins. You wrote it yourself u dope. Whos the keyboard tough guy now…clown

    25
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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:00 PM

    I’m giving that comment a green thumb mr anonymous. Might cheer you up!

    5
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:01 PM

    Your not well in the head

    19
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    Mute Coffee
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:07 PM

    Since when do you need to know my name to know what I think? So you can harass me? Why so curious?

    I thought were talking about the issue at hand but you’re very nosy into my private life.

    Need my address as well or what?

    55
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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:22 PM

    Online equivalent of the “protestors” we constantly see on our tv screens with their standard issue uniform of track suit and hoodie with faces covered up. At least Journal.ie saw sense to remove your “pikey” comment

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    Mute MB
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:06 PM

    Good reply Sharon.

    2
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 7:00 PM

    Can’t shut up can you warrior ? Bored of you now

    8
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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 8:08 PM

    Likewise Johnny Boy ;)

    2
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    Mute Joan Featherstone
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    Jun 2nd 2013, 7:28 AM

    Niall your hardly revealing your own name are u!

    3
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    Mute Lieutenant Worf
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:16 PM

    I have a feeling there is more to this story than meets the eye.
    Why were they asked to leave the RAS accommodation?
    Where are the children – in care or with relatives?

    186
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    Mute Oisín Ó Dubhláin
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    Jun 1st 2013, 7:33 PM

    The landlord decided not to continue with scheme when the contract ended. Prob thought they’d get more money.

    23
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    Mute Seán O' Dulaing
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:52 PM

    I’d love to know their identities, something’s not right with this story and it seems like they’ve something to hide.

    142
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    Mute Uncle Mort
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:41 PM

    What’s the real story here?

    130
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    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
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    Jun 1st 2013, 1:46 PM

    Fair play to them and the councillor

    127
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    Mute John Kennedy
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    Jun 1st 2013, 1:54 PM

    there are loads of houses here in bray boarded up .the council are more worried about putting in new footpaths that are not needed than looking after the needy.

    124
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    Mute Adam Power
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:25 PM

    Think you mean the Bike lames John. Complete waste of money. They should of gone to the EU & enquired about using it on something more beneficial to the economy of the town like a cinema. Bray is dying.

    32
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    Mute Damocles
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:28 PM

    Why should the council be responsible for supplying a cinema?

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    Mute Adam Power
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:38 PM

    They aint.
    Im saying trying to open a cinema in the town to pull visitors in which would help improve sales for businesses in Bray is better than spending a year digging up both sides of the path which businesses are on.

    26
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    Mute Leonard Annett
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    Jun 1st 2013, 1:50 PM

    Fair play to John Brady for sticking up for these 2 women, who otherwise would have just been forgotten.

    119
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:43 PM

    Throw them out. Everybody thinks they entitled to everything for free in this country. I break my back working for a living and these people want free houses etc… The list goes on. Sick of paying tax to support people like this who go off and have kids when they can’t afford themselves. I can’t wait to have kids but can’t afford to at the minute. If my wife got pregnant years ago wed be better off now…. Free house, child care etc. Sick of these scroungers

    119
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    Mute Tony Duncan
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:40 PM

    John dry you eyes would you, your an obnoxious tool. Who has a free house did u even read the article one of the women work and why should she have to bring her kids to a hostel with shared kitchen and washing facilities with people who addiction problems. Everyone has a right to a home, how many council houses are boarded up around the country?

    31
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 7:05 PM

    Ah stop will ya. You obviously another waster sitting on your ass getting everything for nothing judging by that stupid comment. Hey I want a new house….. Can’t afford it. Oh wait its Ireland. Im entitled to a free 1

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    Mute Oisín Ó Dubhláin
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    Jun 1st 2013, 7:43 PM

    John want country do you live in? Council houses arent free for one but all no one is getting them. The government was too busy helping developers to build council houses now there are 100k on the waiting lists.

    10
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    Mute Martin St John
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    Jun 1st 2013, 10:41 PM

    Tony the hostel in Rathdrum is used by tourists …. Hello

    7
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 2nd 2013, 5:58 PM

    100k of ppl who dont deserve a free house. Yes Free…. Welfare is Money for doing fu@@king nothing. Yes some genuine cases but mostly scroungers. Throw in medical cards and child welfare. And sure if u want to have 4 kids , that’s fine we will find you a bigger house…..pathetic

    1
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    Mute Liam
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    Jun 1st 2013, 1:56 PM

    The people of Bray council should be ashamed of themselves. Well done John Brady.

    102
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    Mute Eoin Madigan
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:37 PM

    Why should we be ashamed of ourselves? I don’t understand.

    75
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    Mute John Deane
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:14 PM

    no sympathy from me

    88
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    Mute Denise Friary
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:19 PM

    I hope you are never homeless so.

    66
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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:06 PM

    Or me

    31
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    Mute Denise Friary
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:17 PM

    John Brady is a councillor who does what he was elected to do and represents the people.Well done John.

    60
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    Mute Lieutenant Worf
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:34 PM

    Or is he someone who is taking advantage on a bank holiday for publicity.
    If this was face value case wouldn’t other councillors be there?

    69
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    Mute Leonard Annett
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:49 PM

    So what if he’s doing this for publicity (I’m not saying that’s what he’s doing), at least he’s there for the 2 ladies. They would have been dragged out by now if he wasn’t there.

    26
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    Mute Martin Grehan
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:41 PM

    The comments on this thread sadden me. So many people proclaiming these women as spongers. Lads, here’s the truth of life, maybe these women are “spongers”, maybe the scam the dole of €100 a week, maybe they mistreat their children, maybe they once stole a car, etc, etc,. Maybe they’re honest, decent people, who fell on bad times and are protesting to protect those they love and car for.

    Now, regardless of which scenario is true, how much “scrounging” have they done in a society where Apple pays no tax, we bail out billionaires to the tune of billions of euro, Sean Quinn steals €500 million from insurance policy holders and gets 9 weeks in jail. These people are destroying society, and yet our anger is reserved for two women who are homeless. This is exactly what the media and government aim for every day of the week, to divide and conquer, and everyone of displaying such inhumane bitterness have fallen for it. I despair.

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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:45 PM

    Nice one Martin

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    Mute Tony Duncan
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:53 PM

    Great post Martin

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    Mute Catherine O'Connor
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    Jun 1st 2013, 7:30 PM

    Well said Martin

    11
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    Mute Aine Ni Chroinin
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:30 PM

    Judging by the comments here empathy is dead

    46
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    Mute Cliona
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:53 PM

    So being responsible for your finances and accommodation needs in a timely manner!

    49
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    Mute mattoid
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:05 PM

    Empathy is alive for genuine cases, but the comments here indicate a widespread suspicion (rightly or wrongly) that all is not as it appears to be here…

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    Mute Cliona
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:32 PM

    Totally agree, surely if they had been given a letter saying get out immediately 4 weeks ago we would have heard about it before now?
    I would totally be behind a woman and children who for no reason at all had to live in a hostel……
    Accommodation was sourced but the lady in particular didn’t like the area so her only other option was a hostel!
    #takeitorleaveit

    48
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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:38 PM

    I’m not disagreeing. Just wondering where you got this info? I would live to read more about this. Maybe the negative comments on here are justified or maybe not. All I know is that there are 3 kids that have no place to live and a hostel is no place for kids to be.

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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 8:07 PM

    So the red thumbs suggest I am wrong for suggesting a hostel isn’t suitable for kids or because I asked where I could read more about this story? Weird people on here. Have a nice weekend everyone :)

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    Mute Shayno ZO
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:32 PM

    Alot to say with very little facts or details, try reserving your position until you know exactly what you’re commenting on..
    Some very judgmental ar#eholes!

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    Mute Lieutenant Worf
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:41 PM

    I agree – there is information missing.

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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:20 PM

    Bull. Take responsibility for your own actions. Crying that her free accommodation isn’t good enough for her. F%%k off.

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    Mute Philip Behan
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:33 PM

    Good luck girls keep the Faith

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    Mute Hugh Gallagher
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:24 PM

    Could the two sinn fein boys not throw them a few quid from the nothern bank robbery?

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    Mute Niall Binead
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:34 PM

    Hugh, you sound as stupid in your post as you look in those glasses in your pic! Why don’t you give a mature comment on the fact that two women have to resort to such lengths in this day in age to secure a place of their own to call home instead of offering immature, pathetic comments against Cllrs that are actually standing up for those that need representation and help! Grow up Hugh, and take those glasses off!

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    Mute Dermot Bland
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:29 PM

    Gimme gimme gimme

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    Mute werejammin
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    Jun 1st 2013, 2:29 PM

    “This morning, a spokesperson for the council told TheJournal.ie that the premises had been locked for “security and insurance purposes” but that the protesters were free to leave at any stage.”

    Locked to keep people out usually means people inside cannot ‘leave at any stage’. Pure BS

    While Bray county councils statement might be correct now, the situation overnight is that the women were locked ianside and the Gardai were not allowing food or water in to them. (I’d a mate who headed down there around 3am)

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    Mute Alan Lawlor
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:42 PM

    @werejammin: Who needs food and water at 3am? (other than drunks on the way home from pub/club)

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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:42 PM

    Eh hungry kids maybe?

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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:45 PM

    Zooey just realised the kids weren’t there. Comment retracted :)

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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 4:45 PM

    *sorry

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    Mute Alan Lawlor
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:06 PM

    Regardless of whether the children were there or not, if were a Garda on duty, I would not let somebody in at 3am to disturb 2 women probably asleep – it could be an unscrupulous reporter with some sandwiches and a flask of tea pretending to be a “friend” to get a story.

    Locking the doors does not mean they could not leave – I would presume with a Garda on duty, all they would need to do is to come out to the door and ask somebody to let them out. No Garda will want to be accused of false imprisonment, even if ordered to do so by their superior or council official.

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    Mute werejammin
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:30 PM

    Dear oh dear, I never said he went there at 3am to bring them food and drink. He was told when he got there that the women were locked in and the Gardai had not allowed food or water to be sent into them.

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    Mute Leonard Annett
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:21 PM

    So what you’re saying is, if I lose my job I shouldn’t be entitled to help? It’s shocking how selfish people have become in this country.

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    Mute Leonard Annett
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:05 PM

    Maybe they don’t want to be stigmatised by the ignorant public.

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    Mute John Collins
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:09 PM

    Ignorant public….. The ones paying for all their free stuff. Get over yourself.

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    Mute Bernard Gallagher
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    Jun 1st 2013, 8:12 PM

    The council were crazy to give in to these freeloaders, any other country your on your own. Ireland has the most decent welfare in the world, and all these people do is have children to get a free meal ticket for life

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    Mute Niall H
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    Jun 1st 2013, 9:14 PM

    Any other country you are on your own…What?? Social housing is available in practically every developed country. Jesus half of Hong Kongs population live in social housing.

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    Mute Ciara Richardson
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:21 PM

    If they did get notice 4 weeks isn’t a great deal of time to find decent accommodation. These people have fallen on hard times doesn’t mean they are scroungers or spongers god forbid anything bad ever happened to you
    There could be sex offenders or worse im hostles. Some comments have really sickened me

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    Mute MB
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:11 PM

    Oh the vitriol from some very obviously “stable” people’s mouths.

    You turn my stomach.

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    Mute siobeli
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    Jun 1st 2013, 5:50 PM

    In the ras scheme, a person gets a guaranteed accommodation for 5 years, it is an agreement btwn private rented and council. They pay rent similar to a council house.
    If you go on ras, you come off the housing list…this is the issue, these women want council houses, not private rented

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    Mute Uncle Mort
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:13 PM

    Would a 5 bedroom detached on 10 acres with a pool and jacuzi suit? Who started this sense of entitlement to ‘want’ something and have it provided instantly by the state? Most people who want a decent house save for years for the deposit and pay through the nose for it for years down the line. Get real folks ,you are been taken for a ride with sob stories.

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    Mute Oisín Ó Dubhláin
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    Jun 1st 2013, 7:37 PM

    Some of the comments here are ridiculous and lack any shred of empathy. Rented accommodation is in short supply, rents have and continue to go up whil many landlords wont take rent supplement or RAS. The council make a commitment to people entering RAS to ensure they are housed, up until this sit in they had failed on that commitment.

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    Mute Seán Marlow
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    Jun 1st 2013, 6:43 PM

    Great result by John, Jess & Lesley. John says:

    “Great result after staging a sit in of Bray Town Council for the last 26 hours we have victory. The girls and the children will be put up in emergency accommodation in Bray over the weekend, a meeting will take place on Tuesday next with a view of housing the girls in temporary accommodation until a permanent council house is allocated to them in Bray. Get result and the protest has ended”

    https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/383526_10200453927123127_1047847128_n.jpg

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    Mute Edwina Harding
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    Jun 1st 2013, 3:48 PM

    Yes sharon barry u tell him…

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    Mute Liam Lally
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    Jun 2nd 2013, 12:49 AM

    The 2 mothers have a accommodation allowance ,that is paid by the tax payer,it is 700 euro each per month,surly they can find something suitable .If they are Irish I will help in any way I can but I presume they are non nationals,if so let them go back to where they came from and see how they get on .

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