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Who's hand is Enda reaching for? Photocall Ireland

'This country’s gone wild with exaggeration': 6 winners and 5 losers from the political week

You win some, you lose some…

EVERY WEEK, TheJournal.ie casts its eye over events inside and outside Leinster House that have got people talking.

As the saying goes: ‘You win some, you lose some.’

So here are our political winners and losers from the past seven days:

The 6 winners of the week are…

1. The government

There’s no doubt this has been a good week for the coalition as it made the decision to exit the bailout without a back-up credit line.

It’s a bold choice, that may yet prove to be the wrong one, but for the time being ministers can enjoy the plaudits that come with “regaining our sovereignty”. Not that the bailout exit changes things on a practical level for those struggling with debt, the cost of living and unemployment.

2. Michael Noonan

The Finance Minister continues to dazzle and do no wrong as Cabinet agreed with his assessment that we don’t need a backstop and can make a clean exit from the programme. He was then only too delighted to go on TV, radio and everywhere else to tell people about the good news.

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Noonan is a shrewd operator. He doesn’t do many set piece interviews, opting only to go on the Six-One News or other outlets when he has something tangible to announce as was the case this week.

3. Michael McGrath

In contrast to his party leader (more below), Fianna Fáil’s finance spokesperson set out a reasonable argument that the government did the wrong thing in deciding not to take a precautionary credit line.

“We believe the country does need to have a lifejacket as we enter what could be potentially quite choppy waters over the next six or nine months,” McGrath said this week.

It was a nice line that summed-up a valid view on the government’s chosen course, all of which isn’t easy when you’re the party that played a large part in our bailout predicament in the first place.

4. Stephen Donnelly, Mary Lou McDonald and Seán Fleming

These three TDs led a cross-party charge to get the government to withdraw its amendment to the Freedom of Information bill that would have made many requests more expensive.

And for once, their arguments worked as Brendan Howlin temporarily withdrew the amendment.

5. Oisín Quinn

The Dublin Lord Mayor sailed into this week’s winners by rushing to the aid of a fainting fireman at an event on Monday. He also had the humility to joke that it was the “hot air” generated from his speech that may have caused the incident.

And look, Mayor Quinn rocks a Christmas jumper pretty well too:

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Our hero.

6. TDs and Senators

They’re not afraid to let their hair down and look a bit daft as the Oireachtas Fashion Show, all in aid of good causes, took place this week.

The pictures are hilarious. Here’s Richard Bruton, in a lovely Labour red tie, having a great time altogether:

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… and the 5 losers of the week are…

1. Pat Rabbitte

The Communications Minister really doesn’t do himself any favours when he dismisses genuine concerns with smart remarks. “This country has gone wild with exaggeration,” he said of the outcry about the FOI bill.

The Minister indicated the media were abusing FOI by “trawling for ‘something that might turn up and it will keep us in business’”.

In fact, this is information which we (including us in the media), as taxpayers, are entitled to and that we have to pay anything towards it in the first place is, frankly, a nonsense.

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2. Brendan Howlin

Similarly, Rabbitte’s Labour colleague did not have a good week in first doing some dismissing of his own by describing the €15 fee for FOI requests as a “token charge”, before he was forced to backtrack.

3. Micheál Martin

The Fianna Fáil leader gave a really botched response to the government announcement about the bailout exit in the Dáil on Thursday.

In contrast to his finance spokesperson later in the day, Martin look flustered by the whole affair and spent just as much time complaining about the way in which it was announced as he did about the substance of the decision.

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This from the man who was part of a government that for days, if not weeks, kept the Irish people in the dark about the fact the EU and the IMF were in town to begin bailout negotiations three years ago.

4. Rob Ford

Last week it was crack cocaine and alcohol, this week it was oral sex as the embarrassment that is Rob Ford continues.

The Toronto mayor made his latest comments whilst wearing the jersey of his favourite team, the Argonauts.

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But even the team wouldn't throw its support behind him, saying in a statement: : "These latest
remarks, while wearing our team's jersey, are particularly disappointing."

Unless he resigns soon, we've a feeling Ford will be a regular feature here in the coming weeks.

5. Enda Kenny

Ah poor Enda. It's been a good week for our dear leader for the most part given the bailout and all that.

But not knowing the chorus of Ding Dong Merrily on High really is unforgivable:

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Pics: PA, Photocall Ireland, RTÉ

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Read: ‘A gross error of judgement’: Labour senator has “no confidence” in Rabbitte after Eirgrid appointment

Read: 5 reasons why the government decided to exit the bailout and go it alone

TD: Indian-born doctors are being used as a ‘band-aid’ in Irish hospitals

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7 Comments
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    Mute mick h
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    May 5th 2015, 6:19 AM

    I think that this needs to be brought in to law and is long overdue. People do not take these sort of decisions lightly and it’s the alternative of a long, drawn out and painful death that drives them to this point. I believe that anyone who is facing an inevitable death through illness deserves the right to choose a dignified and far less painful means of passing. It’s far easier on the person who is suffering and on their loved ones – it’s just the humane thing to do.

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    Mute Richard Cynical
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    May 5th 2015, 8:12 AM

    That headline alone shows what’s wrong with party politics. Vote for your favourite dictatorship.

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    Mute Barry O 'Mahony
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    May 5th 2015, 7:09 AM

    Doctors who ‘assist’ terminally ill patients not only face possible criminal prosecution but would also run the risk of being struck off the register.
    On the other hand as a veterinarian, failure to euthanase a terminally ill animal who is suffering from uncontrollable pain, could result in prosecution and/or being struck off.

    QED The law can sometimes be an arse.

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    Mute Joe
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    May 5th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Does euthanasia not go totally against the Hippocratic oath?

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    Mute Ugly Truth
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    May 5th 2015, 11:58 AM

    Not since the ‘practice’ needed more office space.

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    Mute Aaron McKenna
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    May 5th 2015, 12:04 PM

    As far as I’m aware, there’s nothing in the Hippocratic oath that specifically tells doctors they can’t help someone die. Indeed, an awful lot of the oath talks about treating a person, not a disease; and applying human compassion.

    If the oath was “Keep someone alive as long as possible” we wouldn’t have hospices where people go once a decision has been made that enough is enough. Plenty of people go into one, get big doses of morphine and slip away peacefully after long battles have been fought to their conclusion.

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    Mute Le Tigre
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    May 5th 2015, 12:57 PM

    “First do no harm”. It’s hardly harm to spare someone pain. You could say inaction is harmful

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    May 5th 2015, 12:58 PM

    Something something noxious substances…
    Anyone who googles the oath can see it’s not about killing people.

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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    May 5th 2015, 1:58 PM

    There’s a fine line between positive steps with the purpose of ending a life – which is currently illegal, and the exception of accelerating death – i.e. “a terminally ill or dying person will receive adequate pain relief and palliative care, even if this treatment as a side-effect may contribute to the shortening of the individual’s life.” – which IS legal and is spelt out in the Medical Council’s guide to medical conduct.

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    Mute Matt Connolly
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    May 5th 2015, 2:01 PM

    @ Aaron – you’re confusing personal autonomy and futile attempts to prolong life with assisted suicide – two distinctly different areas of law.

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    Mute Shanti
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    May 5th 2015, 3:56 PM

    Doctors no longer swear the Hippocratic oath. Some swear a duty of care oath, but many don’t swear any oath at all.

    They’re well aware that they’re on the hook if anything is done wrong, that’s a far bigger incentive than an oath.

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    Mute Barry
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    May 5th 2015, 6:29 AM

    We’re a messed up society, we think it’s wrong to allow any animal to suffer before it dies and we’ll often opt to end things early to stop suffering for our pets.

    But as a country we have no problem letting one of our own species needlessly suffer before death, most of this is based on religions that claim that ending things early is “immoral”.

    So apparently the moral thing is to watch you’re loved ones suffer and to ignore their wishes, requests and wants to die with dignity.

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    Mute Kal Ipers
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    May 5th 2015, 12:15 PM

    We aren’t really messed up. It is a complex issue that needs to be well thought out before implementation.
    I support the right to choose but there are valid concerns about it not being done for convenience.
    Would an elderly parent ask for euthanasia if they realised their care put their children in financial hardship?Ate into inheritance ?
    Would the children push for it? Is medication or illness effecting the decision making?
    I am glad we are in a society that wants to safe guard people and not allow the wrong thing for the right reason.

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    Mute Marty Flood
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    May 5th 2015, 11:58 AM

    Why not a referendum on this instead of the presidential age bullshit?

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    Mute stephen
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    May 5th 2015, 2:05 PM

    Great point Marty.

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    Mute Joe O'Brien
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    May 6th 2015, 11:48 AM

    Please no referendum. I’ve had enough of Iona & the god squad to last me a lifetime.

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    Mute Mark O'Hagan
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    May 5th 2015, 6:57 AM

    The next pro-life crusade. Prolong life without regard for the wishes of the person’s dignity. Mere existence isn’t living.

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    Mute Richard Cheney
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    May 5th 2015, 7:50 AM

    Exactly,another Crusade for David Quinn and Breda O’Brien trying to keep Iona relevant. They’ll probably roll out a skeleton with a ventriloquist and ask him ‘You didn’t want to die did you Mr.Bones?’ and then something about cultural Marxism.

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    Mute John Ryan
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    May 5th 2015, 12:46 PM

    I won’t be held responsible for my actions it her or her like come anywhere near this one.

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    Mute Le Tigre
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    May 5th 2015, 12:56 PM

    Since you mention it, where was the “pro-choice” vigil for Marie Fleming? Are only certain choices worth marching for?

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    Mute pongodhall
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    Sep 11th 2015, 3:15 AM

    It should be up to the individual and not to pro-life, doctors, lawyers etc.

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    May 5th 2015, 7:44 AM

    I would back this and vote for this. It should be a basic human right. I have watched 2 of my relatives die in absolute pain. One said to me “I’m having a very long death aren’t I”. That still haunts me.

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    Mute Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin
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    May 5th 2015, 7:18 AM

    This is such an important case. Journalist Dave Kenny will be talking to Marie’s daughter Corinna and her ghost writer Sue Leonard about Marie’s remarkable life at Waterford Writers Weekend on 9th May if anyone wants to show their support in person.
    http://www.eventbrite.ie/e/an-act-of-love-the-marie-fleming-story-tickets-16035415359

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    Mute Proinsias Ó Foghlú
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    May 5th 2015, 9:16 AM

    We really need to enact this law as soon as possible, but I expect the RCC to do all in their power to stop it from happening.

    If a person of sound mind has specifically requested it then I cannot see any valid reason for prolonging their life to suffer pain and indignity.

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    Mute helixjo1
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    May 5th 2015, 11:43 AM

    Can’t see any reason to argue against this.

    Though compassion can sometimes be over-ruled by lunacy in this country.

    It really is time we all started living in the 21st century and applying a little logic to these situations.

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    Mute Joe O'Brien
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    May 5th 2015, 11:40 AM

    If a candidate in Galway West supports this legislation, then I’ll happily give them my No.1 vote.

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    Mute Philip Kenna
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    May 5th 2015, 8:20 AM

    Td’s break ranks! Pfffft! I’m afraid that with regards to this subject you will have to look after your own affairs discretely. The powers that be haven’t the mettle to tackle this in the race to get re elected. Sorry “TRY” to get re elected.

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    Mute Denise Friary
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    May 5th 2015, 6:07 AM

    Every one has the right to die in peace and if they didn’t broadcast their private business to the world then that would happen.

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    Mute Derek Walsh
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    May 5th 2015, 10:37 AM

    Unfortunately, people’s right to die in peace is not recognised by the law, and people can be and have been prosecuted for helping someone to die peacefully even when they didn’t “broadcast” it. The culture of having laws that we allow people to ignore while authorities look the other way is not one we want to perpetuate or depend upon.

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    Mute Jake Race
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    May 5th 2015, 12:00 PM

    Please, lets stop tolerating Irish solutions to Irish problems.

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    Mute Le Tigre
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    May 5th 2015, 12:55 PM

    That’s a meaningless cliche and we should stop tolerating it

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    Mute Charliegrl80
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    May 5th 2015, 9:26 AM

    Well done Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    Mute Middle Class Cork
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    May 5th 2015, 7:16 AM

    I agree with Tom Curran! I think TD’s have the right to die and the sooner the better.

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    Mute stephen
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    May 5th 2015, 2:11 PM

    I am in total favour of the right to die campaign, but having watched both parents and a sibling die of cancer related illness, I have to say they died with dignity with the help of the amazing hospice staff and the advance of pain killers. But I am not as brave if I have a terminal disease,I want the option to be euthanised.

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    May 5th 2015, 12:02 PM

    What an interesting little country we live in…
    The Supreme Court finds against a right to die – yet we can introduce one by legislation.
    The High Court refuses to recognise Same Sex Marriage, so we need a referendum – despite a constitutional bar to legislating for it.
    The Dáil is not permitted to debate TMFR – because of an AGs opinion that cannot be seen.
    This is why the bankers are laughing!

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    May 5th 2015, 9:29 PM

    Dammit that should be no constitutional bar to legislating…

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    Mute Finn Mc Cool
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    May 5th 2015, 3:25 PM

    All the comments are just barking mad… Who says brainwashing doesn’t happen ?

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    Mute Gerard
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    May 5th 2015, 3:55 PM

    I have a problem with neither, but I can’t say I see the difference between “assisted suicide” and “euthanasia”.

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    Mute Shanti
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    May 5th 2015, 3:59 PM

    Euthanasia is where someone else decides to end your suffering – this is what happens with animals.

    Assisted suicide is where the person has asked to die. Meaning that it’s *their* intent, not the choice or intent of the assistant.

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    Mute Gerard
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    May 6th 2015, 6:01 AM

    But when we talk about euthanasia being legal elsewhere, it’s ALWAYS is as per your definition (for people).

    Anyway, hope he’s successful but I think his estimation of how many TDs are willing to defy the whip is wishful thinking at best.

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    Mute Dermot O Reilly
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    May 5th 2015, 3:25 PM

    Is this Endas next big plan.

    Wipe out any person over 70 years?

    Is Enda sane?

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    Mute Shanti
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    May 5th 2015, 3:57 PM

    Where on earth did you get that from the article?

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    May 5th 2015, 9:30 PM

    Shanti,
    I know you’re in favour of what Kenny is doing, but he is a fascist.

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