Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leah Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Why aren't the Irish protesting? A question that was being asked a few years ago. Not anymore.

A new academic report into the water charge movement was launched today.

A PROTESTER WHO was jailed for breaching a court ordered injunction surrounding water meter installers says the lack of “bloodshed on the streets” shows that protests have been peaceful.

Bernie Hughes made frequent criticisms of the media as a new academic report into the anti-water-charge campaign was launched today.

Hughes says the media coverage of protests means people are now “more skeptical and are going to make up their own minds”.

She said the fact that there has been “no bloodshed on the streets” has shown that the protests have been peaceful.

“We have gone out to stop water meters the only way we knew could, just to stand there,” she said. ”The gardaí, in fairness to them, don’t want to be there.”

The research is titled ‘The Irish water war, austerity and the Risen People’ and was conducted by Dr Rory Hearne and his students. It involved a survey of 2,556 water protesters.

Hearne, who has campaigned against water charges, says the Irish people have “risen” over the issue and “shattered the assumption” that Ireland is a conservative country.

He says the water movement has shown that what successive governments were trying to say about the Irish people was wrong:

“This was the narrative that was being put across by a number of different governments. That Irish people understood that austerity was a necessary medicine… What the movement has shown is that this was not the case.”

“This movement shatters the assumption that the Irish have been politically conservative since independence, ” he said, adding that “politics is completely changing and people are engaging in a different way.”

Anti Water Charges Campaigns Cat Inglis of Communities Against Water Charges, Thomas Pringle TD and Brendan Ogle of Right2Water. Leah Farrell / Photocall Ireland Leah Farrell / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

The 2,556 protesters surveyed for the report filled out a questionnaire online. Some of the findings:

  • 54.4% had not participated in protests before
  • The most cited reason (59.6%) for getting involved was because ‘austerity had gone too far’.
  • 92% would not be paying water charges.
  • 52% were working full-time.
  • 70% say they intended to change who they voted for in 2011.
  • 82.6% said they were informed about the campaign mostly through social media.

Also speaking at today’s launch was Brendan Ogle of the Right2water group. He was at the meeting by collection of left-wing politicians including Thomas Pringle TD, Richard-Boyd Barrett TD, Paul Murphy TD and Lynn Boylan MEP.

Ogle said Right2Water would seek to endorse candidates in next general election but how this would work in practice presented “a challenge”.

“There is no answer to that at the moment,” he said. “There’s a very narrow window into something that can deliver political and social reform.”

“If we could just talk about what we agree on as opposed to what we don’t agree on then I think we would get there a lot quicker.”

Asked about whether Right2Water would consider its own candidates, Ogle said setting up a political party would require developing a platform across a range of issues but he did not rule out standing in a general election himself.

Read: “I was simply standing on a public footpath” – Joan Collins TD arrested at Dublin protest >

Read: Meter installers are being offered counselling … but Irish Water say they’re not paying for it >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
142 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Egg Head
    Favourite Egg Head
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:43 PM

    If there are thousands of people marching to support a cause and 5 of those people fling a few rocks it does not render the protest violent. These protests have been peaceful, and the desperation to paint it otherwise by both sides by displaying someone with a cut or someone throwing a water balloon is pathetic. We should be proud of the society that we alone have created that such large scale protests have been conducted peacefully rather than trying to highlight the rare & minor unpeaceful incidents.

    416
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:52 PM

    There was a time when DAIL Eireann thought E- voting machines were a good idea – where are they now ?
    Irish Water is heading the same way …
    still it’s nice to see who will be foolish to pay their bills – it could provide a very interesting database of the compliant people of Ireland – or indeed those who may be playing along for hidden reasons ….wink wink , nudge nudge .

    281
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:59 PM

    Oh this is funny… ‘independent research’ by Rory Hearne. Its like asking Frank Flannery to conduct a report on Fine Gael in government – the man is a former leading light of the socialist party.

    98
    See 28 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Waddler Mooney
    Favourite Waddler Mooney
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:01 PM

    Well said Egg. On this at least we can agree.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Egg Head
    Favourite Egg Head
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:05 PM

    Yates, assuming you’ve bothered to read to report before dismissing it out of hand, what specifically about the methodology or samples do you object to or feel were biased? Surely you wouldn’t be so simple minded to dismiss potentially solid research based on the lead author’s political affiliations alone.

    146
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Waddler Mooney
    Favourite Waddler Mooney
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:06 PM

    Maybe you should do a little research yourself Sergeant? Rory Hearne is not a former member of the Socialist Party.

    131
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:09 PM

    Socialist Workers Party? sorry you’ve split so many times its hard to keep up. Also wrote many articles for the rag that makes money for them – a sort of left wing even loonier an phoblacht.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:11 PM

    @egghead – so you would take a survey conducted by Fine Gael on Fine Gaels performance in government on its merits alone? I don’t think so.

    Lets say the IONA institute commissioned a survey on the upcoming referendum – how would you view that?

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Egg Head
    Favourite Egg Head
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:17 PM

    I would review the data, samples & methodology and look for holes in them. But then I understand what academia means.

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tim
    Favourite Tim
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:18 PM

    Wabbler
    Do you represent the Socialist Party now?

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:18 PM

    @ SY : The survey was specific to protesters to find out the reasons for protesting, had they protested before and how their voting choices have been influenced.

    Which figure are you disputing?

    118
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:22 PM

    The ones that don’t suit his agenda :)

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:25 PM

    Have to say though the title is what does it for me ‘The Irish water war, austerity and the Risen People’ – would bring tear to a glass eye.

    I would suggest that this shouldn’t be tossed aside lightly.. but thrown away with great force. (to paraphrase Ms Parker).

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:26 PM

    Lazy trolling on this particular thread.

    Not one mention of “Shinners” and accusing anyone that’s anti-IW of being a “Shinner”

    Must try harder.

    91
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:28 PM

    Maybe i’m being disingenous – in fairness to Mr Hearne i heard him on the radio this morning and he is articulate, highly intelligent and by all accounts a fine lecturer. I’m sure its a fine piece of propaganda.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Horses for courses
    Favourite Horses for courses
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:31 PM

    Or like Sean Barrett being Ceann Comhairle Sergent.Works both ways……

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deco James Connolly
    Favourite Deco James Connolly
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:33 PM

    Shinner , there I did it .

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OggieThe4th
    Favourite OggieThe4th
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:34 PM

    How is Gabbi today,Yatesy? Would you let him know that I was asking for him ?

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:34 PM

    @horeses – well not really it has always been the way that the majority choose the chair… it will be the same next year if somehow the country loses the run of itself and votes SF into power. You could have Jonathan O Brien for example as Ceann Comhairle.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:37 PM

    @oggie surely i’d be delighted. Love the sun glasses.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:37 PM

    THIS IS IRELAND – NOT EUROPE !

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OggieThe4th
    Favourite OggieThe4th
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:44 PM

    Thanks Searge -my own range :) I call them ‘goggies’

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Horses for courses
    Favourite Horses for courses
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:58 PM

    Just because it’s always been the way doesn’t mean it’s right.A bit like
    John Delaney refereeing an Ireland match.I think we might win that game….

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fintan Stack
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:04 PM

    Surely the media and government trying to tarnish this campaign with negative spin and lies would be enough to set the alarm bells off and make the rest of this country realise that our elected members of government are not working in the best interests of us and why they would go to such lengths to control/dictate what the media reports.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Silent majority
    Favourite Silent majority
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:15 PM

    Yates is spot on here. There are countless problems with any survey of this type.

    73% of respondents were from Dublin and other parts of Leinster. That in itself renders the sample useless. A true read of the country would take place at the various regional marches which have taken place in the other provinces.

    Online polls will generally gather responses from THE most determined protestors. It doesn’t capture the dissatisfaction (or lack of) from many of the swing-voters who turned out at protests before Christmas.

    Hearne writes in the Examiner today that the “Temperature is set to rise in anti-water charge campaign”. http://www.irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/analysis/temperature-is-set-to-rise-in-anti-water-charge-campaign-325064.html The boy who cried wolf comes to mind. The revolution is coming, just you wait. The Irish people are going to wait one whole year after water charges, and THEN start the movement. Maybe it’s a particular style of revolution that I’m unfamiliar with, or it’s just not going to happen…..

    To describe this survey as “academic” is nothing but a sham. Hearne may have a doctorate, but he has stood as a candidate for PBP in the past. http://electionsireland.org/candidate.cfm?ID=8726

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris
    Favourite Chris
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:25 PM

    Lest we forget RTE’s dusgraceful reporting of the water protestors.

    Must see video, Max Keiser The Truth About RTE:

    https://youtu.be/aG7JmlQXBt0

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stopit
    Favourite stopit
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:53 PM

    Two obvious questions that might be answered if the paper was linked to.

    1. How was the sample of protestors obtained

    2. As it was an online survey how were duplicate or dubious responses controlled?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute stopit
    Favourite stopit
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:41 PM

    he does have an impressive political background as an ex-Socialist Worker party member and a Founder of the People Before Profit Alliance (Richard Boyd B”s crew)

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denito
    Favourite Denito
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:13 PM

    Rory Hearne was the People Before Profit candidate in Dublin South-East in the 2007 general election. Excuse me if I doubt his objectivity on this, or any other, political issue.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Maher
    Favourite Thomas Maher
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:18 PM

    I had visions of you kicking someone into a pit there Hermes ala this
    http://m.memegenerator.net/instance/61492631

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Egg Head
    Favourite Egg Head
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:19 PM

    Yates, read silent majority’s comment – that’s how you question the veracity of a survey or paper, not just by bringing up things from author’s past.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:44 PM

    Thats pretty much it in a nutshell. In Greece they’re throwing petrol bombs and lumps of pavement, in Ireland they’re throwing insults and a waterbaloon. The faux shock and outrage in the media is absolutely pathetic, and shows in stark relief the cosy collusion between the establishment politicians and the pliant media.

    207
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:55 PM

    And let’s not foprget the german journalist’s contenetion that most western media is ran by the C.I.A. …
    no mention on R.T.E. OF THE anglo Tapes for quite a while on the R.T.E. and it the biggest story to break in Ireland for years …….
    Me smell rats .

    103
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:03 PM

    “The faux shock and outrage in the media is absolutely pathetic, and shows in stark relief the cosy collusion between the establishment politicians and the pliant media” – in the world of the shinner, unless they’re on the streets with rubber bullets and riot gear it’s not a violent protest.

    Well if SInn Fein get into power – they will be the establishment, seems the rhetoric will have to change then.. then of course it will be someone elses fault when things go wrong… you know ‘ant-establishment media’ – ‘opponents of change’ ‘attack on the peace process’ etc etc. Interesting times.

    23
    See 10 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Favourite MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:08 PM

    Lack of bloodshed does not prove peaceful protest. If the Gardaí beat all the protestors with batons but only inflicted bruising and spilled no blood, would that be peaceful policing?

    Roaring in the faces of workers and Gardaí is not peaceful.

    I won’t be paying any water bill and I did support the demonstrations, but over time some absolute s(umbags have taken over some of the protests and I wouldn’t associate myself with any of them.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:09 PM

    Shinner trolls like “Were Jammin” have long accepted “bloodshed on the streets” to achieve their aims.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:34 PM

    Not half as much as the bRITISH Army Diarmuid – non-uniformed soldiers driving around in cars shooting innocent CATHOLICS ……
    yOU SHOULD RESEARCH YOUR SUBJECT A BIT MORE .

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:38 PM

    SHOOTING THEM DEAD !

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis O Brien
    Favourite Denis O Brien
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:38 PM

    bloodshed. do me a favour. lol. throw a water balloon and you get compared to a anarchist. media love to hype. and so do you.

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:12 PM

    Finally, someone mentioned Sinn Fein, I thought it was never going to happen. Big up, Sarge.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eel Knack Mole
    Favourite Eel Knack Mole
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:54 PM

    “SHOOTING THEM DEAD !”

    I don’t exactly know why but I laughed out loud when I read that. I can just imagine Hermes at his computer getting all worked up with a train of thought along the lines of

    “what about the people who got shot in the North – innocent people – feckin Brits – driving around they were, no uniforms or nothin – poor innocent Catholics – feckin Brits – shooting them they were”

    Then finally…

    “Shooting them dead!”

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:07 PM

    just clarifying for those of seemingly low or uninformed opinion Eel …..
    I don’t think murder is a laughing matter but sure that’s the Brits for you – and that is why they were ran out of the police and army here – We just have to finish the job now and throw them out of the Civil Service – isn’t the computer great – able to trace everything !

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eel Knack Mole
    Favourite Eel Knack Mole
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:12 PM

    I’m not sure what any of this has to do with the water protests, this thread seems to have gone off on a bit of a tangent, but sure that isn’t anything new for this site. I honestly don’t know what you are referencing there about the Civil Service, police etc. Care to explain?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 9:23 PM

    method reveals motivation always and the Brits are a one-trick pony – like a piebald …
    a lot of west of Ireland people remembering what laissez faire economics did to it before and who did it ….

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Lenehan
    Favourite Brian Lenehan
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:42 PM

    And there you go: these muppets believe anything is regarded as peace unless blood is shed!?! The morons you see on YouTube chanting “peaceful protest” with their arms held above their heads, while they barge themselves on top of the Gardaí and meter-installers. Thugs! It wouldn’t be long before I’d shed some of their blood if they tried that with me, the Blackguards.

    153
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall
    Favourite Niall
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:48 PM

    Looks like we got a badass over here!

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:50 PM

    @ brian: In my experience its the blokes that talk about ‘shedding blood’ that are the first to fill their nappies at the first sign of trouble….oh brave keyboard warrior.

    157
    See 18 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Clive Sutton
    Favourite Clive Sutton
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:54 PM

    This country is like a fr Ted episode, when the protests kicked off our wonderful leaders and the media decided that only peaceful protest is acceptable, we are peaceful say the protesters…. No you’re like feckin ISIS says the government..and on it goes…

    115
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Quinlan
    Favourite Paul Quinlan
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:58 PM

    “Keyboard warrior”- profile pic of a monkey, under a pseudonym.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:59 PM

    Get back to me when I start acting the hard man Paul…..

    81
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:09 PM

    Careful now guys, anyone who insults people by calling them ‘blackguards’ is obvious somebody you don’t want to get on the wrong side of, unless you want to be victims of a drive-by dressing down or something.

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Top Cat
    Favourite Top Cat
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:20 PM

    Only 52% of protesters surveyed are in employment can’t say I am surprised really.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:25 PM

    Full time employment. The other 48% could be self employed, part time, retired, students, teens, on Scambridge or one of them other courses that massages the figures. Clutching at straws, mate.

    92
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Top Cat
    Favourite Top Cat
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:29 PM

    They could be but most likely are just on the scratcher.

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Le Tigre
    Favourite Le Tigre
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:36 PM

    You referenced your experience of “trouble” there, Were Jammin. Care to elaborate?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OggieThe4th
    Favourite OggieThe4th
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:36 PM

    How many of them are retired ,feral cat?

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis O Brien
    Favourite Denis O Brien
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:40 PM

    wow 52% full time employment and they still find time to protest. That’s good stats. fair play to them

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fintan Stack
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:55 PM

    And 90% of those who won’t pay are working tax payers.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:56 PM

    @Topcat

    No matter what you tell yourself (because nobody else listens to you), the majority of IW protesters are in full time employment.

    So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:59 PM

    @Topcat – What are you basing your assumptions on? Your own narrow minded opinion? Cause that really isn’t solid evidence.

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:05 PM

    @Gearoid

    Evidence is not required when you are spouting complete rubbish. Ignore the troll.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Moran
    Favourite Colm Moran
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:17 PM

    Top Cat get back in your cage and stop talking crap.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:52 PM

    You have these commentators claiming to be rational human beings while claiming the protesters are thugs, the movement is lost and we should just stop and get on with it. But here’s a simple question: If the majority of Irish people do indeed actually support this scam, why doesn’t any one of these commentators set up a Facebook page to gather support from the majority?

    It only takes a second, so go on, set up a page and prove us all wrong!

    But yous’ wont – cowards!

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Lenehan
    Favourite Brian Lenehan
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:39 PM

    Simple answer, Cowenwatch: we don’t need to “mobilise” or set up little fora to clap ourselves on the back for a protest well done, or to drown out any dissenting voices as “trolls”. Why? Because we’re in the majority, and as in any democracy, majority rules. We show our consent easily, quietly and calmly. There’s no spitting hatred or violence, or threat of violence from us (unless provoked of course – we may be passive but we’re no push-overs).

    That is not to say that I agree with everything that this government is doing, but we do live in a democracy, and I know who I certainly will not be voting for come the next election. And yet my fellow constituents may still elect candidates who I may disapprove of, but that too is ok, because those elected representatives will serve for only five years until the next election and I will have five years to convince my fellow electorate why not to vote for them again.
    Any protesting in the meantime is, I have learned, a waste of effort.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 8:12 PM

    But Brian, in your comment above you claim “It wouldn’t be long before I’d shed some of their blood if they tried that with me, the Blackguards”!

    So tough guy, what is it. In one mouthful you’re claiming there’ll be blood if a protester stood up to you and now you’re claiming you’ll take everything the Government throw at you easily, quietly and calmly. Kind of hypocritical, don’t you think

    And lets be honest, the simple answer to why you won’t “mobilise” is because you know only too well that people have been bullied and lied to by this Government to beat them into submission with a company that is registering everyone and anyone whose data they can get their hands on and that is precisely why you can make the assertion that you have the majority.

    The real and only reason why you wont set up a protest group is simply because you would be laughed at, jeered and ridiculed by all around you. You would be able to walk down your main street without someone going: “There’s that f*cking ejit who supported IW, the ejit!”

    And you do realise the Government of the day tried to introduce water charges back in the mid 90′s’. But guess what, people protested and the people won! But, if you want to make empty threats at protesters like some key board warrior while bending over for the Government to rid you bare back, that’s your problem. It’s sad though but your the waste of effort!

    I have my own well and septic tank and I urge everyone to refuse to pay this super-quango a cent. Looking forward to the next protest, the last one was massive!

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OggieThe4th
    Favourite OggieThe4th
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:41 PM

    Joan Burton suffered internal injuries from a lethal water balloon whilst some silly woman got a small gash from a piece of glass .

    130
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:40 PM

    Pity the Garda who has to deal with her…

    116
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Boxer
    Favourite David Boxer
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:16 PM

    I’d pity anyone that had to deal with you on a daily bases….

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:23 PM

    I pity your English teacher.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mc
    Favourite Paul Mc
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:43 PM

    The water doesn’t fall from the sky as Fine Gael will tell you monkey man.

    115
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gerard devany
    Favourite gerard devany
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:12 PM

    Paul Mc

    Actually it does.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CorkBoi
    Favourite CorkBoi
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:46 PM

    Well done to the brilliant ‘Peaceful protesters ‘of Ireland .Credit where it’s due,like !

    112
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:04 PM

    Best protesters in the world Boi…..

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Silent majority
    Favourite Silent majority
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:58 PM

    Here is the “peaceful” Bernie Hughes pushing a Guard at a protest last year.

    https://www.facebook.com/IrishPoliticalMemes/photos/pb.391480074225398.-2207520000.1429628240./859166604123407/?type=3&theater

    Have a Snickers Bernie.

    19
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:57 PM

    How many people have died in Gardaí cells Silent ?

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:16 PM

    8% are going to pay? Let’s hear what the trolls have to say, I thought everyone was sick of the protest and were going to pay? Hahaha

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:23 PM

    The trolls work under the mantra (which to be fair has worked in the past) that if you keep repeating the same shite over and over and over and over then people will eventually believe it.

    Not any more trolls. Hahaha.

    70
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:27 PM

    I know, if you don’t support our dear Enda and FG then your part of the ”delusional looney left”. Hahaha, They’re gas craic the aul trolls.

    58
    See 4 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Le Tigre
    Favourite Le Tigre
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:39 PM

    The respondents were specifically anti-IW protestors so it’d be surprising if less than 90% intended not to pay

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute talkingsense(troll)
    Favourite talkingsense(troll)
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:15 PM

    Exactly le tigre, 8% of people protesting against iw have said they’ll pay not 8% of the total population. A report based solely on protesters about protesting and commenters here are creaming themselves

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Maher
    Favourite Thomas Maher
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:15 PM

    Shall we use the same logic when Fine Gael are up in opinion polls talkin?
    Surely we can’t take any of those polls seriously if conducted by independent media group?

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute talkingsense(troll)
    Favourite talkingsense(troll)
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:22 PM

    Use whatever logic you like thomas. I couldn’t care less about fine Gael or any other party as you well know and like to forget. But as you can also see, gearoid claimed only 8% of people will pay, where in fact the article claims 8% of protesters will pay. I merely pointed out his mistake.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Protect Democracy!
    Favourite Protect Democracy!
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:43 PM

    Absolute drivel from the delusional looney left!

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:59 PM

    labour did not commission this report ….why refer to them ?
    For they surely are the Looney Left are they not ?

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis O Brien
    Favourite Denis O Brien
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:42 PM

    labour are about as left as you can get. Aren’t they ? or at least that’s who there supposed to be supporting. I remember iphone Joan out marching in her youth. seem’s she’s lost her way with all that power.

    48
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fintan Stack
    Favourite Fintan Stack
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:58 PM

    PD, are you resting YFG and Baz today?

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Canavan
    Favourite Brian Canavan
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:43 PM

    How can an academic who has expressed his support for the water protesters produce a credible report?
    I made two equally valid reports in the toilet this morning

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute An Ciarraioch
    Favourite An Ciarraioch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:50 PM

    Brian – I listened to him on RTE1 Radio this morning – His analysis was clear and concise and he didn’t show any bias whatsoever.

    Try to get your facts please? , before condemning something – it just makes you seem like a complete luban !

    93
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dietrich Död
    Favourite Dietrich Död
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:53 PM

    I think you’ll need to read the report and review his methodology before you discount it as biased shite.

    73
    See 10 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:58 PM

    How can a Government appoint jOHN Tierney to the Head of Irish Water after Poolbeg and Eyre Square – and all the consultants pulling big wedge out of them …..?
    I wonder what a tax audit would reveal from these companies that so dominate the Government purse ?

    75
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Egg Head
    Favourite Egg Head
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 2:58 PM

    The reason he is a respected academic and you’re commenting on the journal may be linked to the fact he adopts scientific methodology in his research, and you excrete yours.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hermes
    Favourite Hermes
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:01 PM

    How can Enda Kenny still be Taoiseach after the Chopra revelations ….didn’t he express support for Ireland’s cause before the election then sell us down the river with the Prom Deal – that one will come back to bite him on the ass yet – could we see some jail time ?

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sergeant Yates
    Favourite Sergeant Yates
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:05 PM

    an ciarrioch – Dr Aherne was a former leading member of the SWP he’s hardly impartial.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:28 PM

    Ciarraioch, hard to take anything you say seriously, when you repeatedly support convicted PIRA terrorist Martin Ferris.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deco James Connolly
    Favourite Deco James Connolly
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:35 PM

    They are the only two reports you’ve every made that carry any weight.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute An Ciarraioch
    Favourite An Ciarraioch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:37 PM

    Diarmuid – Who do you support ?

    We are very proud of some of our hard working TD’s in Kerry !

    We are confident too that the hardworking ones will be reelected shortly too in the soon to be announced General Election !

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:47 PM

    @Ciarraioch If Martin Ferris’s gun/bomb running (which he was convicted for) had been successful, how many people do you think would have been murdered with the contents of the shipment?

    Do you support the murderers of Garda McCabe, the same way Martin Ferris supported them upon their release from prison?

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:55 PM

    @Diarmuid

    There you go again.

    SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF SF

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 8:49 PM

    PIRA.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Smollen
    Favourite Ken Smollen
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:14 PM

    Some people say that a new political party is needed and that real change needs to happen. The Irish Democratic Party are here, not going away and very glad not to have the likes of Lucinda Creighton or Eddie Hobbs (who sees nothing wrong with investing in repossessed homes) as members. We’re not happy that they have received ‘over the top’ publicity in their efforts to be nothing more than a prop up party for their pals in FG. We are proud to say that our membership is now approx. 1,000 signed up members in 24 of the 26 counties, all of whom are ordinary people who have experience of the harshness of real life. We’re also proud to say we have NO former politicians as members, nor do we want anyone who has claimed a lucrative salary and expenses, enjoying the high life at our expense while ignoring the plight of hundreds of thousands of our people! From the outset we have also opposed the water charges, attended many anti-water charge marches and have called for the dismantling of the entity known as Irish Water. We are also engaged in a public awareness campaign to highlight the plight of thousands of families who stand to lose their homes to the gambling and bailed out banks. We’re not going away, and they won’t be able to ignore us for much longer!

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul McKenna
    Favourite Paul McKenna
    Report
    Apr 24th 2015, 9:46 AM

    A thousand people? That’s not a mandate in any sense of the word.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Smollen
    Favourite Ken Smollen
    Report
    Apr 29th 2015, 1:13 AM

    The Labour Party was founded in 1911 and has less than 10,000 signed up members. The Irish Democratic Party was only founded in November 2013, so I think that 1,000 members is not too bad so far Paul

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pearse Mc Mullen
    Favourite Pearse Mc Mullen
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:51 PM

    patjoejoe, Citizensmith,talkingsense troll, sarge yates and protect democracy,
    This article is a bit light on comments, I don`t know if your computers in FG HQ have been blocked on this one – if not, any chance we can have a few pearls of wisdom on how good your government is doing??

    http://www.thejournal.ie/children-homeless-dublin-march-2015-2060370-Apr2015/#comments

    I`ll be back in a few hours to check on you shower of trolling sphincters, see if you have added a few pearls of wisdom, just as soon as i get the dog walked.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute talkingsense(troll)
    Favourite talkingsense(troll)
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:33 PM

    Good lad pearse, insult anyone who has a different opinion to you and call them a “fine Gael troll”

    When your finished walking the dog I’m sure you won’t mind posting links to all my pro fine Gael moments. Maybe oggie can help you find them.

    That’s the problem with all the anti water brigade on here, anyone with a different opinion is a “government schill” or “fg/lab troll”. And you wonder why people are sick of the ” peaceful protests” when your only course of action is to bully, insult and lie. And before you go off on one about the government bullying and lying, I couldn’t care less! Past, present and future governments have and will continue to do it because they’re all the same no matter what party they are.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 7:46 PM

    Says the lad with troll in the brackets – FFS!

    If I was Head of Communications in FG HQ I’d be looking for a head or two to troll, I mean roll. The degree of troll these days is just shocking. Where’s Richie Rodgers gone? At least that troll could form a coherent argument.

    10
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute talkingsense(troll)
    Favourite talkingsense(troll)
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 7:49 PM

    FG blah blah, troll blah, thanks for proving my point.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Smollen
    Favourite Ken Smollen
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:55 PM

    New people’s political party needed? We already have that with the Irish Democratic Party – ordinary people, NO politicians, and approx. 1,000 signed up members in 24 of the 26 counties – http://www.IrishDemocraticParty.ie

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eel Knack Mole
    Favourite Eel Knack Mole
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:44 PM

    Ken

    I think you are coming from a genuine and honest place with this. The idea seems very undercooked however. Just some of the issues:

    If each politician must consult with their electorate each time a decision is to be made, is this not just an ironclad guarantee that every decision made would be a populist pork-barrel move that would prevent any kind of strategic or long term initiative?

    You propose a permanent stay on all repossession proceedings without proposing an alternative

    You seem to want the introduction of retrospective laws for the banking sector (which in itself would require a constitutional amendment) – surely this would be a very remove one of the key protections of our constitution

    There does not appear to be any plan as to how to manage the fallout from Ireland’s complete default

    Tearing up government contracts – the knock on effects would eb very serious for the state, but also this requires a complete abandonment of ancient legal principles

    I don’t know how a system of “recall” for members of the civil service would work!

    Making County managers etc directly elected – so long to any hard decisions being made by local authorities so

    The recall idea for members of government means that they could not make a decision that is unpopular. Surely you appreciate that this is always going to be necessary

    No suggestion as to who, ultimately selects the judiciary or indeed senior gardai

    Flouride – lets just check with the experts first

    To be fair, beyond that there are specific policy proposals that people will either agree or disagree with.

    It is easy be a hurler on the ditch and poke holes, as gaping as they may be, but you deserve credit for taking action and trying to come up with ideas. If however I could distill the main problem with your manifesto down to one point it is this – you have missed the main point for the existence of the Republic system – we select people to make the hard decisions for us.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken Smollen
    Favourite Ken Smollen
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 8:06 PM

    While a reply to all of your questions here would be very long winded and boring for many people to read I will attempt to answer your questions collectively.

    The present and very corruptible system of Representative Democracy was introduced at a time when the general population of a country was deemed to be uneducated enough to make decisions for themselves and their families. It is actually hard to believe that we still use that system today. It ultimately means that every time we vote at the ballot box we are giving away our right to make decisions that are in our own best interests to someone we probably don’t personally know for a period of approx. 5 years.

    These elected people of ‘higher standing’ than us cannot be held to account for any decisions that they make until they come knocking on our doors again at election time.

    The system of Government that the IDP advocates is Participatory Democracy which has been tried and tested in a few areas around the world. The reason that it has not been introduced in many countries is that it removes the complete power that the elected politician has and it also makes him/her accountable every day and not just every 5 years or so. It’s for that same reason that the present crop of Irish politicians would shiver at the thought at being really held accountable for their actions.

    Participatory Democracy allows all of the citizens of a country to be part of the decision making process if they so choose. The decisions that they can participate in making are not the smaller decisions but those which affect their own and their families lives.

    As for your question about repossessions, we are calling for a stop to all repossessions until the banks find a fair and sustainable solution for EVERY home owner and small/medium business owner (Not just people in mortgage distress). The banks were bailed out and the people of Ireland were forced to do this by the introduction of many levies, charges and taxes. Banks such as the AIB are now back in profit and if necessary emergency legislation should be introduced to compel them to engage fairly with people in mortgage distress. This would allow well over one million people to return to a life of normality where they could begin spending in their own local economies again which will ultimately lead to more employment, leading to more taxes being paid to fund necessary services as health etc.

    As for ‘ancient legal principles’, our country and more importantly hundreds of thousands of our people are in a deep crisis while the Government spins their usual propaganda about a recovery in the economy. The definition of the word ‘Economy’ says that it MAY include people. We all know that the banks are profitable again, we know that large businesses are in recovery and we also know that multi-national businesses are in recovery, but anyone who works with paople on the ground knows that our people are in desperation!

    I won’t continue here as I said before that it would probably bore people to death. We do hold meetings countrywide where every question that people have is answered. However, thanks for your questions. We need as many of them as we can get and even if we are confronted with something that we have overlooked we will come up with a solution together – that’s what Participatory Democracy is all about!

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris
    Favourite Chris
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:22 PM

    Max Keiser The Truth About RTE:

    https://youtu.be/aG7JmlQXBt0

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CitizenSmith©
    Favourite CitizenSmith©
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:07 PM

    So 48% of the protesters aren’t working full time
    45% had been to other protests.
    8% will pay
    30% will vote for the same people as last time
    17% are barred from facebook

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:11 PM

    100% will blame others for their problems.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CitizenSmith©
    Favourite CitizenSmith©
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:15 PM

    You can prove anything with statistics, 17% of people are aware of this

    19
    See 18 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:20 PM

    Let’s see how far IW get with the 8% of people going to pay. Sure all you IW cheerleaders are probably more than happy to pay the shortfall.

    IW is finished.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:21 PM

    “52% were working full-time.”

    So, from the only study on IW protesters to date, more than half were working full time.

    Lets see the “all IW protesters are layabouts, spongers, freeloaders” half-wits argue that one !

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CitizenSmith©
    Favourite CitizenSmith©
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:23 PM

    8% of the 2,556 protesters, so I think they live without 200 peoples money

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:24 PM

    “So 48% of the protesters aren’t working full time”

    So, the majority ARE working full time, and how many of the remaining 48% are on part time contracts?

    Kinda puts the FG/Labour troll ‘protester=unemployed waster’ argument to bed , no?

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CitizenSmith©
    Favourite CitizenSmith©
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:25 PM

    52% is still 5 times the national average

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:25 PM

    112% believe SF will fix the economy.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CitizenSmith©
    Favourite CitizenSmith©
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:28 PM

    Maybe they will, they way kneecapping stopped petty crime in Northern Ireland

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:29 PM

    @Diarmiud

    You really are a desperate character. You really should get that “I must bring SF into everything” boil lanced ASAP.

    You will feel better for it and less bitter.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:34 PM

    Where’s your sense of humour Shakka? Certainly not bitter. And certainly don’t bring up SF on many non-SF/PIRA articles. They are however the only establishment party supporting these protests, despite their numerous flip-flops on the issue.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis O Brien
    Favourite Denis O Brien
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:49 PM

    Diarmuid , if you haven’t worked it out yet FG / lab have washed their hands of this whole IW dabatical until after the election. They can’t even be bothered to chase after the money. There are no penalties for non payment for the next year. There just pretending like there is not a major issue with IW setup Why would you bother paying knowing full well that the government aren’t even bothered.
    YOU have way more to loose by paying that not paying. That’s the kinda commitment this government has for you.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:58 PM

    @Diarmuid

    Apologies – so all your anti-SF comments are in jest.

    We should all do well to remember that in the future – thanks for clarifying.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diarmuid
    Favourite Diarmuid
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:15 PM

    100% of Shakkas are banterless.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:56 PM

    Totes Bantz. Lolz.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ray Farrelly
    Favourite Ray Farrelly
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:03 PM

    So you admit it is broken then

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:08 PM

    Hey Dermot, you must have missed this humdinger of a story a couple of days ago concerning the three people claiming to be members of the UVF who were convicted of extorting money from innocent people.

    You may not know who the UVF are as you like to pretend the Provos were the only ones doing the killing in the North as well as the Officials being the good illegal terrorist organisation because they choose turn their backs on the fighting, preferring to involve themselves in counterfeiting, drug dealing, extortion, punishment beatings, robberies and so on and, what, 27-ish murders, but the UVF,as well as the UDA among others, were an illegal organisation in the North too.

    So, if the Officials turned their backs on the North and the Irish Government turned their backs on the North, who was there to fight for the rights of the Catholics?

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eel Knack Mole
    Favourite Eel Knack Mole
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 6:07 PM

    Cowenwatch. I’m struggling with this. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you clearly think what the UVF, UDA and OIRA did was morally wrong. Okay, fair enough. Explain to me though how the PIRA, in doing all of the things that you criticise those other bodies for doing, and much more, were not morally wrong?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 8:42 PM

    Show me where I said the Provos were NOT in the wrong?

    Dermot has an issue with the SF party. Dermot has an issue in understanding the complexities in the North and who was fighting who. Dermot likes to think it was all killings and atrocities committed were committed solely by the Provos. I have previously pointed out ad nauseum that he has a very simplistic and naive view on what was going on in the North at that time. And, Dermot needs to be reminded of this.

    I hope this clears up any ambiguity you may have?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cowenwatch
    Favourite Cowenwatch
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 8:46 PM

    Oh, and just to add, I’ve never voted for SF in my life but seriously considering giving them the first preference next time precisely because of Dermot’s ignorance and failure to understand!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Masterson
    Favourite Andy Masterson
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:28 PM

    Hardly an “academic report”. It’s a survey conducted by an anti water charges campaigner who just happens to have the title Dr before his name. Just a piece of propaganda really

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:31 PM

    “just happens to have the title Dr before his name”

    That, my son, just doesn’t happen.

    Try not to spout anymore crap please.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute patjoejoe123
    Favourite patjoejoe123
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:22 PM

    just shows what planet these idiots are on. they are involved in some ‘war’ when the rest of us simply have received a bill for water thats all. i do laugh at these clowns, idle people just trying desperately for attention

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:30 PM

    Idle – but 52% of protesters surveyed were working full time (with more definitely part-time).

    Get your facts straight before posting inane drivel.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Boxer
    Favourite David Boxer
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:23 PM

    Patjoejoe has his head so far up his ass he hardly ever sees the truth and just rambles on in an inane fashion.

    24
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gearóid Ó Briain
    Favourite Gearóid Ó Briain
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:26 PM

    Inane drivel is his middle name. Did your mother really name you Pat Joe Joe? If so, how unfortunate.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bluemist
    Favourite Bluemist
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:38 PM

    Some research that’s like asking 2500 priests do the believe in god what did he get his doctorate in.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute OggieThe4th
    Favourite OggieThe4th
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 3:42 PM

    The the don’t believe,brother mist

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Byrne
    Favourite Martin Byrne
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 5:04 PM

    It was a study of the PROTESTORS Blue mist …dear god !! The right wing in this country are even dumber than the American version……would you rather a study on protestors was carried out on high ranking Bank officials and right wing looneys sucking at the public tit ??????

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john murphy
    Favourite john murphy
    Report
    Apr 21st 2015, 4:48 PM

    The first academic thing to be in any way associated with these protests!

    4
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds