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Two more tunes, please. Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland

Sinn Féin wants to hear more Irish music on the radio

One of the party’s MEPs wants a quota system introduced.

SINN FÉIN MEP Liadh Ní Riada wants to meet Communications Minister Alex White to discuss the lack of Irish music on radio.

Ní Riada, whose late father was composer Seán Ó Riada, said Ireland “is recognised worldwide for its rich cultural heritage”, adding that “our extremely talented musicians and composers are central to this”.

“Unfortunately those involved in the Irish music industry are struggling to make ends meet due to the lack of radio airplay they get on our national radio stations.

“It is extremely difficult for Irish music to compete with the multinational music companies of mainly Britain, the USA and Australia who dominate the broadcasting sector in Ireland. The reality is that the broad spectrum of Irish music in Ireland is given very little consideration on radio and gets less than 10% of the annual airplay,” Ní Riada said.

The Ireland South MEP, who is on the European Parliament’s Culture and Education committee, said White should look into introducing a quota for Irish music airplay.

“In France they managed to legislate for 40% airplay in 1996 because of language and culture. I strongly believe that Ireland must now be given similar consideration.”

Sinn Fein European Elections Campaigns Liadh Ní Riada Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

A spokesperson for the Department of Communications said that while it “might be possible to introduce a quota system based on language (similar to that used in France), a system based, for example, on the nationality of the musicians, singers or producers is unlikely to be permitted as it would discriminate against works produced by nationals of other member states”.

Brian Farrells Funerals Scenes Alex White Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland / Photocall Ireland

They said the department fully supports promoting Irish music, but noted that the policy approach taken to this issue “must be consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures”.

It is also important that it takes account of the right of broadcasters to determine the type of programming and content they wish to broadcast – subject, of course, to meeting relevant licensing and legislative obligations.

“It is particularly important to ensure that any quota system does not infringe on Article 18 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which expressly prohibits discrimination based on nationality, and other provisions governing the fundamental freedoms under the Treaty, such as article 49 on freedom of establishment and article 56 on free movement of services, in respect of nationals of other member states.”

The spokesperson added that, on foot of the White’s engagement with relevant industry representatives, an inter-departmental process has been established to “explore possible options”. The communications and arts departments are due to meet relevant interest groups over the summer.

The spokesperson said White would get in touch with Ní Riada to discuss her suggestion.

This MEP is going to speak only ‘as Gaeilge’ in Brussels for a week

Open thread: What’s the best gig you’ve ever seen in Ireland?

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122 Comments
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    Mute Keniby Khronicles
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    May 25th 2015, 6:23 AM

    Bono and the lads didn’t fare too well when their album just turned up on peoples itunes.
    Don’t think people like it when you dictate what they should be listening to without their consent.

    445
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    Mute Jim Brady
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    May 25th 2015, 7:14 AM

    Still,it’s nice to know in advance the dictatorial style of governance we can expect if SF get into power.
    Shudders…

    451
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    Mute Hermes
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    May 25th 2015, 8:00 AM

    Finnucanes said -”War Crimes” .
    And then Charlie remember Ballymurphy and Adams remembered the Disappeared – and lo and behold if the two didn’t meet as if the word War Crime was and could never be mentioned …

    Nice stage play boys – I enjoyed it – not fooling the Fenians though I hear !

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    Mute Sergeant Yates
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    May 25th 2015, 8:15 AM

    Sf’s communication mnister in any new government would be similar to lord haw haw.

    155
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    May 25th 2015, 8:38 AM

    Adams loves the Corrs, that’s why he picked Co Louth to call “home”

    83
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    Mute Protect Democracy!
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    May 25th 2015, 8:39 AM

    Comrades this is all part of Gerry’s “Re- education”agenda if he ever gets into power as he strives to implement SF’s Marxist ideals !!! ” you will listen to Irish music” ! The gombeen brigade of Aran jumper & tweed jacket wearing fanatics are so much out of tune with today’s young Irish who would rather learn something useful like the Spanish or French language. Forcing irish language down their throats will never work .

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    Mute Walt Jabsco
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    May 25th 2015, 8:49 AM

    Totalinarianism here we come…
    George Orwell warned us about this sort of thing…

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    Mute Genius
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    May 25th 2015, 9:35 AM

    Time to pull on the aran jumper Ted.

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    Mute The Dude
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    May 25th 2015, 9:51 AM

    To all above commenters equating this with Marxism etc – I can’t stand SF but the lack of support for Irish music artists in this country is nothing short of disgraceful. Radio and TV pump out this homogenised American and euro garbage 27/7 aimed at the lowest common denominator – with little airtime given to Irish artists, Independent and otherwise. The Edge is once quoted as saying that having one song played on the radio, will do more for your career than 2 years of touring.

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    Mute Walt Jabsco
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    May 25th 2015, 12:37 PM

    Forcing people to listen to isn’t going to help though, just as ramming Peig down people’s throats did more damage than good to the Irish language.

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 1:06 PM

    To the commenters above, not all Music from Ireland is diddley aye. Nobody is ramming anything down anyone’s throat. As usual, Private Pile, sorry sgt Yates has his knickers in a flap when he sees a story mentioning SF. At ease Private, at ease. More Irish artists and less Simon Cowell should keep most people happy!!

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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 25th 2015, 1:18 PM

    Walt – Please read the Article – then maybe an informed comment would be welcome ?

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    Mute Mike Quirk
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    May 25th 2015, 1:26 PM

    I agree you don’t have to scratch to deep to find the fascist in that lot

    33
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    Mute Walt Jabsco
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    May 25th 2015, 3:59 PM

    I already did thanks Ciarraioch.

    It doesn’t change the fact that what SF are doing is trying to dictate to the public what they have to listen to. As I said, this is one step along the road towards the style of government described by George Orwell, Aldous Huxley and Ray Bradbury.

    I for one want to listen to what I want to listen to, not what the government wants me to listen to.

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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 25th 2015, 4:12 PM

    Walt Jabco – Before you get your knickers in a silly twist – please take your Gerryphobia tabs ASAP ?
    Hahahahahaha !!!!!

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    Mute Diarmuid MacSuibhne
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    May 25th 2015, 5:46 PM

    Read the article. Irish bands and local music don’t even get airtime on stations that they and their fans are paying for through their TV licenses(I know it’s a misnomer) and taxpayer’s money.

    Nobody is suggesting an Irish produced music only policy. But I can’t remember the last time I heard a new, popular(as in highly attended performances), Irish produced music being played on Irish radio before it became popular abroad. Hosier is a great example. His music was on the UK and US airwaves before he even got a look in at home. Not saying that’s wrong, but how many other home grown acts are unsupported in Ireland almost because they are from Ireland. RTE and Today FM are basically local radio stations, if you take their audience numbers into account in a global context.

    The greatest pity lies in having to suggest a quota system. Our Radio DJ’s, on the whole, don’t seem to have much interest in local acts, those that play in clubs, pubs and festivals up and down the country, unless they acquire international fame first and are more interested in playing whatever new, over produced and often generic, songs come from the internationally acclaimed acts.

    If songs and tracks are good, they are good. It shouldn’t matter if the global media have decided so yet or not. More local acts that produce good music should at least be given a platform to be liked or not.

    If we must pay for RTÉ, then it doesn’t make sense that we need to listen to the exact same songs we could hear on a pop radio channel on iHeart Radio or any other internet radio station from around the world. We should be afforded the ability to discover what’s at our own doorstep.

    There is no way, as suggested by Minister White, that EU legislation prohibits RTÉ from playing Irish music. Playlists are at the behest of DJs, in general. Even if a minority of people want to hear home grown music on national radio stations, they should at least be catered for. Other minorities are already catered for, and rightly so.

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    Mute Avina Laaf
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    May 25th 2015, 8:39 PM

    No Gerryphobia there Ciarraiocht – I just don’t want any government to have any say in what I can and can’t listen to.

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    Mute Avina Laaf
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    May 25th 2015, 8:42 PM

    Diarmuid, any commercial radio station makes its money on listenership figures, so they’ll play whatever their audience wants to hear, in order to maximise its listenership. Why is it ok for any government to interfere in this?

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    Mute Jane Dwyer
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    May 25th 2015, 9:19 PM

    Ciarraioch, you tell Walt to come back with an informed comment and when he gives a very informed and comprehensive reply thats all you have to say. Says a lot about you.

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    Mute Liam Austin
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    May 25th 2015, 9:52 PM

    I presume gay marriage was also an old Irish tradition that Sinn Fein support?

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    Mute William Grogan
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    May 25th 2015, 10:05 PM

    I want more Blues and Jazz, does that mean I’m not a Republican?

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    Mute Jane Dwyer
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    May 25th 2015, 11:15 PM

    I suppose if we want trad music to survive we have to support it somehow. The country and Irish musicians have a huge following.

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    Mute Diarmuid MacSuibhne
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    May 26th 2015, 3:14 AM

    Firstly, RTÉ are taxpayer and TV license funded. As such they have a public broadcasting responsibility. Irish producers and artists have to pay TV licenses the same as anybody else, and in spite of what some people thing, rarely get tax exemptions or artist status, particularly traditional musicians, or original artists.

    Secondly, I’m not suggesting they should play music that nobody wants to listen to, on the contrary, in fact. Bands and artists that show time and time again that they are popular among local crowds due to attendance at their gigs have their work stifled by mass media and international chart toppers. Artists like John Spillane(love him or loath him), for example, have topped the Irish album charts but are lucky to get any songs played during prime listenership hours while unpopular tracks by popular international acts are played several times a day on each station. If people don’t know music exists they can’t possibly like it.

    Thirdly, and this is the most important, radio stations pay far more in royalties for international pop music than they ever pay for independent music per play. If they were really concerned about the bottom line, playing one Irish produced(and often cheaper) song out of every 4 tracks played on air could save them thousands of Euro.

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    Mute Eoin Ó Raghallaigh
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    May 25th 2015, 7:20 AM

    Are we talking about traditional Irish music or just music produced by Irish artists? One is a cultural issue and the other is economic.

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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 25th 2015, 9:58 AM

    Eoin – You are quite correct -Liath refers to Music and the Artists of which is produced in Ireland.

    Isn’t it a pity , that the people suffering Gerryphobia on these threads , wouldn’t take the only three minutes , to actually read the article ?

    I’m living in an area, where Local Radio ( Radio Kerry ) is predominantly the most popular, by a ratio of eight to one, with RTE 1 & 2 .

    Ironically , they play a much higher ratio of Irish produced music !
    There must be a huge connection , that when one plays the Irish products, one gets the popularity and listenership too ?

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    Mute Northern Craic
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    May 25th 2015, 11:23 AM

    I’m guessing the reality would be modern music by Irish musicians. I think it’s a good idea but a pity it came from SF as it will be twisted into a dictate – see comment below!

    It’s easy to say it’s about consumer choice but the current set up means consumers can never choose to listen to music they never get to hear in the first place. Giving a platform for local musicians gives people of proper choice and helps grow the local musical talent.

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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 25th 2015, 1:16 PM

    Northern Craic – If you read the article , she is precisely speaking about music that is produced by Irish Artists in Ireland.

    I’m friendly with a number of well known Irish Band/Artists , who have been complaining for years about the lack of Irish Band play on RTE , Today FM and various City based stations.

    They have been calling for fair play for decades from them and nothing doing up to now, while the Regional Stations recognise the Home Produced music big time and have the huge listenership to prove it !

    68
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    May 25th 2015, 6:04 PM

    Who gets the royalties if more Sean O Riada is played on the airwaves? Hmmmmm

    48
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    Mute Jeff Kennedy
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    May 25th 2015, 6:06 PM

    You can’t force a commercial station to be un-commercial but RTE are a different kettle of fish .Why would musicians be any different to any other person .We don’t force people to use Irish plumbers or doctors ?

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    Mute Conoroo
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    May 25th 2015, 6:19 PM

    At the rate the shinners are going they’ll be asking for God save the queen to be played in Dáil Éireann yet….

    40
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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 25th 2015, 6:24 PM

    Diarmuid – I know that you love to suffer with your Gerryphobia – but at least read the article first – before you make the usual Eegit of yourself in what you come out with ???

    28
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    Mute Baz
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    May 25th 2015, 7:31 PM

    The idea that An Ciarriach promotes Kerry as a model example of Irish Radio airplay unsettles me.

    A county which promotes a goat as a king, continually elects the Healy Rea’s and an annual talent show disgracing women.

    Rock on chum. The Day Kerry is used as a marker (apart from Gaa) for other Ireland counties is a sad one.

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    Mute Cram Wood
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    May 26th 2015, 8:38 AM

    Jeff, you’re right there.
    Once again we have politicians trying to force their view of what should happen onto the general public.
    If I want to listen to Irish musicians I can buy their music, download it, put it om my ipod or whatever.
    But I don’t.
    I don’t want radio stations playing Irish musicians when I want to listen to gangster rap or German techno etc.
    That is the reason we have so many radio stations set up by private groups to cater for different tastes in music.
    When all these stations start playing music from Irish musicians because they are forced, people will cease tuning in and will find what they want elsewhere, probably on the internet.
    All that will happen there is that specialist radio stations will loose listenership, advertising and will have to close their doors.
    Every time government interferes in private market society there are unintended consequences that government are incapable of predicting.

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    Mute Terry McClatchey
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    Jul 26th 2015, 8:22 AM

    Such as policy would be very difficult to implement. Irish language music is easy to define but that seems not to be the proposal. Most people know when they are listening to trad Irish music but what if the artists are not of ‘pure’ Irish stock. Do second or third generation diaspora count? As with rugby or soccer, would one grandparent but sufficient to meet the criteria? Does Irish C&W count and if so, what proportion of transatlantic twang is permissible? How many days per annum do U2 have to spend in Ireland either collectively or individually before they are stripped of their Irishness?

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    Mute Danny Carthy
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    Sep 12th 2015, 12:38 PM

    Terry,
    It would not be very difficult to legislate, and in fact the wording is in place for the communications minister to present a document to the EC for approval. The number of quality Irish singers, songwriters and composers both at home and abroad who are never heard because there is no proper legislation in place is disgraceful, a legislation for 40% airplay of Irish music in both languages would mean the retention of millions of Euros in royalties for Irish songwriters and composers, and the development of an Irish music industry creating marketing, sales and employment. We need a level playing field where all aspects of Irish music can be played and enjoyed. At present in excess of 80% of live and recorded music is international from USA, Australia, Canada and Great Britain, and country music has great support on many local radio stations.

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    Mute Drew
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    May 25th 2015, 6:26 AM

    Great priorities from the party of the people that can do no wrong… Unemployment, HSE, Education, The Economy, Housing shortage, Public Expenditure reform.

    If Leo Vardakar was spouting this kind of crap as something important the government needs to address, the left wing supporters would be screaming and pulling their hair out at the misguided priorities.

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 6:32 AM

    I don’t think SF would have it high on their list of priorities but it is something that needs addressing. More Airplay for Irish artists can only be a good thing considering the pool of talent we have in this country.

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    Mute Lasair Aireáinnach
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    May 25th 2015, 6:36 AM

    “pool of talent we have in this country.”

    Yes the Irish are one of the most creative and originality minded people in the world, yet multiCulters and open border exrtremists tell me we are inbred and need more diversity in our “pool”.

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 6:38 AM

    Dude you need a hug.

    103
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    Mute Lasair Aireáinnach
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    May 25th 2015, 6:41 AM

    Get plenty and from a select woman.

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    Mute OggieThe4th
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    May 25th 2015, 7:34 AM

    Always knew that you were female,Lasair #cool

    57
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    Mute Patrick Mcauliffe
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    May 25th 2015, 9:14 AM

    do people really think sf are good for government? ????????

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    Mute Biodiversity Watch On Biology-ie
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    May 25th 2015, 11:03 AM

    You mean puddle of musical talent.

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    Mute Dog Standard
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    May 25th 2015, 11:30 AM

    “You mean puddle of musical talent.” You obviously have no knowledge of the Irish music scene. Pity, because it’s great. Tons of amazing music here at the moment.

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 1:07 PM

    Biodiversity, expand your horizons past the voice of Ireland.

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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    May 25th 2015, 1:21 PM

    Drew – Where you profess to live in China – what music do they play there ?

    Do you know any good Chinese Takeaways there ?

    Where are you based there ? Is there a Supermacs nearby ?

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    Mute Deco James Connolly
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    May 25th 2015, 6:27 AM

    Dont we already have an irish only radio station.

    209
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    Mute Hermes
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    May 25th 2015, 8:04 AM

    Do you think that Mary Lou might realise that she is with-holding evidence in her Duty to hold the Dail to account for not having read out all the Ansbacher dossier names …

    I can see that she may be precluded from standing for re-election for failing to uphold the Irish Constitution – something she in fact has charged and signed for…..
    Maybe she might read out the names as Gaeilge …..

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    Mute Pepper Brooks
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    May 25th 2015, 9:49 AM

    You talk some shite man

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    Mute Ewan Scott-Douglas
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    May 25th 2015, 7:05 AM

    They do this in Canada, a country with more Musicians and a larger size than Ireland.

    It doesn’t work I am afraid, DJ’s have to play Music that isn’t exactly popular just to meet quotas. This is borderline censorship of the press in a way

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    Mute Patrick Mcauliffe
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    May 25th 2015, 9:12 AM

    Ya and anyway Rte is bad enough.

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    Mute The Dude
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    May 25th 2015, 9:55 AM

    In Ireland – he major labels operate like a cartel in conjunction with the radio stations where only ‘approved’ artists get access to radio play. This includes the use of centrally controlled playlists sent out to numerous stations. Independent artist have little or no access to prime time radio play.

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    Mute Mark O'Hagan
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    May 25th 2015, 7:06 AM

    I’d like to hear more SF on the radio – apologising for their conduct when dealing with victims of sexual abuse, and subsequent trolling of victims – but that doesn’t look likely to happen either.

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    Mute Captain kirk
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    May 25th 2015, 7:10 AM

    Here’s an idea, instead of introducing a Soviet style quota system, how about playing what the market wants. Do SF think they know what’s best for you?

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    Mute The Dude
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    May 25th 2015, 10:01 AM

    @Kirk – The market doesn’t know what is wants because it is currently being force fed a limited selection of homogenised musical product? To the exclusion of anything else available – it is a form of musical brainwashing where listeners are led to believe that what’s currently getting airplay, is all that is available for them.

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    Mute Captain kirk
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    May 25th 2015, 11:21 AM

    That maybe true Dude but it’s preferable to being forced to listen ‘ceili house’ for 25% of the day

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    Mute The Dude
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    May 25th 2015, 11:58 AM

    @Kirk – agreed but I’m not talking about trad music at all – I’m referring to talented home grown Irish bands, songwriters etc who end up disillusioned and quit due to lack of support from home media.

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    Mute Diarmuid MacSuibhne
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    May 26th 2015, 3:15 AM

    The market wants what marketeers tell it it wants. Just watch Mad Men!

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    May 25th 2015, 7:05 AM

    Irish music? Are you serious? Lots of other more important things to worry sbout, get your priorities right!

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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 25th 2015, 8:16 AM

    SF priority is deflection

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    Mute William Grogan
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    May 25th 2015, 10:07 PM

    OK let’s get the Shinners to ban Water Fluoridation.

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    Mute O'Reilly
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    May 25th 2015, 7:22 AM

    I suppose they have to find some cause to whinge about in a recovering economy with falling unemployment…

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    Mute Niall Lonergan
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    May 25th 2015, 6:32 AM

    I can suggest what they can do with their quota

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    Mute Keelan O'neill
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    May 25th 2015, 7:33 AM

    Shove it up their ar$e in a way that “must be consistent with EU and Irish regulatory structures”.

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    Mute mcbab
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    May 25th 2015, 7:55 AM

    Another sinn feinner trying to get their name in the news with more BS ideas. This is the kind of overbearing pushing of agendas we should be aware would happen is SF got a whiff of power. No account taken of public opinion.

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    Mute Alan O'connor
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    May 25th 2015, 8:01 AM

    More quotas? More diktats?

    Left wing populist rubbish.

    Theses people cannot be given power.

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    Mute Patrick Mcauliffe
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    May 25th 2015, 9:22 AM

    We see how the left are managing Greece, ha ha ha! !not so good I’m afraid.
    I wonder how long before Mr putin will get involved?
    If they don’t get their act together soon. ……….civil war?
    The left in this country applauded the new Greek regime. …
    They would want to take a good look at what is going on over there

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    Mute Lasair Aireáinnach
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    May 25th 2015, 6:23 AM

    The Serving Foreigners party wants to hear more from the people it is replacing through mass-immigration?

    ….treacherous p^^sstakers.

    65
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    Mute CitizenSmith©
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    May 25th 2015, 7:27 AM

    More protectionism from sf, it is terrible in France, just Abba songs sung in French

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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 25th 2015, 8:05 AM

    another lesson in doing absolutely anything to deflect attention away from the disgraceful comments baron adams made about maria cahill. even the other evil shiners couldnt defend what the warlord was saying to an abuse victim. thats gerry for you

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 3:27 PM

    Lol

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    Mute patjoejoe123
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    May 25th 2015, 8:08 AM

    we have come to expect this sort of dictator role from SF who want to completely control every citizen.

    58
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    Mute Jimmy jones
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    May 25th 2015, 8:14 AM

    The Stasi have spoken. More Irish music or else…….

    53
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    Mute Tordelback
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    May 25th 2015, 8:46 AM

    No vested interest in Sean O Riada’s daughter looking for airplay quotas for Irish music? What next, Bertie comes out of retirement to insist only Irish chick-lit can be sold in airports?

    Anyway, if we could keep the amount of Hozier on Irish radio down to 60% I’d be grateful.

    49
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    Mute Patrick Mcauliffe
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    May 25th 2015, 9:24 AM

    Who’s he?

    10
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    Mute William Grogan
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    May 25th 2015, 10:11 PM

    A noisy talentless screaming langer.

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    Mute Tim
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    May 25th 2015, 8:22 AM

    The consumption of potatoes are at an all time low. I recommend we replace all rice with potatoes in all Chinese and Indian restaurants.

    47
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    Mute Chauncey Gardiner
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    May 25th 2015, 7:16 AM

    Gerry’s going all Louis Walsh on us!

    47
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    Mute Lasair Aireáinnach
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    May 25th 2015, 6:30 AM

    Adams says – “It is extremely difficult for Irish music to compete with the multinational music companies of mainly Britain, the USA and Australia who dominate the broadcasting sector in Ireland.”

    Replace the word music with Irish people and multinational with “multicult-imported-workers” – don’t see Adams defending Irish people or Irish workers undercut by mass-immigrant and who can’t compete with them because they have cheaper overheads – rent etc. SF support undercutting the Irish by their support for mass-immigration. This is the hypocrisy of the open border extremist politicians, treacherous destroyers of the Irish.

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 6:35 AM

    Tool

    69
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    Mute Lasair Aireáinnach
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    May 25th 2015, 6:37 AM

    Spanner

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    Mute Ros Aodha
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    May 25th 2015, 11:49 AM

    you single handidly managed to turn a non news item about irish music into a racist rant about mass immigration.
    well played
    and all completed without even venturing out from the protection of your bridge
    troll

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    Mute Cillan32
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    May 25th 2015, 6:38 AM

    Didn’t know the journal let racist morons comment here.

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    May 25th 2015, 8:06 AM

    Irish artists don’t get enough AirPlay mainly because the big stations play what they are told by the international companies.
    We have some really talented bands and singer/songwriters out their who can’t get on radio because the playlists are stuffed with poor music been forced on us.
    Over the past few weeks Ham sandwich and mundy have released two brilliant albums that should be played on all the stations buy no we get the latest Simon cowel tripe instead.
    The stations should have to play more Irish music

    40
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    Mute Paul Gurney
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    May 25th 2015, 11:16 AM

    @chris
    well said chris…i have never read as much begrudgery in my life as this column today…why shouldnt irish music be given priority playlisting on the irish stations…its good enough to represent us all over the world but of course not good enough for paddy who knows best about all things everywhere..why not stop tv coverage of hurling,and gaelic football as well and use the time to cover INTERNATIONAL sports instead…why oh why is all the pride in ireland everywhere except in feckin ireland….grow up and see the greenery for christs sake..

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 3:30 PM

    Well said Chris. There is a wealth of Irish talent in a lot of genres that doesn’t get a fair deal because the latest Louis Walsh sh!te is played every hour. A lot of people knock Ray Darcy but he’s always been proactive in promoting Irish singers and bands.

    16
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    Mute aidan gannon
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    May 25th 2015, 7:01 AM

    Them backward clown’s I’m Irish decent from Manchester living in Dublin for years the talent hear is second to none . the same in Manchester the smiths oasis to name only a few Addams is forty years behide the times with out the Irish going to England 10cc loads of bands that man did nothing to promote the Irish who made the best bands in the world Lennon parasite

    39
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    Mute MK76
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    May 25th 2015, 8:07 AM

    Quick question.

    How many of the SF members names are in Irish on their birth Cerys and/or can speak the language?

    39
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    Mute Patrick Mcauliffe
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    May 25th 2015, 9:32 AM

    How many know the national anthem by heart?

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    Mute DJ Dave Nice
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    May 25th 2015, 3:31 PM

    Who cares?

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    Mute Chris Mansfield
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    May 25th 2015, 9:45 AM

    And I thought Sinn Fein supporters were outgrowing their Wolfe Tones obsession.

    32
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    Mute William Grogan
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    May 25th 2015, 10:14 PM

    The Wofe Tone Deafs.

    2
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    Mute Tom
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    May 25th 2015, 11:55 AM

    More complete nonsense from SFIRA who seem to think they get to decide what kind of music people get to listen to.
    There’s loads of trad on the radio (The Rolling Wave) and when you add in Spotify and iTunes, it’s clear that there is plenty of choice. SF are full of nonsense.

    These eejits got upset over a joke about the Irish language. After the weekend that’s in it, I thought people would appreciate personal freedom and choice. SF are backward neanderthals.

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    Mute Rory J Leonard
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    May 25th 2015, 8:20 AM

    It’s a competitive marketplace out there, and Irish Music must fight its corner for hearts and minds, same as with all other genres.

    Perhaps SF could persuade some of its wealthy corporate and private US patrons to beef up marketing budgets for slots on Radio and TV stations at home and abroad to showcase established and emerging Irish Musical talent.

    Don’t wait for others to make decisions here: SF should push this agenda as its a very worthy cause.

    30
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    Mute Finn Mc Cool
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    May 25th 2015, 9:40 AM

    Does this remind anyone of the famous Fr Horan doing his Irish jig all dressed up in his kilt ?
    The Shinners will have us all dancing at the crossroads !

    28
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    Mute B-Egan
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    May 25th 2015, 8:46 AM

    People are proud to be Irish one day and the other indifferent or down right disrespectful another. The Reactionist isn’t interpretating what the woman is saying again as usual. A platform for indigenous Irish musicians is a giid thing no !! It would encourage people to get creative and broaden the art scene . Lets just wait until Simon Cowell says it and then ya maybe we’l think about it. Jesus H

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    Mute MadMax
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    May 25th 2015, 7:01 AM

    Good on them

    25
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    Mute Ros Aodha
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    May 25th 2015, 11:47 AM

    Popular socialist anthems, produced by irish artists, singing the tales of our glorious leader Gerry Adams … no doubt.
    har har har

    23
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    Mute Tap Solny
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    May 25th 2015, 6:27 PM

    Once again Shinner fascists trying to dictate what a free people should listen to. Next they will want to install telescreens in our homes. Their behaviour is akin to that of the Nazis in the 1930s.

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    Mute FastBuck
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    May 25th 2015, 3:53 PM

    It’ll be a bit like North Korea so after Comrade Gerry overthrows the imperialist puppets. Tractors driving around with massive loudspeakers playing The Wolfe Tones while the proles cut turf in the bogs.

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    Mute William Grogan
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    May 25th 2015, 10:18 PM

    As long as Murshin Durkin and The Wild Rover are banned I’m in.

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    Mute Maurice Slater
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    May 25th 2015, 5:28 PM

    the 60s we had the show bands the 70s rory Gallagher, horseslips thinn Lizzy , planxky, moving hearts, stiff little fingers, the undertones, the rats the radiators from space, the blades the vipers and there are tons more, the 80s gave U2, Sinead o Connor, the pogous,aslan. mamma boys, then list is dwindling, now tell me where there is talent that can match any of the above, well there is none, and I have to say there is not one band out there who have made any real contribution to the Irish music, and I’m totally surprised that out off all the stuff that Ireland has been through in the last decade not one garaged band came to the fore, as for SF who the fu’k cares what they want, jeyus the men behind the wire would be number 1 for decades.

    19
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    Mute Mark O'Hagan
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    May 25th 2015, 6:57 AM

    Cad mar gheall ar Raidio na Gaeltachta?

    19
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    Mute Powerabbey
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    May 25th 2015, 6:32 PM

    Want to hear more Irish music but not anxious to deal with the issues surrounding Maria Cahill. The comments section in the previous article had to be closed due to the abuse being sent from SF/IRA headquarters.

    18
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    Mute John Healy
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    May 25th 2015, 6:51 PM

    What an absolute idiot this woman is. She advocates a system similar to that in France where 40% of airtime is devoted to French music. That might have some merit in French-speaking France but in Ireland where a tiny minority speak Irish as a first language she seeks to shove it down our throats as if we haven’t had enough of that through our education system.

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    Mute dearg doom
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    May 25th 2015, 8:44 PM

    Idiot, Sinn Fein are suggesting more music produced by Irish acts are played, not just in the Irish language. It doesn’t have to be a large quota. Something above 10% would be nice and put us on par with many other countries who actually promote the arts rather than ignore / stifle them.

    The Dept are trying to get out of it by saying you could only do this via the language quota because to do it based on Irish produced music (whatever the language) would be discriminatory. ie, Germany might be upset with us. We don’t even play that much from other EU member states, but they specifically refer to EU member states there.

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    Mute Baz
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    May 25th 2015, 8:04 PM

    The Fheile Festival in Belfast – self titled the biggest community festival in Ireland, ran by SF representatives (maria Cahill was involved in setting it up)

    This year head line acts will be UB40 & Wolfe Tones.

    2014 we had Kaiser Chiefs, Paul Young, Jason Manford, soul 2 soul & Wolfe Tones

    2013 we had the drifters, beach boys, bad manners & you guessed it Wolfe Tones.

    Looks like SF say one thing and do another

    14
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    Mute UndercoverGarda
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    May 25th 2015, 10:10 AM

    If it puts Whipping Boy or the Radiators from Space on at 1 in the afternoon then I am all for it.

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    Mute Paul Geraghty
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    May 25th 2015, 6:01 PM

    Jesus wept

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    Mute Manuel Moreira
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    May 25th 2015, 5:53 PM

    I think it would be very good indeed for radio to have more music sung in the Irish language.

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    Mute Tom
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    May 26th 2015, 10:52 AM

    Shinners are so thick that they don’t realise that this was done before….right up to the late 80s. What happened then? Hundreds of thousands tuned into pirate stations to avoid crap. We now have Spotify and iTunes and I’ve a fancy radio which can get thousands of stations worldwide. This woman is too dumb to take the pi/$ out of.

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    Mute Liam Sheahan
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    May 25th 2015, 9:17 PM

    Wolfe tones

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    Mute Colaiste Arainnmhoir
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    May 25th 2015, 6:50 PM

    To be fair I don’t think she specifically meant traditional Irish music. I really don’t think it’s too much to ask that a certain amount of broadcasting time be put aside to promote good home grown talent. For all who say there is no good Irish pop music, although not fully true, it would take a few years to work its way through. If artists and producers are getting their music played, gaining profile and earning some money from it, that’s the best way to raise standards.

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    Mute Seamie Burke
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    May 25th 2015, 9:05 AM

    People still listen to irish radio?? Joe rogan podcast check it out:)

    7
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    Mute David Linehan
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    May 25th 2015, 11:16 PM

    Gladly listen to the dubliners all day

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    Mute Sean Beinead
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    May 25th 2015, 9:29 PM

    I love the way people get their knickers in a twist because sinn fein suggest a quota system for irish music/artists to give our own a chance which is what every person/country/company does they look out for their own interests,get a grip people ,try a bit of irish pride and I dont mean the bread,its about time the people of this nation respect their culture and embrace it,we’ve embraced everything except our own culture that is of course untill they go abroad then of course we turn green white and orange and let it be known,most other countries put us to shame when it comes to national pride and their culture even their native language, yes I have a name in irish and guess what shock horror im not a shinner nor do I hate the brits I just love my heritage and all things irish and also all things international, concentrate on the issue at hand which is the irish artists access to airtime etc not who brought the issue publicity in the media

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    Mute Donal McWey
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    May 25th 2015, 9:33 PM

    Maybe Maria Cahill should take up Irish music

    5
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    Mute William Grogan
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    May 25th 2015, 10:21 PM

    The thin end of the facist wedge.

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    Mute Mark Gerard Lochlain
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    May 25th 2015, 9:41 PM

    Jaysis gimme lyric FM anyday

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    Mute C.C.I.F.V
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    May 26th 2015, 7:24 AM

    Mick Wallace brought this topic up in the Dail on the 11th April to give Irish musicians a fair shake.

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    Mute Tom
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    May 26th 2015, 10:54 AM

    Perhaps if he’s concerned about giving workers a fair shake, he should pay his employees the money he stole from their pensions…and was found guilty of.

    How is he not in jail?

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    Mute Patrick Short
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    Aug 30th 2015, 11:11 PM

    why would it be discrimination for Ireland to introduce a quota based on language and culture and is not for France. Canada has 2 quota systems one for Quebec (French) the Canadian one is 30% CanCon. This legislation meant great opportunities for Celine Dion, Arcade Fire, Guess Who, BTO and many more

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