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Updated 12.10 pm
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Everyone’s talking about…
Independent TD Michael Lowry. So much so that Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney told The Irish Examiner that “there’s too much talk about Michael Lowry, quite frankly.”
Despite what Coveney thinks, as it becomes increasingly unlikely that the current government is returned without independent support, there’ll continue to be speculation about what gene pool TDs could prop up a second Enda Kenny-led government.
The speculation is likely to continue as long as Enda Kenny refuses to answer questions about it, something he did at the weekend.
Someone who appears to have made his position clear is Labour’s deputy leader Alan Kelly. He features on the front of today’s Irish Independent and says that his party wouldn’t work with Lowry.
His boss Joan Burton isn’t on the record as saying the same yet, her doing so could put and end to the story and she’ll be under pressure to make public comment soon.
If Labour are to keep arguing that they can act as a watchdog to a Fine Gael government, nipping this one in the bud now could act as a timely example.
Another reason to do so is to turn the debate back on to the issues.
If Lowry was to help out a government that came up short, it wouldn’t be the first time.
The Tipperary TD was part of a group of independents who gave Bertie Ahern’s Fianna Fail a helping hand in 2007.
He did this before the publication of the Moriarty Report but when allegations of his dealings were widely known.
Speaking this morning, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin ruled out working with Lowry again, saying there is a “fundamental difference” between now and 2007.
I think the Moriarty Tribunal has come in the intervening period and that says very strong things in terms of Michael Lowry’s involvement and interference in the awarding of that particular mobile phone licence, and that is something that all political parties cannot fudge.In other words, the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal. Parties can’t dodge those, they’re very real and they’re significant conclusions by the honourable judge. There are also other issues we obviously can’t discuss.
All this Lowry talk may soon begin to frustrate voters if, as rumours are to believed, we’re a month out from the election and we’re not talking about issues facing the country.
ELECTION 2016
Need to know who’s running in your area and what they stand for? TheJournal.ie’s candidate database is now live.
The agenda
What the others are saying
In case you missed it
Good day for…
Bernie Sanders. A week out from the first Democratic caucus, the Independent Senator is just six points behind Hillary Clinton in Iowa polls. If you’re wondering what his appeal is, it’s moments like this.
Bad day for…
Communications Minister Alex White. What’s your Eircode? If you actually know it you’re certainly in the minority.
The system hasn’t caught on and some argue it was archaic and doomed from the start. The minister went on radio yesterday morning to defend the millions spent on it. If you’re explaining you’re losing.
On the Twitter machine…
Fine Gael’s Alan Farrell TD with a rather unusual attack ad. Or rather an attack cartoon.
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He was once asked what it was like to be black and Irish. He replied – “Like a Pint of Guinness.” A true legend who is very dearly missed.
Absolute legend.
Hadn’t a note. A populist nonsense.
You clearly know nothing about music. Phil definitely did. He was original, edgey, wrote catchy and timeless tunes famous the world over, launched the careers of some guitar greats, inspired future generations of heavy metal , hard rock and pop acts ( such was his influence on multiple genres). A gentleman by all accounts, fantastic rhythm and timing, excellent vocalist, excellent and moving lyricist. A proud Irish son in the tradition of irish genius. Up there with Joyce and Yeats for his contribution to the Irish arts.
Now tell us, what have you achieved in music that qualifies you to say he hadn’t a note?
The fishing boats are lying safe at howth
Phil old pal so are you
Still missed today
Tonight I’ll another bottle of wine and another bottle of gin
And blast out live and dangerous sorry neighbours
I didn’t know him but I’m sorry for your loss guys.
Hope yis are ok just remember the good times you had with Phil
Ola
29 years gone, but never forgotten
To each their own but in my opinion that accolade goes to Rory Gallagher.
I have been of fan since I saw both in Punchestown in 1982 but Rory, for me, will always be ahead.
When asked in an interview what it was like to be the best guitarist in the World, Jimi Hendrix replied, ‘I wouldn’t know, ask Rory Gallagher’
I’m with William on this….Rory is the best…..so far. Phil is a close second though. Love both their music.
Gone but not forgotten
A real showman whos music is still remembered today. He was a legend.
Too fast to live too young to die !! Met him a few times and he was a lovely fella but he was a total slave to the poxy drugs that eventually killed him
Remember the morning I heard he passed away on the radio,I was 9 heading off to school
Those 29 years since have flown by
Makes me think : life is short indeed
One of my favourites is “Out in the Fields” with Gary Moore. AFAIK It was also his last recording.
Why or how did this turn into a competition between Phil and Rory on a day that we celebrate the greatest ever songwriter , Rory was an amazing guitar player , don’t put them against each other , just be proud we had the joy of hearing them both in our lifetime.
We are, it’s just a friendly discussion. Relax.
Philip a Legend.
Loved him. Thin Lizzy best band ever.
Smack head he Was
Fool u are
Don’t feed the troll
Obvious troll is obvious. but unfortunately he’s not wrong.
-Yes its true he had an addiction problem.
-Like so many whose star shines so bright and then there is nowhere to go but down
-and how to deal with it. Few can really
-but he was a great personality, singer , performer and songwriter…
one of the good guys still loved by so many
I’m torn between Phil and Rory myself….but it’s a fine choice to be stuck on. Everyone wins in the end when you listen to them
Philo great…Rory, Genius!
He wasn’t born in ireland though!!!!
That’s why I said Dublin-raised…
I was just saying as alot of irish singers were not born in ireland wasn’t being mean or anything!!
He classed himself as being a proud Irishman.
A lot of people in the same boat as him but unless your rich or famous not as accepted
Irish parent irish day your born
If either of your parents was an Irish citizen who was born in Ireland, then you are automatically an Irish citizen, irrespective of your place of birth.
Tom the bomb your right but so many second generation irish get a tough time as when they go back to ireland all you hear is your not irish as you haven’t got the accent or plastic paddy a phrase i cannot stand!! Its the second generation that really do fly flag for ireland and so proud of their roots !!!
emerald and the cowboy songs kick ass
Taken before his time but his music still lives on.
Magic guy
Time to revisit on Spotify I think. Amazing musician
Phil loved Jesus, he will be will looked after.
Philo maybe gone but not forgotten his music will live on in our hearts and our minds forever. RIP Philo, Garry, Roary.
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