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HSE 'took three years to contact gardaí about Grace report'

The report was published this week and has details of the potential abuse of a girl with an intellectual disability known as Grace.

THE HEALTH SERVICE Executive waited three years to alert gardaí to a major report into the care of a vulnerable young woman.

That is despite the HSE telling the Dáil they could not publish the Conal Devine report into the treatment of the woman known only as Grace due to a request from An Garda Siochána.

Documents made available through Freedom of Information legislation to RTÉ’s This Week programme show that the first contact between the HSE and gardaí about the report was in March 2015, three years after the report was finished.

The report was published this week and has details of the potential abuse of a girl with an intellectual disability known as Grace suffered during the 20 years at a foster home.

The Devine report found that an absence of supervision and adherence of protocols meant that Grace was allowed to remain there.

The Devine report also identified at least four opportunities where action could have been taken and Grace could have been removed from the home.

Speaking to the programme today, the head of operations in the HSE’s Disability Service said he “couldn’t explain” the delay. Dr Cathal Morgan said that he was always of the understanding that gardaí did not want the report released due to ongoing investigations.

“I can’t speak for the actions

Taoiseach Enda Kenny this week announced that Minister of State for Disabilities Finian McGrath will bring the terms of reference for a commission of investigation to Cabinet next week.

Read: Allegations of abuse about another child at ‘Grace’ home reported to gardaí in 1996

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51 Comments
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:45 PM

    Taxing high earners at marginal rate of 60% plus is what I have a problem with. I earn nothing near that but no one should lose more than half their oncome at source at any point.

    298
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    Mute D H
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:09 PM

    How can a zinger from micheal fiscal spacer noonan make it a bad day from anyone. Noonan is worse at maths than gerry it seems , so there is no credibility in any criticism from him about any one elses numbers.

    116
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    Mute jane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:10 PM

    The other problem with taxing the high earners at that rate is that these are the people who have the option to up sticks and leave. They are generally very well educated and experienced in their field and that will carry them into well paid jobs in places they won’t have 60% taken from them.

    183
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:13 PM

    Scaremongering at it’s best, exact same thing FG are saying,

    60
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:14 PM

    Agree Jane. We had tax rates like this in the 80s even though they applied at lower income levels. It was damaging then and it will be damaging in the future in Sinn Fein get their way.

    154
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    Mute C Mc Gyver
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:18 PM

    It will never happen because all those in the dail
    would be down 60%.

    48
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    Mute jane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:22 PM

    And this pensions lark is so wrong too. People will be less inclined to take up a pension and we’ll be in even more bother with pensions in time to come.

    96
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    Mute Gone Feisin
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:26 PM

    Reg, what happens in other countries seems to be that their wages are lifted even higher to compensate for the tax difference. In essence no-one really loses except for the multinational corporation, because in all honesty, not many other firms are paying this.

    30
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:33 PM

    But we’re trying to attract people home and high end jobs. Penal tax rates will not do this and some may even leave. Sinn Fein is also planning to increase employers PRSI which all add to the cost of businesses who pay well. Not good for an open economy like Ireland.

    102
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    Mute Gone Feisin
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:33 PM

    And usually the tax is only 60% on earnings over 100000€ so

    12
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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:33 PM

    Imagine kenny doing the nations economic policies,same difference here,the civil servants do that and are written off by the finance minister,who should check them..noonan.Id have Pearse Doherty any day as finance minister rather than the sleeveen we have.

    41
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:41 PM

    Someone on 100k already pays an effective tax rate of about 40%. You think it’s ok that they pay 60% plus for anything they earn above that? I don’t.

    110
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    Mute jane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:42 PM

    Watersedge SF supporters were here last night complaining about lack of coverage for SF, particularly their policies. Well Adams got plenty time today to discuss his policies and ye are still on here complaining. I made a comment, as did Reg, regarding those policies and all you come back with is that we are scaremongering and of course the obligatory attempt to link us to FG. Well you wanted to discuss the policies so go for it, we are all ears.

    87
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:56 PM

    You know they will abolish the water charges and the property tax, bring in universal health care, invest in badly needed public services. They will not abolish u.s.c. something that social democrats have also said and seeing as you are a big fan of them, they seem to be inline with SF on a lot of things. Unless you a very high earner yourself Jane and want the u.s.c abolished, you should welcome it seeing as it looks like FG are not going to be able to deliver on that promise anyway. For more info
    http://www.sinnfein.ie/budget2016

    39
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    Mute jane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:03 PM

    I don’t like the USC but I believe Stephen Donnelly when he says getting rid of it now is the wrong thing to do.
    Do you think it’s fair to take 60% of someones wage in taxes?

    69
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:14 PM

    Taxes are not nice, no one likes them and this country has become very unequal. The high earners will still get the property tax, water charges abolished, be entitled to universal health care also. MIddle, high earners seem to think that they will be a lot better off with fg but truthfully, will they be able to abolish the u.s.c? Leo was on primetime and got caught out again on their figures. They are being advised by TASC not to abolish it. I personally don’t think they can do it.

    26
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    Mute Ciaran Whyte
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:16 PM

    People on 100k+ already pay an effective tax rate of 52% so lose a little more than half their earnings

    48
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:23 PM

    So you totally agree sf polices are all calculated better than all the rest.i personally think they all cook the books..if you weren’t a sf troll I’d expect you to understand that..

    17
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:32 PM

    So because I am going by reports that FG were in actual fact caught with the figures in the air and because I have seen FF FG and Labour already in government and have not seen SF in government so cannot judge them yet and am willing to give them a try, I am a troll.
    I had high hopes for Labour before the last election and Joan Burton particularly sold it for me but she had her chance so you move on to whoever you think will represent you the best whether it be SF, SD, Right to Change, Independents. I realise though that without SF seeing as they are the largest group on the left, this movement away from FF FG Labour will not take off without them. They are needed along with all the others.

    24
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:00 AM

    Pearce Doherty has called on Noonan if he is so confident, to publish his costings from the dept. of finance for a phased abolition of u.s.c. over 5 years. We he do it, that is the question and then we will all know once and for all.

    27
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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:04 AM

    Waters ignore 3as. He is the troll. He had a go at me earlier also on another thread and had nothing to contribute. You and I may disagree on things but you always put across your points to the best of what you believe.

    But here is where I agree with Reg. I don’t earn over 100k either, but if I work harder and do extra hours I might well get there and then SF want to penalise me for that?! I may decide to work 80 hours a week to put my kids through private school one day or to pay for private medical insurance or a nice holiday. Should I be penalised and pay more tax (SF want an extra 7%) and at the other end they want to reward long term social welfare recipients by giving them more dole?

    33
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:05 AM

    I think what’s needed is a movement away from all these parties..ind. .see how they like that and get the lot of them to actually listen to us for once.

    11
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:06 AM

    Other thread..what would that be greg

    3
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:08 AM

    Greg Kelly that’s for you..

    3
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:22 AM

    Greg the fact that I had to look up where I had a go at you earlier…proves my point I’d forgotten that…and the fact if I question things,and that it upsets you..maybe you need to think a about your own views and not mine. Look a little deeper.

    5
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:36 AM

    Greg Kelly. .please answer. .but I will rephrase it..run Greg run..you never answered my question earlier..so who’s the troll…I know you won’t get bk to me…coward or sheep….mmm guessing sheep.

    6
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:41 AM

    Keep the red thumbs for yourself greg..

    3
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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:44 AM

    Hiding behind your keyboard I see..come out and discuss greg…

    3
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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 19th 2016, 1:21 AM

    You accused the guy of being a SF troll. He is a Sinn Fein head and is all about SF this and SF that, but that doesn’t make him a troll. He argues his case each time although i almost always disagree with him. You accused the guy of being a troll which is insulting. I said he wasn’t and that you had little to contribute. Simple as ! What’s there to discuss?

    18
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 7:17 AM

    Ciaran Whyte, you’re not quite correct, with the recent budget changes the marginal tax rate is now just less than 50%.

    6
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 8:57 AM

    I use to loose more than 60% of my income on (direct and indirect) taxation in this country due to the current goverment.

    5
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:14 AM

    At it’s worst, someone on 40k lost about 25% (10k) of their income in direct taxes. To lose 60% you would have had to pay another 14k in indirect taxes. You’d want to be a heavy drinker, smoker and drive a lot to pay 60% in total taxes.

    For a 60k income you would have lost about 36%. To lose 60%, again you would have had to pay another 14k in indirect taxes. The a lot of booze, petrol and fags!

    7
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:28 AM

    Car tax, tv license, pso and tax on utilities, vat on electronics, vat on insurance, triple tax on fuel property tax (home and veichele) I drink socially and smoke But purchase neither in Ireland except in pub. Dirt. No return services gained also out of pocket So yes making it out to be over 60% I an not working in Ireland anymore so I am noticing I am actually saving now which I never could do before

    4
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:33 AM

    Also being single man also cripples me in this country. Not entitled to tax breaks. No return of service like other eu countries provide (I have worked on the Continent) we don’t have a completed motorway network etc etc

    2
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:36 AM

    It’s still unlikely that you lost 60% of your income in total taxes, however, it all depends on spending habits. For most people they’ll come nowhere close to loosing 60% Michael.

    For someone on 40k they would need to pay another 46%, almost half of their take home pay in indirect taxes to lose a total of 60%.

    3
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:43 AM

    No sure what you mean by not entitled to tax breaks because your single Michael. Since tax individualisation a single person is taxed the same as a couple if they are both working. If you are an employee you are entitled to tax credits worth €3300. Some tax reliefs have been pased out, mortagage interest relief, rent relief etc. Don’t know what they have to do with being single or not though.

    3
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:44 AM

    Spending habits haha! Food water heat and transport?? Staying alive. And taxed to the hilt. What about SOME welfare payments people getting or as call them political bribery. spending habits are grand when you are a certain member to society. I was paying more than 60% direct and indirect I will make a spread sheet.

    2
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:46 AM

    I am working let’s say in a more expensive country but walking home with A lot more eg tax, included.

    2
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:48 AM

    Last time I checked food, water, heat and transport are not taxes. Some of them you will pay some tax on, others you don’t. Most basic food items are tax free. If you eat out it’s 9%.

    4
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 9:53 AM

    But they are taxed!! Heavy !!because my local petrol station actually had a total break down of the price of fuel. So did the off licence on alcohol. Compared to our eu counterpart’s. I was on the poverty line but now since I’m not paying all of that any more I’m comfortable now.

    2
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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 10:08 AM

    That’s good to hear Michael. We are not a low tax country, nor are we a particularly high tax one. Most people think they pay more taxes than they actually do. As I said for someone on 40K would need to pay almost half of their take home pay in indirect taxes to loose a total of 60%. Unlees you’re heavy drinker, smoker and drive a lot that’s almost impossible.

    As for petrol prices, we’re just a little above average for Europe: http://www.europenroad.com/fuel/

    2
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:27 PM

    Well I’ll put up a spread sheet of income / outgoings compared to the living taxes included and return of services. I do not receive return of services in this country. Well I’m telling I am paying more taxes. An I urge all young people to leave this country and experience taxes in other countries.

    1
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    Mute Michael Collins
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:32 PM
    1
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:35 PM

    O’Rourke exposed this fool for the spoofing economic illiterate that he is.

    243
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    Mute William Clay
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:38 PM

    ‘spoofing economic illiterate that he is’ – Noonan?

    112
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:42 PM

    Ah Diarmuid, did you not listen to Enda’s interview yet? Get back to me and tell me what you think.

    http://padraigomara.com/2016/02/13/neil-prendeville-interview-with-enda-kenny/

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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:44 PM

    Adams did come across very bad today. Pearse would have been better to send in. Adams hadn’t a clue on some of the basics and he wants to be Taoiseach?

    171
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    Mute Bobby Phelan
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:09 PM

    Adams was great on the six one today he’s deffo the right man 4 the job.its time to pump the establishment partys and try something new vote right to change

    53
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    Mute jenni
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:17 PM

    I luv u diarmuid.

    21
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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:25 PM

    Adams and SF said USC was an unjust tax not so long ago (as did lots on here giving out).

    http://www.sinnfein.ie/files/2011/PreBudget2012.pdf
    Section 3 under taxation

    “We would abolish the USC”

    Now before the election has even happened they want to keep USC and penalise us all working hard to make a living.

    First broken promise of SF before a vote has even been cast. (Oh did they make a it urn on water rates also?)

    78
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    Mute Richard Sweeney
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:30 PM

    Adams is a bluffer, when it comes to the detail he hasn’t got a clue. Martin is too busy trying to bash Adams about the past and of course is leader of the treasonous FF. Kenny is well he’s like a caricature of a politician, an embarrassment to the nation. Then there’s Joanie, i can see her rocking on a rocking chair in a corner of a mental institution by the end of the year. The women is crazy. None of that four are fit to lead our people. There’s more substance at the bottom of a bag of tayto than in that lot.

    59
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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:32 PM

    What are you on about Greg, what has 2011 /2012 got to do with it. If they changed their minds on abolishing the u.s.c. that is the sensible thing to do. FG/ Labour HAVE been in government and flip flopped on their promises before the last election and continue to do so. They bumped up their figures by 2 billion, they won’t be able to abolish the u.s.c. and commit to a universal health care system and fix the housing crisis etc it’s not going to happen.

    30
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    Mute jane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:48 PM

    Well said Richard.

    11
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    Mute John McG
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:54 PM

    The problem I have with SF is that they belive the end justifies the means. They have shown that in their past and their supporters are showing it now!

    50
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    Mute Seamus Og
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:59 PM

    4 years ago Greg. Policies change from time to time in every party.

    18
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    Mute jane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:09 PM

    Policies change more in some parties than in other. Depends which way the wind is blowing.

    32
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    Mute Tom Kelly
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:24 PM

    I love Tayto

    11
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    Mute Brian Heffernan
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:37 PM

    I just thought Sean got a bit aggressive at times.I don’t think he will address the rest of the leader’s in the same manner.

    105
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    Mute Old Gabby Johnson
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:46 PM

    Onrourke grilled them all the same.. He’s a great interviewer. No place to hide for enda, burton, martin or Adams. He beat them all.

    107
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    Mute Shinnerbot GE16
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:50 PM

    I wish RTE would stop asking Gerry hard questions. It’s really mean.

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:50 PM

    He grilled Enda in exactly the same matter, SF need to lose the persecution complex. Adams’ style, in debates and interviews, is similar to Kenny’s: speak in sound bites and generalities, waffle when your asked for specifics.

    102
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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:52 PM

    Brian that’s his job.

    Yesterday we had Adams giving out about RTE not giving him airtime. Today he was given 30 mins one-on-one with no other balance from other politicians and he still gives out.

    110
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    Mute Bobby Phelan
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:05 PM

    Sure Noonan cant add neither 2billion is a big mistake.Gerry is grand he will manage just fine I like the thoughts of the health care system they are offering vote sf right to change

    38
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    Mute Neville Patterson
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:13 PM

    Y’know I don’t think anyone gets irony…..

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:41 PM

    At least Gerry turns up shinnerbot,no sign of the burton or varadkar on the Vincent Browne show tonight.

    26
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    Mute Brian Fitzmaurice
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    Feb 19th 2016, 8:00 AM

    Wake up, Adams didn’t turn up for VB the night before..coward

    6
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    Mute Colm Moran
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:36 PM

    Gerry Adams might not be good at maths but my God noonan 3 billion out on fiscal

    91
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    Mute William Clay
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:36 PM

    I’m glad we have a real finance minister, one who knows his maths, his fiscal space is rock solid…..oh wait. Hugh, do you think we’re f***ing stupid? Is that how your glorious party sees the electorate?

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    Mute For Connolly
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:39 PM

    Lets call a spade a spade. In government, a Taoiseach doesn’t do any calculations or any major work with figures. That’s the job of the Department of Finance, CSO, advisors etc. Plus, their party has a spokesperson on financial and budgetary matters who is more than capable of discussing at length the figures in their proposals.

    Sinn Fein are the guys that got the calculations right for their manifesto. I would rather their leader be a statesman then a maths teacher, and leave the calculations to the experts.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:42 PM

    Did you actually listen to your leader this morning, or are you actually that brainwashed to think he is Taoiseach material?!

    PS do you mean the same CSO and Department of Finance you call liars for showing 7% economic growth and the lowest unemployment rate in 7 years?

    78
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    Mute Old Gabby Johnson
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:49 PM

    FC Adams was atrocious. The only person on message is always Murphy or Boyd barret.. shame their message would leadI Ireland in to an economic basket case.

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:02 PM

    Haha..varadkar and burton refusing to go on Vincent Browne again tonight,otherwise busy doing handy debates.

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:11 PM

    Adams is clueless at economics, he has a terrible memory, he puts family loyalty ahead of the common good, he doesn’t seem to know the true meaning of the word republican or understand the concept of what a republic actually is and how it works and he is a proven liar, maybe even a perjurer. How is this man even an outside shot for Taoiseach?

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    Mute Old Gabby Johnson
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:17 PM

    Look at Trump in america.. Some people only believe what they want.

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    Mute Conor Heffernan
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:43 PM

    Dermot – they seem like the exact qualities required to be the leader of any modern nation

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    Mute .
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:07 PM

    SF plan to reduce tax relief to 20% on pension contributions for workers over €40000 is wrong.
    Public sector workers have pensions paid by the state and now private sector workers who save for their retirements will have their effords punished.

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    Mute Reg
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    Feb 19th 2016, 8:01 AM

    Sinn Fein targeting the private sector on modest incomes. A private pension gets taxed when you draw it down but Sinn Fein want to hit you twice. Bonkers stuff.

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    Mute Dreyfus
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:40 PM

    Overdoing the Adams angle a bit there Hugh. Maybe in the interests of balance you could apply the same rigor when examining the economic credentials of our dear leader. Better yet, how about reporting Yanis Varoufakis’ comments regarding Michael Noonan’s spirited fight against debt relief for Greece or maybe even Jim O’Callahan’s family and professional connections to the intrepid irish media. Pathetic journalism

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    Mute Old Gordon
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:43 PM

    Oh you mean the comments from the Greek Finance Minister who’s married to a billionaire’s daughter? The guy who simply retired after ruining Greece’s immediate future in a game of brinksmanship with their creditors and who retired to his private island in protest?

    The left has strange heroes.

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    Mute Dreyfus
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:05 PM

    Yep thats exactly the guy I’m talking about. And what of it ? Yanis Varoufakis personal life in no way has any bearing on the allegation he makes against Noonan. Stop trying to deflect from the issue. If you do want to get personal, how about we consider Minister Noonan’s own status as a bondholder ? Unlike Varoufakis case, this has a direct impact on his ability to exercise the office of Minister for Finance in the interests of the Irish people, a very clear conflict of interest . Varoufakis’s point only reinforces this position.

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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:47 AM

    Yes that’s the guy who expected Noonan and other EU finance ministers to give Greece a write off so that the Irish and European taxpayers like the Germans could pay for the Greek debt and foot the bill landing us in more debt. Yes that guy! And then he did a runner leaving his country with worse austerity than ever . Did you see the protests last week in Greece ? Of all the things Noonan has done (good or bad) , this is one thing we can all be thankful for not giving into Greece and causing more tax on our people.

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    Feb 19th 2016, 1:06 AM

    @greg..throw around ur accusations about me..but not debate with me..saying I can’t back them up..one thing you can be sure of…I back everything I say and I hope one day you will be adult enough to do the same…

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    Mute Motherofdivinejebus
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    Feb 19th 2016, 6:46 AM

    Greg, that`s a bit of a simpleton statement from you to be honest,FF and FG – Noonan in particular, have saddled us, our children, our childrens children with a debt that has nothing to do with us, all to save the half assed, ill conceived, fundamentally flawed project which is the mighty Euro.
    Enda Kenny and Noonan lied through their teeth to get elected, saying they would fight for this, that, and the other for us, Reality is, they fought for nothing, absolutely nothing for us.
    they cow towed to Merkel, Draghi and the rest of the bully boys, Result = we were left with 42% of the European debt. They have compounded it further thn anyone possibly could, by stripping the most vulnerable in society.even if a person was deliberately trying to sabotage us, they couldn`t have done a better job.
    Picture another scenario, One with Gerry Adams in place of Kenny and Doherty in place of Noonan, there is no way on Gods earth they would have been spoken to, nor treated like that.
    Say what you will about Adams, and lord knows you all do, but not one of you can deny the fact that, he would have been a stronger leader than the Euro lickspittle spineless gimp we had fighting our corner instead.

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    Feb 19th 2016, 8:28 AM

    Mother you are just a tiny tiny slightly bit wrong. The bank guarantee etc was introduced in 2008. Cowen and Lenihan (RIP) and FF did that, not kenny and noonan. In fairness we were bankrupt and without imf and Europe we were screwed (unless we had left eu).

    Noonan reduced the debt and renegotiated the terms as we know over the last few years and started to be able to borrow in the markets again.

    Adams can’t do basic maths so he hardly would have been able to do any deal with Europe. We saw what happened to Greece when their “Adams” Tpris went to tell EU to get lost and we saw what happened there didn’t we? The country is on its knees there.

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:38 PM

    I wouldn’t mind that, it’s Pearce Doherty you look to on that side of things and he has proved to be very effective at getting it right and proving Michael Noonan is wrong. Cheek of Noonan going on about Adam’s and he is the laughing stock of the country. Deflecting from his own shortcomings.

    From the Irish Times

    “Fine Gael saw its father figure Michael Noonan – revered within the party – mishandle the communication of its economic election package to such an extent that Sinn Féin could give lectures on bad sums and dodgy figures.”

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    Mute Greg Kelly
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:53 PM

    Doherty is good. I have seen him many times in action. Just wish Adams would retire and allow new blood in. Adams had still a whiff of old SF around him and that’s what’s putting a lot of people off.

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    Mute Tír Eoghain Gael
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:37 PM

    “Adams is held to no greater a test than any other party leader” Hugh, even by your standards, that’s horseshit. P.s. Remind me who’s party was the only one to correctly calculate the fiscal space? But sure what’s €2bn euro between FF/FG/Lab friends, eh?

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:40 PM
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    Mute Setrakian
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:47 PM

    Noonan had 5 years to get his sums in order & instead of fiscal space he created dead space! Enda hasn’t a clue as to what’s going on about pretty much everything & their pet monkey is in meltdown ! I’m not a Sinn Fein supporter btw but tempted to throw them a preference – sick of this govt / their radio station & f**ktards like Durrrmud!

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    Mute William Clay
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:59 PM

    Not a supporter either, but like you Setrakian am sick to my teeth of these liars and the YFG sycophants. Will be giving SF a preference

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    Mute pjm
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:48 PM

    Hugh where’s all the articles on the very serious allegations surrounding the Finance Minister? Any country, other than a dictatorship, would have wall to wall coverage yet in good old Ireland our pathetic “journalists” completely ignore it.

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:52 PM
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:55 PM

    Your bang on there and Adams has a lot to answer for as well.

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    Mute watersedge
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:57 PM

    Difference is, if it was Adam’s it would be all over the news, have you seen it on RTE news, no?

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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:06 PM

    No. I’m not by no means defending Noonan he should be held accountable, but you can’t defend Adams on the other hand..hypocrisy might be the word if you do.

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:08 PM

    And you won’t see it Watersedge,Rte will do their best to put Sinn Fein down.Goes back a long time.

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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:13 PM

    Dave I think Gerry has done a lot of that himself..if sf got rid of him they would be better off

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    Mute pjm
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:16 PM

    Like knowing about sex abuse allegations for 20 years and he brushed aside these accusations when they were brought to his attention. He’s now trying to say that the people who came to him with those allegations are lying.

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    Mute Richard Sweeney
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:42 PM

    “Gerry has done a lot of that himself..if sf got rid of him they would be better off”

    Agreed. Mary lou would be more credible as their leader, and it should put an end to the easy IRA comebacks used by FF and FG.

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    Mute Rashers Tierney
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:22 AM

    watersedge. I was unaware of this further revelation – this gets more and more shocking.

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    Mute gavin delves
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:40 PM

    Diarmiud grow up all the red thumbs u get you would think you would get the picture no body cares what u think

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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:03 PM

    I care.

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:22 PM

    All of Diarmuids comments on this topic have more green thumbs than red ones as I write.

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    Mute Old Gordon
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:46 PM

    It’s amazing that some coherent and logical comments get so many red thumbs around here. Incredible that so many people could actually agree with some of the inane ramblings too.

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    Mute Motherofdivinejebus
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    Feb 19th 2016, 6:51 AM

    you have been more than handy at inane ramblings yourself from time to time Old Gordon, TBH it was why i thought you were called Old Gordon, for all the “senior” moments you seem to have around the keyboard.

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    Mute gavin delves
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:48 PM

    Lowest unemployment give me a break I would call gateway or job bridge a job FG and labour are using this as jobs for Ireland and fool that votes for this shower should move to the states and hang with the trump supporters theywould believe anything to

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:59 PM

    2 billion out,hep c scandal and now this cover up,corruption and fg go hand in hand.

    “Finance Minister Michael Noonan has admitted that he knew about abuse allegations at a foster home in the southeast area as far back as twenty years ago.
    Mr Noonan today confirmed that he received a letter written by the foster father in the controversy directly to himself in 1996″

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    Mute Sean Costello
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:17 PM

    Michael Noonan though. Minister for health in the mid 90s. Hep c and abuse….. Anyone willing to chase the man up on it? Or are his bully boy tactics affecting the media too?

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    Mute Meehawwl O'Buachailla
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:25 PM

    I’d take his record over the last 40 years than Jorry’s any day.

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    Mute D H
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:32 PM

    I don’t know meehawl, seems like the fiscal spacer noonan has more than a few skeletons in his closet. Only reason we don’t see more on it in the media is govt influence .

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    Mute Alan Henderson
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:56 PM

    Myself and my family are going to the r2w protest on Saturday. I.ve invited all my family and friends and seen as this is the big one they are all going . I.d suggest everyone here scroll through their contacts list and invite your friends to march with us on Saturday.

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    Mute Dara McGann
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:19 PM

    Is your keyboard broken Alan? http://m.grammarbook.com/grammar-quizzes/apostrophes_1.asp Let me know how you get on with that quiz.

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    Mute proctor
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:24 PM

    Heard the weather isn’t going to be to nice better bring an umbrella and thermals you may need them

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    Mute Motherofdivinejebus
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    Feb 19th 2016, 7:04 AM

    There is ALWAYS one R-sole who will try and pull someone up on their grammar in an online forum, Step forward Dara McGann and collect your prize…..

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    Mute Tom McBride
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:39 PM

    I am sure Sammy Sausages will give Joan a grilling on Ireland AM

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    Mute ballbreaker
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    Feb 18th 2016, 9:59 PM

    It’s the top brass civil servants that run our country not the politicians…they just spout out what they have been told to say

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    Mute Simeon
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:55 PM

    The simple fact is that we can’t have the services that people are crying out for unless we take in more tax. Taxing the poor only means more need so that’s a waste of time. Everybody talks about the squeezed middle and they are right so no more to be had there. That leaves the well off. Yet it seems we can’t contemplate that because they will leave in their droves and take their talents somewhere else. Sean O’ Rourke for example might be headhunted by…….. someone. Along with Tubbs, Ray, Miriam Joe Duffy and the rest of RTE.

    Isn’t the truth that a lot of people in Ireland are paid well in excess of what they are worth. Those we need to keep, doctors, we can pay more out of the extra revenue if necessary.

    We have a deeply unequal and unjust society. Don’t be afraid to vote for something better.

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    Mute Tomás Connolly
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:42 AM

    Alex Ferguson wasn’t much of a footballer, luckily had incredible talent at his disposal…. If you want figures talk to Pearce…. SF have the establishment rattled.

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    Mute OneTrueVoice
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    Feb 19th 2016, 12:24 AM

    I think we should support Gerry and his unsubstantiated waffle that even he doesn’t fully understand.

    I mean, it just might work when they get elected and need to address the detail?

    Flip a coin, it might just work out.

    Let’s give them a chance. It’s not like they have any crazy atomic plans like a United Ireland that will hand the UK a 20 billion a year get out of jail card that leaves Ireland screwed or anything, is it?

    I don’t think Gerry is insane, do you?

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    Mute Totalitarian
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:25 PM

    How much worse can it get ??? They ff fg lab had their chance and pooped their nappies time for change its as easy as that

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    Mute Neuville-Kepler62F
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:42 PM

    No Grey Vote for Fine Gael or Labour or Fianna Fail …. who take LPT from Medical Expenses refunds of pensioners when they cant keep up the tax payments.

    Regressive Tax Laws (forced, without consent and no account for inability to pay) unacceptable in any modern fair society.

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    Mute 3A's
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    Feb 18th 2016, 10:38 PM

    It’s really funny to see no matter faults “and they all have a lot” ye defend them to the last..anyone seriously think about voting independent’s ye all know they won’t be able to form a government but it has to be worth a try…..ohhh..I can see red.

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    Mute Bobby Phelan
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    Feb 18th 2016, 11:24 PM

    Jane let them up and leave who cares the irish dont give a shite..I am not worried about somebody earning 100thousand my heart is broken for them get over yer selves instead of buying a Merck buy an Audi dont be moaning think about the people losing their homes and the people on 0hr contracts making 20g a year next time dont be so complicit in bailing out banksters.

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    Mute Pissy Lips
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    Feb 19th 2016, 7:59 AM

    What do you expect from Sinn Fein. Their finance spokesman is a two time college drop out (neither finance related) and he has zero experience in any finance field. The vast majority of their candidates don’t even have a third level education.

    I mean these are people who could be running a country and nearly all of them would struggle to get a job in an average office, let alone be entrusted to run it.

    Zero expertise, zero clue. It’s embarrassing and hilarious in equal measures when Sinn Fein members try to chime in on finance or economic issues.

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    Mute Paul Donaghy
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    Feb 19th 2016, 8:37 AM

    Unemployment is a third less in the north than the south, probably even better in real terms. Sinn Fein are in government in the north and this is one example of their success.
    FG Labour keep saying SF in south will wreck economy etc.
    However I think SF should emphasise their success in the north in government a lot more during this election.

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