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SAMUEL L JACKSON has said he wasn’t trying to slam black British actors when he criticised their casting in American films such as the horror hit Get Out and the Martin Luther King Jr drama Selma.
Jackson told the Associated Press his comments on Monday on the radio station Hot 97 weren’t necessarily misunderstood, but his criticism was not of the performers – rather of the system that allows black actors from overseas take prominent roles in American films.
“It was not a slam against them, but it was just a comment about how Hollywood works in an interesting sort of way sometimes,” Jackson said at the premiere of his new film Kong: Skull Island.
Jackson noted on Monday that a lot of roles are going to British actors. He said he wondered what Get Out would have been like “with an American brother who really feels that”. Jordan Peele’s film is about an African American photographer, played by the British actor Daniel Kaluuya, whose white girlfriend brings him home to her parents’ house.
Jackson also pointed to Ava DuVernay’s Selma, which starred David Oyelowo as King.
His comments drew criticism from John Boyega, the British Star Wars actor, who on Twitter called the debate a “stupid” conflict “we don’t have time for”.
Yesterday, Jackson was complimentary of the skills and hard work black British performers put in to take on American roles, but he said that was a one-way street.
“We’re not afforded that same luxury, but that’s fine, we have plenty of opportunities to work,” he said.
“I enjoy their work,” Jackson said of his British counterparts. “I enjoy working with them when I have the opportunity to do that.”
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I go on the water protests. I’m not a Terrorist as this Government labels me. I go because the whole set up of #irishwater stinks to high heaven and corrupt to its very core. The law/legal profession in this country appear to be as corrupt as our Government. Power gone to their heads. I do not support ‘Hunger’ strikes as its just one bully against another. ‘Je suis Derek’ could do with losing some weight anyway. He will be out before it becomes dangerous. He does not speak for me. I will continue to go on these protests as I find the whole social injustice in this country sickening.
Well said Marie. I too support the water protests and will continue to do . I will not be party to another quango . look at state of the HSE. I find it disgusting that people who need water for medical needs are being forced to pay the same amount as millionaire’s and billionaire’s with swimming pools.
Well said, Marie. Same here
*Maire, sorry
He may have lasted 4 weeks without food, but not without fluids. He will be dead in a week if he is actually serious.
I like the fact it won’t be a dragged out affair and for once I support him in something he is doing.
@Jimmy Jones ‘ I may not agree with what you say but I defend, to the death, your right to say it’ Voltaire …….. thats why I support #freethe5 …… I have absolutely no time for bullies and going on hunger strike, to me, is a bullying tactic. I will continue to support injustices everywhere. Sorry if I offended Derek by mentioning his weight.
Well said Marie.
The majority of us are thinking along the same lines as yourself i would imagine.
The media is too busy trying to sell sensationalist stories rather than telling the real story of how the majority of protesters feel.
I have no problem paying my fair share, but Irish Water is just going to be another bottomless pit swallowing tax payers money with no accountability or transparency.
Enough is enough.
You support #freethe5 but you think they are bullies? I agree that they are bullies , but you seem to be talking out of the two sides of your mouth.
@jimmy jones …… No Jimmy, I support the right to protest! These people are in jail for protesting. Yes, they did not obey a court injuction but they are, in my opinion, being made scapegoates in order to scare the rest of us from protesting. Its wrong! I just think that ‘Je suis Derek’ and co have gone too far but if they feel that strongly about it its their decision.
What a stupid comment the chap works how petty minded you are
Poor Derek is now fast becoming a joke within the inner circles of the right2water campaign
He is trying to make a martyr out of himself with stupid actions which cause our movement more harm then good
Let him go on hunger strike . Anybody that know’s him well knows this is all an attention seeking stunt . he’s has a taste for the lime light and will hog it for all the wrong reasons now .
He’s already lied about the conditions within wheatfield . They are not on 23hr lock down and have never been on 23hr lockdown , just more lies and propaganda to keep the “derek” show on the road
@Jayo Breatneach. Yes, we have been called Terrorists more than once. Olivia Mitchell last week called us Terrorists! We have been called ‘isis’ from other Government ministers. If you google this you may get the names. So yes, the Government are that dumb!
Just Googled the ISIS comment as per your suggestion Maire. Made by a Fine Gael TD named Noel Coonan according to the Irish Times. I’d never heard of him and he’s certainly not a minister. He’s a backbench TD. Looks like you’re partial to a bit of exageration yourself Maire!
Fact remains that TDs, ministers or not, have likened people who DARED to protest as IS and terrorists.
They are petty criminals and should be moved out to Lochan House prison…
Marie. “Free the 5″?
It is their own choice that they are incarcerated in the first place and it is by their own choice that they remain. They can Purge their Contempt and leave if they so desired.
This is nothing more than a stupid and expensive publicity stunt. They cry about wasting taxpayers money yet they are happy to waste that same money by getting themselves locked up.
The problem with the people gone to prison is that they are now making the issue about themselves instead of water by going on hunger strike. Derek has quoted as saying that he will not give up on his hunger strike until Enda resigns! Derek and co, cop on to yourself and get out to get back to your families!
@ maire . They are in jail for contempt of court. They could have entered a bond to comply with the order and would have probably avoided jail.
You claim to support #freethe5 but you call them bullies. Je suis confused by your support and slagging them for being bullies and weight issues . Strange
@Jimmy jones …… see my comments in relation to being able to protest …… other than that I cannot make you see or understand my comments/opinions when you refuse to do so. However, I am not a hyprocrite and I act according to what I believe and hopefully I will make a difference.
derek is an idiot of unparalleled proportions
Refusing water eh it’s free
Derek Byrne is the biggest eejit in the history of our State.
#JeSuisPeckish
@mrkillgoolie:
Vous êtes une honte putain!
Brian Cowen will be disappointed
Il est isnt il
Still not one banker behind bars
They are refusing to drink prison water that the mass public pay for so that real criminals can drink this. The amount of FG, FF and Labour PR Muppets on this site this morning is stomach churning….our election day is coming its too late for you now, not one will get back in. Bring on the government PR dislikes for this. Shower Muppets.
Tom go have an enema you need it I think. You’re full of something
A question of 69 billion versus onions. There can be only one verdict but no …..onions are the killers.
They’re gonna refuse free water? Hypocrites!!
The day they were jailed a youth who held a knife to a womans throat and robbed her car got a suspeneded sentence…Says enough about our Judicial system
Judge appointments are a sinecure for loyal lawyers of FG FG LAB who will in due course be asked to remember who put them where they are.
It’s not free, we already pay through taxation and have done so since the foundation of the state, people object to this because your access to water will depend on how much money you have and not your need, also it will be privitized and sold off for profit. The idea that you can force a person to become a customer of a company goes against company law in that the principal of offer and acceptance is missing. It’s not a valid contract.
@ cupid stunt. My tongue was firmly in my cheek with my comment. I’m well aware that these 2 beauties are costing the taxpayer money by getting locked up ‘for the cause’. I agree with protesting when its done by appropriate means but when you’re gonna get yourself locked up and go on hungerstrike for this I think is a bit absurd. I think ‘Je suis dereks’ hat size will need to be adjusted after all this attention
yea we used to pay though rates and then Fianna Fail brought in the motor tax and vat way of paying. this created a dysfunctional system that is way more expensive than it needs to be.
so it’s funny that apparent socialists are campaigning to maintain a failed system created by Fianna Fail.
unless the youth was also in contempt of court then the analogy is meaningless. they were not jailed for protesting they were jailed for contempt of court- massive difference but the protestors agenda doesn’t allow for the truth, so we get the usual blah blah blah in an endless circle. protest has fizzled out and only the anarchists remain. its the ould occupy crap all over just a few clowns having a revolution in their minds. They will have another crusade to attach themselves to shortly, they come along as regular as a bus :D
Mmmmh…hard to get correct information on anything going on in this country. Media can’t be trusted to give us truth without some kind of spin…..and both sides could be accused of that.
For instance compare this article with the piece below….
VIA – Councillor Michael O’Brien
“I dropped by Wheatfield prison on my way back from visiting family in Enfield this afternoon. Most of the protesters had gone but I had the fortune of meeting a member of one of the jailed activist’s family. The most disturbing thing about their incarceration is the 23 hour solitary lockdown which is normally reserved as a punishment for infractions committed inside the prison but not in this occasion.
She told me that the governor claimed it wasn’t his decision to place them in solitary and permit them only two visits per week. This stinks of a spiteful political intervention from on high to psychologically break our fellow activists and this no doubt helped provoke Derek and Ollie’s decision to go on hunger strike (I hope Derek and Ollie back down on this by the way)
Back during the bin tax struggle the overwhelming majority of the twenty something people who were banged up were put in the training unit in Mountjoy which, while being no holiday, allowed for the maximum possible free association, visits, activities and even phone calls from the outside. The few who were put in the regular Mountjoy prison at least had a ‘normal’ routine of two to a cell and association times etc.
Realising that there are probably a good many of us who would do the time if we found ourselves in the dock they want to make their stay as difficult as possible as a deterrent to everybody. Raising hell in the Dail about this has to be a priority this week as well as follow up protests outside.”
I’m not sure those people made up the ‘lock down’ story……you don’t need to make up a story which can easily be disproved just to go on hunger strike…….you could just go on hunger strike and get the same media attention. We do know for a fact they guys were moved to Wheatfield to reduce protests outside Mountjoy…..so there could very well be political interference.
Gillfooley, they were jailed on the back of an injunction that should never have been granted. It is illegal to charge for the same service multiple times,their was never any need to install illegal meters so you see the law was broken ever before these 5 people got to court but when you have a corrupt billionaire along with corrupt TD’S, then RTE the state sponsored propaganda machine and journalists unwilling to report the truth well !! Anything is possible.
‘It is illegal to charge for the same service multiple times’
Good job you’re not being charged multiple times then isn’t it. It was being paid for through general taxation, now it’s being paid for directly.
Oh great!….did you get a tax rebate, 2% off VAT and a 5% drop in your car tax?….didn’t think so.
Martin, I suppose if you make up facts about what is illegal then you can win any argument. Your post makes for rather sad reading. There is nothing unlawful about metering or charging for water. You may think it is immoral and unjust but that does not make it unlawful. Nor does your outrage or anger make it illegal. Or unconstitutional indeed which I am surprised you didn’t suggest. On top of this you state that we have corrupt billionaires and TDs, a State sponsored propaganda machine and journalists unwilling to tell the truth. Fortunately you followed all this with an exclamation mark which I took to mean that you didn’t believe it either and you were being ironic. You conclude by saying “anything is possible”. Indeed.
The Judge’s are corrupt rich pansies that never had to work a day in there life. I have no respect for them or the court’s.
When was VAT increased to pay for water Al? VAT was 35% for quite a few years in the ’80s. It’s now 23%. Can you tell me when it was increased to pay for water?
John R, no doubt you will be happy to see water ( the very essence of life) being privatised also to make huge profits for private companies which is exactly where this is heading. BTW an ! Mark does not infer that “I don’t believe something” and until the sources of payment that we already contribute to have be taken away it is illegal to charge again for the same service or are you happy to pay multiple times. You are obviously very well educated.
the vermin were jailed for contempt of court. nothing to do with any of the idiotic protesting by a few thugs
‘Oh great!….did you get a tax rebate, 2% off VAT and a 5% drop in your car tax?….didn’t think so.’
Well as Reg has also pointed out VAT rates in the 80′s were as high at 35% and are nowhere near that at the minute. A second low rate of 9% was also introduced in 2011 bringing it down from 13.5%. Motor tax was also reduced for all cars registered after 1st July 2008.
Martin, it is not illegal. Repeatedly saying so doesn’t make it so. I am not in favour or water privatisation. I am in favour of one national utility providing water just like one national utility provides an electrical power distribution network or gas distribution network. And I am willing to pay for this as I believe that treated water is an essential of life that we currently undervalue and treat with scant regard. An yes i am also very well educated as you surmise although I am not sure what that has to do with anything. A large proportion of the population are well educated and can be found on both sides of this argument.
The govt would like it if people protested in the middle of a field in the country where no one could see them. The great thing about living in a free country is that you can protest wherever you like, we don’t live in north Korea and I’d like it to remain like that.we have got to make sure that our freedoms are maintained. If Rosa parks had just protested from the back of the bus in the colored section it wouldn’t have had the same effect, the same as black people that sat in the whites only section, to suggest that that was wrong of them is in effect to legitimise segregation.
Stopit if we keep the current system we can reform it instead of wasting taxpayer money on setting up a company that is ready for privatisation, once we lose control of our water system we will never get it back. A privatised IW will not put investment in our infrastrucure before profits and our system would be allowed to rot as they charge us record fees to cover huge salaries and bonuses and ridiculous pensions for the upper echelons of their management structure
The tiny Irish right wing that still exists just can’t be as stupid as they seem. When they attempt to defend things like Irish Water and the making of a mountain out of a water balloon by the media they come cross so silly. So logic has to conclude although there are some very ignorant Sunday World and Sun type newspaper readers among the Irish right wing. The rest are undoubtedly vested interests whose income derive from IW or some other public sector cash cows and they are only thinking of their pockets. The movement against Irish water is massive and unequalled in our recent history and still growing in the 3 official national marches organised by Right2Water the numbers have grown and grown even the last one on a work day which was a gamble for the organisers the people came out in their tens of thousands ……We should ignore the right and their child like comments of support for this bank government just like we should ignore the vested interest Independent newspapers and the radio stations owned by the man who stands to gain the most from the now obsolete water meters. We should also ignore civil servants like Ryan Tubridy and most RTE presenters who are linked to FF and FG They are as insignificant to the new Ireland that is emerging as the Vichy government were to France after the Nazi’s were kicked out.
i gave that rant about three line martin and gave up, sorry
I read about 5 lines. Yeah did not get any better.
Anyway Martin how are all your Facebook friends linked to the 32csm and eirigi? ? All good yeah? ?
Of course I am a terrorist and proud , Charles anyone who apposes you and your bank governments vested interests are now terrorists, Doctors, teachers, nurses. taxi drivers, SME’s, writers, housewives, pensioners you name it to demonstrate against this anti democratic regime is to be a terrorist so we are all terrorists the entire population who are not benefitting from FG/labour and their policies,! Not many of you non terrorists left though is there?….But great retort not in the least weak minded or stupid like the rest of the right wing.
It’s oppose Martin, not “appose”. And you’re still obviously deluded and misguided in relation to the support your little bunch have.
Why have no bankers faced jail. Oh that’s right the current government although in government 4 years have done nothing about legislation. I wonder why.?
Nine if them where in contempt of court like these five clowns
What about the 350 criminals in the HSBC banking scandal in Ireland why no investigation? Perhaps to close to home for FG. The law is only for little people.
if you have any evidence of a crime you should go to the gardai little one, they will undoubtedly give you the time and attention you deserve.
if you are an activist, the only logical reason to break a court order is to make a point and use jail as propaganda.
What a ass of a reply Mr gillhouley. What’s go to the gardai got to do with the government not bringing in legislation to deal with what happened with the banks that brought this country to its knees.
you want people jailed for some apparent reason. i am merely wondering what the crime is and more importantly what the evidence is. oh thats right is just mindless rhetoric but ye are good to laugh at all the same
Mindless rhetoric. Was it mindless rhetoric from Miriam o Callaghan on primetime too when she asked enda these questions.
Littelone, you state the current Govt have done nothing about legislation in the last four years regarding bankers and jailing them. You do know that legislation cannot be retrospectively applied ? In other words you cannot create an offence in law today and then respectively apply it to behaviour in the past which was not an offence at the time. There is a specific constitutional prohibition on this and rightly so. Perhaps this is not what you meant?
It that were not or now are not….
Agree with you “stopit” propaganda by the activist, dident they lock them water protestors up quickly enough. We should start the SS now and do the 2am knock on the door, we could easily make the rest of them disappear…………………….SIEG HIEL…. SIEG HIEL……………………SIEG HIEL…..FINA GAEL…………
Just to give some examples of people jailed for contempt of court in the past decade:
Liam Lawlor – td – jailed 3 times for contempt of court.
Sean Quinn – ex billionaire and failed businessman – sentenced to 9 weeks jail for contempt of court.
5 anti water charge protesters – jailed for 4-8 weeks for contempt of court.
So it’s obvious that the court system is run for the rich and politically powerful.
Wait…..
Put down your pitch forks just a second.
Why would the government bring in legislation before the conclusion of a banking enquiry? ?
Bankers were prosecuted and directed not guilty.
Now there is seemingly one bank Anglo one man drumm who the police here want. But he is overseas and getting him is complicated. But action is underway to get him.
The enquiry should make its finding first then bring in rules to govern them and proper regulations.
Criminal investigation cones first involving billions of bank records that takes years then inquiry comes then new regulations
Oh the HSBC thing. There is no rules saying you have to keep your cash in Irish Bank. If I was multi millionaire I would not. Nothing to suggest it was linked to crime at all. That’s just stupidity jumping to that.
Stupid is as stupid does on the journal.ie
Talking sense? What sort of witch-craft is that? ……Burn him!
Yeah just remember the general public don’t look at indy media. The hard left feel ignored so they come here.
Talk about two narcissists in it for their own glory and local hero moments of fame. Je suis Derek hats , Facebook statements. Not very bobby sands.
Could do with knocking a few kilos off too.
Derek Byrne is an absolute moron but he did not get involved with causing explosions.
Water is the new oil. Thank god some of us have the sense to oppose it being sold off. I don’t care what hat it T-shirt there has to be some few brave enough to try to stop the complete madness and scam that is Irish water
Who is it being sold to? I must have missed that news.
Denis o Brien already bought it. Didn’t you get the memo?
I would have though that the electricity and gas networks would have been sold by now if that was the case. Well established and profitable. Irish Water will rely on money from general taxation for many years to come. Talk of it being prepared for privatisation is nonsense.
You should tell him Talking… I’m betting he doesn’t even know.
Sure it’ll be a nice surprise for him
Reg don’t be so naive.
Ian, we’ve had hardly any privatisations over the course of this recession. Surprising really given the severity of the recession and how the country was desperate for money. What government would sell it?
Monday’s multiple diversion and distraction instruction has been circulated!
It would put it to bed Pontius. However, I would be very cautious of what you put in the constitution, it’s hard to change. For example, it would have been imposible to sell Bord Gais Energy a couple of years ago if there had been something in the constitution. Personally I don’t see the point in the state retaining ownership of the retail arm of something like Bord Gais as they have retained ownership of the important bit, the gas network and infrastructure.
Thames water and veolia for your information.
Wonder what Ryan Tubridy thinks of it all ? He seems to get very upset with Paul Murphy and all the water protesters, or maybe he’s just getting worried that if socialists get any power they might do something about the fact that taxpayers pay him more than Barack Obama to ponce about on the Late Late wearing a cheesy grin. In fact all the media casters seem to get very tetchy about the water protesters. There is no unbiased media only propaganda, maybe that’s why these guys are using desperate measures to get some attention.
In fairness he lashed into Brian cowen a few years back too!!
the media view the protestor idiots as ready made news, the thugs don’t disappoint :D
Socialists getting power? ?
Ah come on. Please contact your local mental health professional. Please for your own well being
What mental health professionals? Good one, Charles.
The je suis Derek hat is just bandwagoning. Trying to justify being jalied for contempt of court to the atrocities in Paris is just for lack of better word sad
”Je suis Derek’?? These guys really trying to draw comparisons with Charlie Hebdo??? lol
That hat is utterly Cringeworthy !!
He’s painting himself to be some sort of hero .. He’s a classless embarrassment to the people doing the good work fighting the water charges
Why are they on hunger strike ? Do they think they are going to get early release ? They need to get off their soap boxes now ,they think they are celebrities ! It’s really ridiculous now .
Want to be moved, not released.
Since when do the inmates run the prison?
Scarlett for everyone involved.
Of course they’re not… Water ‘protestors’ are full of bullshite in every regard.
Ironic they’re on here accusing everyone else of ‘spin’
Just like u drew full of it
Little one ur wasting ur time talkin 2 mr gilltooley d biggest tosser here dont even read his comments
Ain’t that the truth. Stupid comments
Ok trying to wrap my head around this law , just say .. Irish water try to install water Meter outside my home .. I don’t want it there .. So according to this law I have to protest 21 meters from my own property.. If I protest from my own living room , I can do 1 month in jail . Anyone else see how ridiculous this injunction is ?
em, you don’t have a court order against you stopping you doing anything. So sit in your living room and protest away. It’s not a “law” – it was specific court instructions given to specific people – who, as adults, and hopefully being aware of the consequences of their actions, decided to disobey.
These 5 weren’t protesting the installation of water meters in their own houses – so they didn’t really have any excuse for being within 20 metres.
I’m totally neutral on this so I’m trying to understand.. How can a protest be effective if you are 20 meters away ? I’m really thinking denis o brein influence brought this injunction
GMC Sierra took the case for what the judge described as harassment and intimidation of workers involved in lawful work.
Ok reg , fair enough but why is no one asking in the manner GMC Sierra was bought by denis o brein ? Denis payed 40 million , a knock down price .. Meanwhile we learn a french company offered 60 million but were turned down .. Now who cares only that the company owed 150 million to guaranteed share holders so the taxpayer forked out the 110 million difference, 20 million could have been saved ??
again captain – they could have chosen to protest at 21 metres away. They chose not to. Do you have to be in someone’s face to protest? Surely not.
I’m trying to understand what do you mean by effective protest – they can’t stop water meters being installed on public property, but they can march and protest – pretty much anywhere they want to – bar a 20 metre radius where meters are being installed. Did you think that protesting was going to stop meters being installed?
@David…it’s not public property. They are actually not allowed to fit meters in public places…only to dwellings.
Al, Metres in 99% of cases are fitted to pipes on the footpaths outside of houses. Footpaths are public property.
@david .. I’m not really bothered , in the future id love to have clean drinking water but my problem is this .. Irish water is not protected from privatisation!! When this is up & running , this will be a cash cow , some corporate billionaire will buy it up .. Plebiscite should have been changed to referendum in the water bill . .. How they got away with that is beyond me !!
I really doubt if any government would be stupid enough to privatise it – nor do i think many people would be eager to buy shares in it as it is being run at the moment. They are humming and hawing about selling Aer Lingus, when few people care – imagine the uproar should someone suggest selling Irish Water!
However, every publicly owned company buys products/services from the private sector, be it food for hospitals, paper for printers, or even water meter installation. I haven’t a clue how these services were bought – but there are TDs, and a public accounts committee whose job is, in part, to look at these things. It would be great if Mary Lou and Paul Murphy could examine these contracts, and see if there were problems with how they were offered.
@david .. You really believe that ? England water was sold to a private company, if the government are saying they would never sell it , then why don’t they have a referendum?? What’s the harm & it would put mass protests to rest !! But maybe behind the scenes they plan to sell it off , it’s weird that they are so against a referendum!!
Hi Reg……If you have the deeds to your home…take them out and look at them. You will notice that If you check the Deeds or Portfolio for your property you will see that the property line ends at the road.
The piece between the wall and the road also belongs to you. People can of course walk down this as a public thoroughfare, but digging it up, damaging the pavement and the grass verge is a different story…..your permission is needed as this is also part of your dwelling as is any amenity or convenience.
A simple ‘No Trespass’ sign removes the implied right of access to anyone who wants to work on the path outside your home. They then need your permission or a court order.
IW can only fit to meters to a ‘dwelling’ as stated in the 2014 Water Services Act because the Government know it’s your property but don’t tell you they need your permission as it’s implied until stated otherwise.
That’s nonsense Al. At the edge of my garden there is a wall. That is the edge of my property. I do not own the footpath between the other side of the wall and the road.
Are you one of these freeman of the earth nutters?
Captain Ireland. The 5 were named in the court order. The terms of the court order was that the must remain at least 20 meters from the workmen installing the water meters. Now peaceful protesting does not require to be 2 feet away from the workmen. You can stand 20 meters away with your signs and placards shouting your slogans and letting everyone know your opposition to the instilation. But if you want to interfere with the work and intimidate and threaten those workmen then the closer the better. But that is not a peaceful protest.
@mick Jordan.. Ok I get that , they were in contempt of court. But my question is why don’t the government hold a referendum to keep Irish water in public ownership? Put it in the constitution that it can’t be sold !
Captain. To lock in Irish water that way would be foolish for any Government of any political persuasion to do. Who knows what may be needed 20,30, 40 years down the line. You cant just ring fence something and say never never never. You have to leave room for unforeseen contingencies further down the line.
People say we are being made pay for water twice. Yes we are but in the same vein how many people buy Bottled Water? They are not getting it from the shop or bar with the taxes they have already paid, and if the continue to buy it after the water charges are in place they will be paying for their water 3 times over. Yet they will only complain about the water they are paying for coming out of the tap.
@mick Jordan.. Why would we want to sell a natural resource to a private company? But ok , like u said in 20 years time we want to do it , then hold another referendum to take it out of the constitution. It should be decided by the people , not officials who are easily corrupted .. Remember not too long ago , shell was given our reserves under the nose of the people .
Captain. You mentioned Shell. Let me ask you this. Who was going to pay for the exploration costs, The cost of getting the gas out from the sea bed, the cost of building and maintaining the pipeline and terminal without getting a deal to make it attractive to their shareholders?
And as for a referendum why do you elect people to represent you if you want to give them the authority to make decisions for the country?
Ok shell is in the past . We forget about that , we should stick to the subject!! Ok if that’s your view , that governments should make decisions on behalf of us all .. Why can’t they make a final decision on abortion , same sex marriage ?? Why do we need referendums for these but not for water , a basic human need ??
Because the right to life and hetrosexual marriage are already enshrined in the constitution. They cannot be changed without resorting to a referendum. If they were not they could have been changed already by a simple majority vote in the Dail.
Ok Mick .. You’re well up on this but should water belong to us all & not some private firm who will exploit us ?
In an ideal world of course. But in reality the cost of making clean drinking water to an acceptable international standard is only going to grow. Add to that the cost of replacing all the old pipes and maintaining them for the next century or so is also only going to get much more expensive. And we both know how efficient the government is at spending taxpayers money. Now in the future with pricing safe guards on the statute books a privatised water industry could prove to be much more effective in delivering our water supply and would be be much easier to bring to book for any failures than would a public body.
Does FG and Labour not realise there time in government is slowly coming to an end,the sad part is these Ga?are coming out with big pensions and there Cronies.After America this country for its size must be second most corrupt country in the world.
No it’s not. It’s in the top 10% of least corrupt countries according to Transparency International.
Reg for a country this size and the small population we have being 17th on the index is hardly something to be proud of .
Reg, stop with the facts now. You’re just upsetting people!
I know! They hate facts and figures. I get loads of red thumbs when I post some!
littleone, what does size have to do with where we are placed on a corruption index? The corruption index is, in any event, someone unscientific as it is based more on public perception than actual reality. I see people complaining that Ireland is very corrupt. It depends what you mean by the word. Like most words it has become abused. In the index of public corruption Ireland is very low. If you think otherwise then undertake some international travel. Overall Ireland is not that corrupt. What we really need is much more transparency. If you want to see real corruption I recommend you travel to virtually anywhere in Africa, the Middle East, Russia, Greece, Italy, certain Eastern European countries or numerous countries in Asia or South America. The problem with alleging that we are the most corrupt country in the world is that compared to so many others we are positively saintly. There are levels of corruption and Ireland, thankfully, is on the lower level.
I think they do realise actually Francie. It’s mandated in fact. Election is approx 12 months time.
Where did I imply we are the most corrupt country in the world . I said for a population of our size being 17th on the list is not something we should be proud of our shout from the rooftops. But you obviously think otherwise so good luck to you.
I like you Reg.
Pay or don’t pay, it’s as simple as that…
Their 15 mins of fame must be coming to an end shortly…
I can see a movie coming out of this.
Michael D Higgins could play the part of Derek Byrne. ….
1st and foremost I think they are wrongly being detained. As the article says why are there no bankers locked up yet.
Yet I have to admit that im no fan of the i wanna be in the news Paul Byrne.. So wish it was someone else who had taken up this hunger strike.
None the less, Im still not paying…
Sooner the better all 5 are released..
The Viking , just because some people don’t get locked for a crime doesn’t mean that everyone should . they were in contempt of a court order , they choose to break that order and they chose to go to prison , there is other ways to get your point across and this isn’t the way .
Joanie. Quite honest i agree as in the hunger strike part. Thats just wanna be Bobby Sands , aka Paul Byrne. ( hate that I had to put their names in same sentence ) . Initially tho the injunctions shouldn’t have even been granted. They were peaceful protests. The only reason they were granted was to conquer and divide. Same as 14 & 16 yr old lads getting turfed out of bed. Were as you have the likes of Mr Fitzpatrick checking his filofax to give the guards a suitable date and time for himself. No way we will ever get to savour an article of him getting 10 yrs..
Did you sit through the case and see the evidence Viking? You do know that the judge described their actions as harassment and intimidation of workers involved in lawful work?
They also were not willing to give an undertaking to the court not to breach the order again so they left the judge with little choice really.
Joanie, what other way would you suggest that has not already been tried?
Unlawful work Reg.
Disagreeing with it doesn’t make it unlawful.
Whats is unlawful about it Martin?
Martin thinks that by describing something as unlawful it lends some credibility to people actually breaking the law and to his views. You can be anti-Irish water without having to believe that it is unlawful.
Reg, do we already pay for our water through different sources Yes or No?
Yes of couse we do and we will continue to do so even when direct charging is introduced.
Yes we do. Your tax goes to local authorities so what? I pay into local authorities budgets I.E county councils and I still pay road tax. So should we refuse to pay road tax?.
I also pay PAYE and PRSI. So should I refuse to pay the USC??
The water services act was passed it is law no whinging will change that so yes they assaulted and harassed lawful workers and were told by the highest court in the land not to. They disobeyed the courts (I.E the people) and got thrown in jail for giving two fingers to the Irish people. Toe rags calling names to our police force and our president. Our police happen to be the best most unique force in the world
Reg, so you are happy enough to keep the likes of tierney and co in the lap of luxury collecting big bonuses and pay cheques off your hard earned cash ? Good man Reg, you’re a star.
No I’m not entirely happy with the way Irish Water has been established and performance related pay should not have been considered until the utility is well established and delivering results to people with poor water quality.
However, I am in favour of a single water utility for a country our size. Water is far too importatnt to leave in the hands of the parish pump politice of local government. They have a poor track record of delivering water services in this country and things needed to change. Water needs a national approach with joined up thinking.
I am also in favour of people contributing directly to services that they receive directly to their homes based on usage. It ecourages the conservation of an expensive resource.
Exactly reg. I lived in area before where water was undrinkable. I felt odd evening having bath in it.
I now have a well which is great but I pay for upkeep of it and to empty septic tank. If I had to go onto public mains I’d gladly pay for good quality.
So Martin when you protesting about the USC? ?
I don’t like his appropriation of the Charlie Hebdo massacre with his daft cap.
What an idiotic, immature course of action it is going on hunger strike over a demand to be in a different prison in the same city so it’s more convenient for family to visit.
Alanharte. You are correct , these guys think that they are that important that they can pick and choose which prison they want to go to and by going on hunger strike their demands are going to be met. that’s the mentality of it all ! I think they’ve been watching too many movies .
Derek Byrne reminds me of Dewey from Scary Movie, has the same level of intelligence anyway!
Why do these bullies normally target women politicians , elderly frail politicians and women Gardai.
Very creepy indeed
One of these thugs couldn’t attend court because he was off on a Sun holiday? Yet he maintains he can’t pay for water says it all really,bunch of degeneratives the lot of them,nobody wants more bills but the grim reality the charges will be inforced and like most of Europe who directly pay for water so will we.
Those who are opposed to irish water should be ashamed and embarrassed if this is the kind of stunt their fellow protesters are holding. Eh do they think they are, Bobby sands??
It’s an insult to the prison service to be making those claims unvalidated. Best thing really would be to lock them up in solitary, may aswell make them suffer in the way they are claiming.
My heart bleeds for them, the craters are being kept in jail no more than 10km from Mountjoy and the idiots go on hunger strike!
You mean these bunch of losers and their supporters made stuff up?
Hold the God damn still for a second!
Has anyone noticed that AAA waddlers and coddles have disappeared. Looks like these embarrassing hunger strikers are stealing too much media attention from their Paul. Quick Paul get yourself back on the television
They’re probably helping their buddies waste Tax Payer money printing off another 140,000 anti-water charge leaflets.
If they start refusing liquids
then it will be a short lived protest
as they will be dead in just over a week
http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/survival/wilderness/live-without-food-and-water2.htm
Some of the comments on here are quite saddening.
There’s a lot of talk about media manipulation, propaganda and a general bias in mainstream media on here yet here you are turning on one another, falling for the exact same divisive propaganda you are on here railing against.
The fact you don’t like the person in question is irrelevant, For one you don’t actually know him. Yes you know he wears a hat with his name on it. You know he shouted some brain dead comment at the President and you know he’s been jailed for breaching an injunction. But thats about all you know. The rest is an opinion you’ve formed in your own mind of who this bloke is and what you think he represents. Or in this case what you have been told he represents. Do you think the use of the photo of him in a silly hat is accidental? No its not, its use is to undermine his character, his intelligence even. Its the very same thing segments of the British media do to people like Ed Milliband who is often picture in the most unflattering manner so we can all poke fun at him. It may seem like a bit of harmless fun, but its designed to undermine him and his character. Nevermind what Ed Milliband has to say on important issues, he’s gurning again, lets all point and laugh. The same can be said here for Derek. Nevermind what Derek is protesting against, he’s an idiot in a hat who shouts obscenities at old men, lets all point and judge.
Anybody who has taken part in the water protests in recent months knows that they are about as violent as an Enid Blyton novel. These events have been well mannered, pretty well organised and for the most part peaceful. They know that its is a true grassroots movement and that people have attended from all walks of life, rich, poor, old, young, people in hats, people not in hats, intellectuals and morons alike. The protests represent the broad spectrum of disillusionment right across the Irish state right now. Its not just about water, lets not kid ourselves here. It is a popular peoples movement, the likes of which has not been seen on this island for many, many years. Lets not destroy it, or allow other to with divisive spin and manipulation.
You may not like the manner of Derek and his group protests or how he chooses to conduct himself in public, thats fair enough, I don’t agree with some of it myself. But i’m not going to lower myself to media standards and start poking fun at a guy who is going to risk his health, possibly his life to take a stand against what he and many others see as an infringement of his rights as a citizens of this state. I suggest you rise above it too.
*some serious typo’s going on there. Apologies in an advance of the pending onslaught from the grammar police who chose basic spelling/ grammar inaccuracies as basis for all argument.
Well said muiris .. !!
Can they still collect dole even if they are still in prison
This Headline is echoing what I stated two days ago when certain elements were posting in social media and on here in the Journal that they were being locked up 24 hrs a day.
some of ye need to grow the hell up !
bankers 240 hours community service ……
protesters jail ….
enough said i think !!!!!!!!!
When they openly defied a court order not to interfere with the works and refused to give an undertaking that they wouldn’t repeat the offence what punishment did you think they’d receive? Not much point giving them community service because they probably wouldn’t bother turning up anyway.
Good for him! Cos this is something well worth starving for! He broke the law …suck it up!! Does he think the law doesn’t apply to him…..and for those that will come back with why the bankers are not in jail ….its due to the fact that the bankers are far too intelligent to get caught unlike these fools! They had their warnings! The irony of it rejecting water when they’re looking for free water! Oh there’ll be statues erected for these guys in years to come!
If they say they are, then they are. Tell us why we should believe in anyone who is run by the government.
The Fastest way to end a Hunger Strike is after about 5 days of it offer the Hunger Striker something like Fish and Chips with lots of vinegar on them or Bacon sambos, something with a strong flavoursome smell. Unless they are so utterly committed to dying it will break their will.
Will there jobs be still there for Them when they get out or do they work
Is it possible Irish waters long term goal is to fund the pension crisis that is coming down the road for us .. Think about it when the money runs out to fund pensions , what better way to fund it than use a natural resource… Wasn’t something similar done in England, a pension hedge fund bought English water .
Can anyone answer my two questions.
1/ Are water meters governed by the weights and measures dept as are all goods sold. If so every meter must have a cert to say it is accurate and be tested every 12 – 18 months.
2 are all water meters CE rated as every machine has to be ?
If any of these men die from hunger or thirst there will be dire consequences for those involved. That’s an Unbreakable promise.
The hunger strike didn’t last too long anyway. They just couldn’t say no to a big bowl of jail coddle
I admire these guys .. Stick with the hunger strike lads . Put pressure on labour & FG backbenchers
Mr Tayto Should Go To See Those Lads and Cheer Them up
3 out of 4 hunger strikers Eat TaYTO
They are badly misled
have your say