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INDEPENDENT ALLIANCE TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran is to take over as Minister of State at the Office of Public Works (OPW) on 2 June.
The switch-over between Sean Canney and Moran was part of the agreement reached during the discussions on the formation of government.
It’s understood the pair flipped a coin to decide who would take up the first stint in the role as junior minister.
Speaking to reporters today, Canney said Moran is “a very good TD” and a “very genuine” person who he knows will do the job well.
Reflecting on the Independent Alliance’s first year in government, Moran admitted the group was a bit “shaky” at the beginning. “We had to settle down,” he said.
“When you go into government you learn a lot of things,” he said, before listing of items such as: “don’t make promises you can’t keep” and “don’t write newspaper columns” – a comment which made Shane Ross laugh out loud.
Canney said the Independent Alliance were criticised for entering into an arrangement with Fine Gael, but he claims they are delivering on the programme for government.
He also said the Independent Alliance have made their mark on a number of issues such as judicial appointments, disability services, and rural matters.
The Galway TD said they also influenced the title in the ministerial post he is passing over to Moran.
“Flood Relief” is included in the portfolio – something he said did not happen by mistake, stating that the group wanted to place flooding on the national agenda.
“Rural Ireland is very close to the Independent Alliance’s heart,” he said, adding:
I am proud of everything we have done.
He added that it was their aim to be “influencers” in government, not “passengers”.
“We have a lot more we have to deliver upon,” he added.
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Has anyone else noticed that since this covid 19 started, that the weather has been amazing, the skies have been clearer and the water taste better
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: Maybe this is Mother Natures way of putting us back in our box.
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: How’s business these days?
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: Amazing weather??? It’s been cold. Lower than the average monthly temperature for March.
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: Do you think the fact it’s spring might be a factor?
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: It is the time of year for the weather to be like this. Maybe you’ve been too busy to notice those things before?
@Logan Shepherd: I’ve learned I need to slow down and enjoy things more. Career change may be in order after this.
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: as a golfer that went out in the bad weather and mud for 5 months, yes I noticed the last 5 weeks.
@Nakedcleanersireland.com: Really ? Lashed rain all day yesterday in the south-east.
17 degrees,, yaaaay if I could only go out it would be great
@John kavanagh: why can’t you get out?
Oh dear we will pay for this. Stand by for claims of the hottest April on record, mumbling about carbon tax from Fianma Gael, talk of banning turf and daysul
Think I will dust off the bbq and stock up on a few beers.
@Richard:
Now that sounds like a brilliant plan BBQ in the back garden, good ole bit of craic over the fence with the neighbours while social distancing.
Gonna give the old BBQ a damn good scrubbing and text the neighbours..
I’ll raise a glass to you Richard.
@Justice Mickey: we’re still talking about an outdoor charcoal grill type cooking device here right, and not something else? You see where my confusion could’ve come from, you getting all excited, giving something a good scrubbing, messaging the neighbours! Or have I ‘swung’ to the wrong conclusion mate! Either way, enjoy it man!
@ThatLJD:
Hahaha, that’s 2 flipping great ideas on the same thread …
*looking for my drill*
@Justice Give the old drill a cleaning as well.
Sounds like my drinking habits
Biggest drop in Co2 emmissions since WW2, I have noticed bright sunny skies colder nights with less cloud coverage , maybe the climate change deniers can now stay quiet given that there is actual evidence to prove fewer car journeys, flights , indutries closing etc actial makes a difference .
https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0403/1128226-fall-in-co2-emissions-could-be-greatest-since-ww2/
@John Judd: No one denies climate change, only the affect humans have on it.
Great. I might be able to leave the heating off for a bit longer and light the stove a bit later. It has been really cold this spring, I’m still wearing thermals and ski mid-layers indoors.
Beautiful weather for a run along the river this morning. Definitely time for the BBQ and I’ll try out my first batch of home brew cider while I’m at it – May as well, not much else to do at the moment I guess.
FFS
throw on your shorts…
@The Great Cornholio: here’s hoping lose wind levels will allow us to feel that glorious warmth.
But, the weather is only sunny and nice 4km from my house at any given time. I can’t go more than 2km from my house. :)
have your say