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Column 'There should be a presidential election and Michael D shouldn't run'

We live in an extraordinary moment for democratic government, where confidence in the honesty of political leaders is seemingly at an all time low, writes Caoimhín De Barra.

IT IS ONE of the oddities of the Irish political world that we can be ten months out from a scheduled presidential election and still be unsure if an election is even going to take place.

It is seven years since Michael D Higgins was elected President of Ireland. Recent polls suggest that a large majority of people want him to serve a second term. So far, Senator Gerard Craughwell is the only person to officially declare his intention to run for the presidency.

At this point, a second term for Higgins appears to be inevitable. But it shouldn’t be. There should be a presidential election in October, and Michael D Higgins should not take part in it.

I admire Higgins

I write this as someone who admires Higgins and thinks he has had a distinguished career in Irish politics. He was certainly my choice in 2011. I also believe he has done an excellent job.

Speaking as a historian, I felt his Easter Rising commemoration speech, in which he pointed out that “militant imperialism” has not been examined with the same intensity as nationalist violence, was an important challenge to a particular view of Ireland’s past that holds sway among certain sections of Irish academia and the media.

The reason I believe Higgins should not put himself forward for a second term is simple. Throughout his 2011 campaign, he indicated strongly that he would only serve a single term.

His age isn’t an issue

It is worth looking a little more closely at the context in which Higgins’ comments were made, as well as exactly what he said. In 2011, Michael D Higgins was seventy. Journalists regularly referred to his age and suggested that it might be a problem. If he served two terms, he would be eighty-four at the end of his presidency.

Given that every Irish president who has desired a second term has gotten it, and only one (Éamon de Valera) actually had to defeat an opponent to earn it, the prospect of Higgins serving as president in his eighties would be quite high if he won in 2011.

Whether that represented a problem is a different matter. The obligations of the Irish presidency are not comparable to, say, the American presidency in terms of the demands placed on the office holder. There is no reason to think that someone in their eighties could not carry out the duties required of them.

It is worth bearing in mind that Michael D Higgins would be the same age at the end of his second term as Éamon de Valera was at the start of his.

Not a hard commitment

Nevertheless, Higgins dealt with questions about his age by suggesting that the issue of having an octogenarian president would not arise as he would only serve one term. As he put it in one interview, “I think those seven years should be enough even for me.”

Of course, one does not need to be a legal expert to see that this in fact was not a hard commitment to only serve one term, and that Higgins left himself considerable room to manoeuvre should he fancy putting his name forward for another seven years.

Indeed, after he had been elected, Higgins made it clear that he felt questions about his age were unfair. He said:

I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that there were times when the campaign was quite ageist. This has nothing to do with me, because I do things that lots of people don’t even dream of doing – that’s the kind of restless person I am. But I felt it was wrong. I’ve said to people when I’m quizzed, ‘some of Picasso’s greatest work was produced by him between the ages of 72 and 90.’

Since his election to Áras an Uachtaráin, Michael D Higgins has refused to rule out a second term in office, and even now, ten months out from the scheduled election, there has been no clarity on his intentions. Some people have felt this ambiguity is a deliberate effort to deny potentially serious challengers time to prepare a campaign, thereby making his second term a fait accompli.

The common good over self-interest

When Higgins’ comments about only serving one term are raised now, many of his supporters say “isn’t he entitled to change his mind?” But if a politician substantially changes one of the campaign promises that got them elected in the first place, it should only be done for the common good, not to suit self-interest.

A better question might be whether a decision on the part of Higgins to run for a second term would actually represent a change of mind? With the benefit of hindsight, one might interpret Higgins’ comments in 2011 as simply a ploy to quiet questions about his age, questions he felt were unfair.

His refusal since to say whether he will stand again may be evidence that he has always intended to serve a second term if his health allowed it.

I agree that suggestions in 2011 that Higgins would be too old to serve two terms were ridiculous. But if that is what he believed, then he should have been upfront about the matter, rather than hinting strongly that he would not seek a second term.

Confidence in politicians

We live in an extraordinary moment for democratic government, where confidence in the honesty of political leaders is seemingly at an all time low. By announcing that he will not stand for a second term, Michael D Higgins can offer the public some hope that when a politician makes a promise, they intend following through on it.

A second Higgins term would not be the rock this republic perishes on. But it would deepen the impression that the words of our political leaders cannot be taken at face value, which is the very thing that has caused a crisis in western democracy in the first place.

Caoimhín De Barra is Assistant Professor for Irish History and Culture at Drew University, New Jersey.

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    Mute Jake
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:27 AM

    Uber and Lyft are the answer – scrap taxi’s and the cartel they have

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    Mute Garreth Mc Mahon
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:06 AM

    @Jake: cartel, it has a regulator who raises prices there are now thousands of extra taxis now compared to years ago, Uber is simply a glorified hackney service who work to almost zero regulation is terms of insurance road worthiness and tax

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:14 AM

    @Garreth Mc Mahon: Not true, but that doesn’t suit your agenda.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:13 AM

    @Jake: obviously not following Uber development’s in the US covering up crimes like Rape and kidnapping.

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    Mute Newsreader
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:31 AM

    @davey boy: could you elaborate on what isn’t true? Not disputing anything or have a stance on it. Just interested as would initially think unregulated taxi/ride share would negatively impact areas.

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    Mute Garreth Mc Mahon
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:46 AM

    @davey boy: eh davey sorry to burst you bubble but I’m not a taxi driver and since I’m married with kids I’m also not aloud out to use them, I’m a maintenance engineer in full time employment and don’t have time to take my agenda notes from Mel Gibson’s conspiracy theory like your self…. if you really are @davey boy

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    Mute Gus Sheridan
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:47 AM

    @davey boy: is true!

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    Mute brendan H
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:09 AM

    @Jake: So basically have unregulated taxis, drivers that are not Garda cleared, if you punch someone ya can go work for another ride share app because they don’t know your background, do that in a taxi and kiss your license goodbye, no yearly nct and not the proper insurance that costs thousands all that’s checked yearly on a taxi plus revenue checks the condition of interior and exterior before a yearly license is granted. And it makes it easier to police a public service vehicle. And its not a cartel, do the exam get the license and drive for a existing taxi for a shift or put your own on the road. Taxis in Europe are better regulated than most countries.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:21 AM

    @DavidOReilly: Was there not a woman raped in a Dublin taxi this xmas in Ballsbrudge?

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:14 PM

    @Newsreader: My issue is that he is claiming there is near zero insurance cover and regulation. That’s not true. We need more ideas like Uber in the countryside. There are plenty of illegal unregaulated taxis in place now, in fact I use them as they will pick me up and a night out won’t cost me another €50.

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    Mute JustOneScoop
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:34 PM

    @Jake: Uber is a race to the bottom, Coming soon to a job near you. The only benefit Uber give is to Uber share holders. This is wall street and we are all clambering for it. Crazy stuff. All shouting for more automation of our own employment, laughable

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    Mute brendan H
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:42 PM

    @brendan H: I was supposed to put a comma between revenue and checks, obviously revenue don’t check condition of a taxi.:/

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:04 AM

    Uber is the only solution. Of course taxi drivers will ask for huge subsidies to keep a redundant career path that wouldn’t survive in any other area. Uber drivers with a small tax free allowance similar to the rent a room scheme is the answer. Taxi driving is no longer a full time viable career. Encouraging car sharing is the only economically and environmentally sustainable solution. Full time taxi driving either exploits driver or passenger. In cities it also clogs roads in the day time with empty cars and not enough at weekends.

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    Mute Noj Nikrub
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:36 AM

    @Cyril Butler: that actually makes a lot of sense

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    Mute Joanna Lynch
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:05 AM

    @Cyril Butler: “taxi driving is no longer a full time viable career” Hahaha, where are you getting that information from ?

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    Mute windbag
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:56 AM

    @Cyril Butler: talking through your hole as usual… so you would rather sit in traffic than use the bus lanes to save a fiver …. and have you ever used uber in other cities. It’ll cost you more than a taxi at peak times ….

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:48 AM

    @Cyril Butler: how many car-sharers would we need to replace all the taxi drivers in Ireland? How many already have jobs and want to work the unsociable hours taxi drivers work currently?
    How many would like to pay a few thousand in insurance costs? The list goes on and on.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:58 PM

    @windbag: Used Uber overseas regularly including Capetown, the most dangerous city on earth. No not talking through my hole. Don’t get me wrong, I feel sorry for any traditional job being wound down but every job changes with time and has a lifespan. All white collar jobs today require re-education, retraining and reskilling. I’m all for decent pay and decent unions for these jobs. However driving a car and preaching health & safety when you are just driving a car won’t cut it, even if taxi drivers have massive overheads which I realise they do. However that only makes it even more crazy. Taxi drvers are already struggling to make a living while having to resort to extortion to do so. It’s like a burguler having huge overheads.

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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:59 PM

    @windbag: It’s not sustainable and won’t last. Drivers need to retrain and re-skill. If they don’t find a new role the market will eventually find it for them on the dole or retirement.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:05 PM

    @neuromancer: it won’t be all or nothing. Until autonomous vehicles arrive either Uber surge pricing or the traditional taxis which remain will pick up the slack as best as humanly possible. This is exactly what already happens elsewhere. I know because I’ve used it. Eventually autonomous level 5 cars will make even this entire conversation redundant. Someone being blind, disabled or drunk is not a barrier to the advantages of car ownership elsewhere whereas it is here because our taxi laws are from the 19th and early 20th century.

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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:26 PM

    @Joanna Lynch: From personal experience as someone who has been travelling the world for the last 20 years. The Irish and European taxi model will change because it’s denying basic mobility services to the blind, the disabled, the elderly as well as encouraging people to buy cars they shouldn’t need. As well as this the taxi monopoly is ruining the night time economy all over Ireland not just in rural Ireland. Used Uber everywhere in Capetown and stayed miles out in the suburbs in an Airbnb. No way I could do this in Ireland. Only reason the general public can’t have this here is because of militant taxi drivers and a completely inept NTA that’s not fit for purpose.i have sympathy for any job holder but why have video streaming if it kills the local video store etc ?

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    Mute Joanna Lynch
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:21 PM

    @Cyril Butler: I can tell you, from personal experience i.e. me, that taxi drivers can make a fine living, if they choose to. Picking the hours you need to work facilitates this.
    With regards to catering to disabilities, there are almost 2,000 wheel chair taxi drivers here, and we receive training on a multitude of disabilities. It’s actually somewhat covered on the standard taxi course too.
    Your other points, either aren’t going to happen ( uber has been blocked by the courts) and self drive is a long way off.

    From all your spouting, what I’ve mostly gathered, is you’re a bloke who can’t afford a taxi.

    I do however agree that something has to improve for rural areas, I’m just not sure, judging by this article, that they are going about it the right way.

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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:10 AM

    @Cyril Butler: what are u talking about? I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family so stop talking nonsense saying it’s not possible for it too be anybody’s full time job. Yous are all great at giving opinions about taxis and all but yous haven’t got a clue

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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:11 AM

    @Cyril Butler: what are u talking about? I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family so stop talking nonsense saying it’s not possible for it too be anybody’s full time job. You’s are all great at giving opinions about taxis and all but yous haven’t got a clue

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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:13 AM

    @Cyril Butler: you haven’t got a clue Cyril I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family and I work very hard too make a honest living so don’t be talking nonsense. You’s are all great at giving opinions but you’s haven’t got a clue

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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:14 AM

    @Cyril Butler: Cyril I’m a full time taxi driver and I supply for my family and I work very hard too make a honest living so don’t be talking nonsense. You’s are all great at giving opinions but you’s haven’t got a clue

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:33 AM

    @Joanna Lynch: A bloke who can’t afford a taxi really? Nobody in Dublin uses a taxi as alternative transport to their own car. That service simply isn’t available. As for disabled and the elderly, they simply stay at home unless they absolutely have to go somewhere, then they are gouged to go to a clinic or some other essential service. I’m all for compassion when a job can’t or won’t be sustainable eg Bord Na Mona employees, or construction workers in 2008. As a civilised society we have to deal compassionately and constructively with these people offer retraining etc but the whole idea of a job is to provide goods or a service not to deny the public a service. Rural Uber is absolutely essential and the rest of the country won’t be far behind when Dublin grinds to a halt.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 28th 2019, 7:33 AM

    @Joanna Lynch: A bloke who can’t afford a taxi really? Nobody in Dublin uses a taxi as alternative transport to their own car. That service simply isn’t available. As for disabled and the elderly, they simply stay at home unless they absolutely have to go somewhere, then they are gouged to go to a clinic or some other essential service. I’m all for compassion when a job can’t or won’t be sustainable eg Bord Na Mona employees, or construction workers in 2008. As a civilised society we have to deal compassionately and constructively with these people offer retraining etc but the whole idea of a job is to provide goods or a service not to deny the public a service. Rural Uber is absolutely essential and the rest of the country won’t be far behind when Dublin grinds to a halt.

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    Mute seanofiachra
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:59 AM

    Does anyone know what checks taxi people have to undergo, I know EU nationals are easy to check but from less developed countries, seeing as we hire doctors that have zero qualifications. Young, drunk and vulnerable surely should be well checked out. But be shocked to learn Shane Ross is more thorough.

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:16 AM

    @seanofiachra: Hiring Doctors with no qualifications? Wow, that’s some generalisation.

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    Mute seanofiachra
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:28 AM

    @davey boy: Over egged for emphasis, but seriously unqualified.Not being able to identify a cranium under X- ray. Over doing it, a little Davy. But not far off

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    Mute Chin Feeyin
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:25 AM

    @seanofiachra: “Does anyone know……”

    Look it up.

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    Mute Derek Blake
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:08 AM

    @seanofiachra: Seems there are two types of taxi drivers license. One for Irish where you are Garda vetted etc… and have to pass the knowledge test. The second, no Garda vetting, no driver knowledge/ theory test.
    Pays to be a non- national!!

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:57 AM

    @Derek Blake: anyone applying for PSV licence has to produce photographic proof of identity, their driver’s licence & a tax clearance cert to Gardaí. They’re then checked for previous convictions & incidents. It’s the same for everyone, and Uber has none of this.

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    Mute davey boy
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:16 PM

    @Jayo Breathneach: A few isolated cases does not make it the norm. And these rare “ under qualified” people get found out pretty damn quickly.

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    Mute Pixie McMullen
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:41 AM

    1980`s don`t get into a car with a stranger…
    2000`s don`t talk to a stranger on the Internet…
    2020`s let`s hire a stranger on the internet to pick us up in his car…

    Uber is NOT the answer to Ireland`s rural transport problems

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 5:19 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: How is that poem any different for taxi drivers? Uber drivers are Garda vetted and while most taxi drivers are hard working honest people still every second day there is a taxi crime story on the news. Up to the government to enforce safety standards whether Uber or traditional taxis. If taxi drivers were so concerned about passenger safety why aren’t they calling for mandatory dash cam technology. Safety is only raised by taxi drivers when Uber is mentioned and when governments ignore this “safety advice” taxi unions shut down cities because a genuine strike by taxi drivers such as by nurses would simply be ignored with even more calls for Uber

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    Feb 27th 2019, 5:20 PM

    @Pixie McMullen: . I’m all for sustainable wages and decent working conditions but reality will eventually kick in that taxi drivers unions can’t use brute force to stop change.

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    Feb 27th 2019, 5:59 PM

    @Cyril Butler: Unless Uber drivers have PSV licenses they are not garda vetted.

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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:22 PM

    @Joe Bloggs: Thats the point of taxi liberalisation. NCT, full licence and Garda clearance should and will mandatory to drive with Uber. With any system some undesirable drivers and some undesirable passengers in pool sharing will slip through the net. Still safer and more efficient than Dublinbus nitelink. Also dashcams should be mandatory. Ive taken Uber regularly in Capetown one of the most dangerous cities on Earth and never had a problem.

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    Mute Cyril Butler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:23 PM

    @Joe Bloggs: BTW crime, incompetence, rudeness and deception is commonplace with Dublin taxis. I’ve had non taxi drivers pick me up in licenced cars, I’ve had taxis take me the scenic route home from the airport because I wasn’t paying attention (I shouldn’t have to) I’ve had religious nutjob drivers offering to pray to cure my stutter, I’ve had to double pay a driver who took another stranger at the airport the time of the snow which is in itself illegal. I rarely ever use taxis and yet that’s my experience. No point going into town in Dublin anymore. The nightlife economy and all jobs with it strangled because of something which can be easily remedied. Only taxi drivers are shouting safety. Every passenger wants Uber.

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 6:42 PM

    @Cyril Butler: First you said that all Uber drivers were garda vetted, then you said that they ‘should and will be’ vetted; which is it?

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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:49 PM

    @Joe Bloggs: I said no driver will be allowed to carry passengers without being Garda vetted. Apologies if I didn’t make this absolutely clear before, though I thought I did. We don’t have liberalised Uber here yet but when we do, absolutely drivers will be vetted in the exact same way taxi drivers today are. Absolutely no one as arguing otherwise. It’s not difficult to do.

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    Mute Jason Ledwidge
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    Feb 28th 2019, 12:19 AM

    @Cyril Butler: stop talking crap

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    Mute James Fox
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:57 AM

    Taxis in small towns are a law to themselves. Total monopoly. Work when they want. Answer to no one. Leave you standing on the side of the street for hours if they come at all for you.
    This new system would be great i think once it beds down and fine tuned after a few trials.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:17 AM

    I live in a rural area and two pubs had courtesy vehicles a few years back. The people they wanted to use them continued to use the car and people who had been using Taxis opted for a free ride. Some people as you see with the Healy Rea’s are not for changing.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:12 AM

    Uber will come in thru the backdoor as a solution for transport outside of cities and major towns. It is the only solution that will work in rural Ireland but that will be the beginning of the end in Ireland for taxis. In the usa, it has being 5+ years since I got a taxi. Ubers are more plentiful and far cheaper.

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    Mute DavidOReilly
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:20 AM

    @Lar Meyler: Uber in the US has been subject to investigations about how there are covering up sex crimes including rape and kidnapping just to keep the mighty buck rolling in

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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:11 AM

    @DavidOReilly: There may be the odd incident in the MILLIONS of Uber rifes that happen yearly.

    Aside, didn’t a woman get raped by a tax driver last Christmas in BallsBridge?

    https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/woman-raped-in-a-taxi-after-leaving-christmas-party-37622062.html

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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:17 AM

    @Lar Meyler:

    I’ll let others make up their own mind on Uber vs Taxi. Here is my Uber experience

    - Order Uber via App
    - App always shows me loads of Ubers close by
    - Uber trip price confirmed up from in full. I can choose to accept or decline
    - Uber price is typically 50% of equivalent taxi cost
    - Uber arrives within 5 mins
    - Have never had an over charging incident. Simply not possible.

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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:17 PM

    @Lar Meyler: how can people .make up their own mind here. Uber does not operate here. Regarding a driver raping someone in this country. The NTA does not then try to hide it pay buying off the victims

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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:07 PM

    @DavidOReilly: Uber does operate here. Get your facts right, I use then. But they don’t yet operate in a true Uber model. It s just a matter of time though before they dol .

    The $$$ savings in my pocket matter much more to.me than what you highlight about Uber in the USA which hosts millions of Uber rides per year.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:17 AM

    I’ll let others make up their own mind on Uber vs Taxi. Here is my Uber experience

    - Order Uber via App
    - App always shows me loads of Ubers close by
    - Uber trip price confirmed up from in full. I can choose to accept or decline
    - Uber price is typically 50% of equivalent taxi cost
    - Uber arrives within 5 mins
    - Have never had an over charging incident. Simply not possible.

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:13 PM

    @Lar Meyler: and is this based on an Uber being available in Leitrim at 3am, doubtful.

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    Mute Lar Meyler
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:10 PM

    @neuromancer: Yes if what happens in the USA is to go by and there is an actual need. The less the need, the higher the avg fare though. That is how it works, someone has to make money at the end of the day…

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    Mute neuromancer
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    Feb 27th 2019, 9:30 PM

    @Lar Meyler: some people are too cheap to pay for taxi’s.

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    Mute Dave Barrett
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:44 AM

    Bring on the Drone taxi.

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    Mute Joe Bloggs
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:36 AM

    @Dave Barrett: the self-driving car will usher in a golden age of drink driving.

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    Mute Brian Fitzpatrick
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:07 AM

    Just let Uber in

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    Mute Carol Cunningham
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    Feb 27th 2019, 2:42 PM

    Only problem with rural Ireland is that pompous ass who is our minister for transport. The majority of the people disagreed with his new drink driving law but he was a law on to himself. What about a government who represents the people. Two friends got done at 1.30pm the next day after drinking the night before and they would not have been done under the old law: we cannot chew a wine gum now without going over the limit.

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    Mute Mike Rugby Nuts
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:45 AM

    Will someone go to Africa or Caribbean and find out how it’s done properly? Shared Route Taxis.

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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Feb 27th 2019, 8:14 AM

    Or a system whereby the taxi/hackney/ or whatever has a spare driver who will also drive the car owner’s vehicle home if needed.

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    Mute Pius Flynn
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:03 AM

    How stupid are the idiots commenting on here,
    the real problem with these stupid laws is not getting home at night the problem is you can’t go to work in the morning. Village transport service is not going to sort out that.
    These laws need to be changed now.
    All sensible people need to remember this when the next election comes round.

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    Mute James Wallace
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:16 AM

    @Pius Flynn: so you’re saying the laws need to be changed so you personally can drunk drive in the mornings?

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    Mute Tony Stack
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:25 AM

    @Pius Flynn: unless its the weekend and you have no work in the morning.

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    Mute Dave Harris
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    Feb 27th 2019, 10:56 AM

    @Pius Flynn:
    you mean you go to work still hammered? That’s bloody brilliant that is. God help the business you work at
    If you’re still drunk in the morning then that’s your silly fault and you are the only one to blame if you can’t drive, don’t be looking for the government to help you.

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    Mute Pius Flynn
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    Feb 27th 2019, 12:51 PM

    @James Wallace: you are an idiot.
    I don’t drive under the influence of alcohol.
    Having a few drinks at night, having a nights sleep and going about your legitimate business in the morning is not too much to expect. I take it from your stupid comment that you are deluded enough to believe that these new laws are meant to affect road safety.
    Well I can assure you that nothing could be further from the truth.

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    Mute Pius Flynn
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    Feb 27th 2019, 1:11 PM

    @Dave Harris: I don’t go to work hammered as you put it.
    I don’t drive under the influence of alcohol.
    And as for your concern for the business I work in, that business would be mine, and I’ve been running it for 35 years.
    Just because I sometimes like to have a drink at night and still go to work the next morning, it doesn’t, or at least it shouldn’t, make me a criminal.

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    Mute Carol Cunningham
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    Feb 27th 2019, 4:02 PM

    @James Wallace: obviously you do not take a drink but I can assure you that when driving the next morning, even if the alcohol is still in your system, you are sober. Just how many people have caused accidents the next day with alcohol in their blood. They do not show the stats on that!!!

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    Mute Anne Warren
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    Feb 27th 2019, 11:20 PM

    back in the day in Belfast the Falls Road Black taxis showed us how to do it – you paid a bus fare, crammed in and got off at your nearest point on the Falls road.

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    Mute Kieran Gary
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    Feb 27th 2019, 7:14 AM

    If we could get insurance or should I say affordable insurance

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