We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
PLANNING ON HEADING to the cinema this weekend?
There are a few new movies out, but which is a must-watch, and are there any you should avoid?
We take a look.
What we know
Jordan Peele’s follow-up to the fantastic Get Out is much anticipated. Don’t watch the trailer if you don’t want to know anything at all – it is crammed with spoilers.
What the critics say
What’s it rated?
What we know
In this film, two teen patients with chronic illnesses fall in love. But is that a good idea? And is this plot a good idea?
What the critics say
What’s it rated?
What we know
The true story of Rudolf Nureyev and his escape to the west is told here, with Ralph Fiennes directing (and starring as a ballet teacher).
What the critics say
What’s it rated?
Which one would you go see first?
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
He said Gardai should treat people with respect it works both ways minister
I wouldn’t bring my wife into a gang of fired up mules either, they’re legends for scorin dolls!!
I know this site like to bash around Ministers but could we avoid stooping to racism?
I reckon his wife knows he’s a @#@#@*** anyway.
How do you find my remark racist?
Your comment was clearly racist. If you can’t see how go look up the meaning of the word.
Orgone, David is paid by Fine Gael to defend its ministers using social media. Don’t pay too much attention to him, maybe he’ll go away
Ah Mike….thats a nasty comment. You can despise Shatter if you want but dont assume that his wife shares your views.
Even if what you say is true, Orgone is still being antisemitic. Way to pick a side dude.
Sean,I’m quite sure his wife can read and reads through forums and newspapers where people make comments on their views .
So unless there is a media blackout she knows exactly what people think of him.
Maybe she decided she didn’t want to go because she knew this was going to happen.
You’ve got it all wrong. Sinn Féin pays its people to come on and accuse me of being paid to post, distracting from their own payments and using up all that Northern Bank money in the process.
Ever wonder why they only pay you guys in Sterling? :P
Clinton
You’re behaving like a plonker. Politicians are fair game but leave their spouses out of it as I pt just makes you look like a degenerate.
Mike
Fora! It’s the plural …..ok?
Love it!
Oh my goodness….me a plonker and a degenerate !!!.
Well coming from the chief twit from twitter and perhaps one of (if not the) biggest muppet (outside this diseased cancer of a government) .
Now go back to your kenny doll and carry on practicing.
a lot of comments missing, the journal stop censoring the people, your sight is losing credibility, its just like another RTE.
So the minister is glad he didn’t bring his wife to a work related function where members of An Garda Síochána refused to applaud him because he is the very man that is trying to issue further cuts to their hard earned wages earnt by working unsociable hours with some of the poorest equipment in Europe! The poor divil anyway!!!
?!?! How has this incident not been highlighted recently? i must have missed this. Jesus how can he be the minister for justice after his wife was arrested for drink driving? This would explain how he has distain for the gardai?
This little court appearance happened just before he was appointed Justice minister (obviously)??
Mammy, they weren’t niiiice to me!
Is this lad for real? I mean seriously, he treats the gardai with contempt in his approach and he expects courtesy and respect in return? What planet is he living on?
Hhhhmmmm. I seem to remember a certain politician messing with his phone while at an audience with the Pope , an Image that was beamed around the world and showed Paddy up as the thick ignoramus.
didn’t hear Shatter complaining about that rudeness , ah well what do you expect
Why not Shatter? The little lady wouldn’t be able for violent protests like 4 mandated members walking out? Explains Varadkar wanting to keep the ladies at home. Shocking stuff altogether! ;)
An audience with The Pope, I love those programmes, have you seen the one with Elton John?
He was wearing her dress instead !
It’s more of the public servant bashing we hear on a daily basis from the blueshirts. If those sergeants are punished for staging a silent protest its a joke and a travesty.
Bring the wife to work they said…. Be grand they said!!!!
What business would his wife have at an AGSI conference?
She was invited. By the organisers.
Free Lunch.
Drink?
My thoughts exactly surely she has no reason to be there
It was date night!
They invited her
Out of courtesy, I doubt she was expected to be in attendance.. also he was short on time so was clearly unable to make the dinner himself.. This is all nothing more than an attempt to erode some of the support for the force
Alan Shatter … your wife would have no reason to attend the conference other than getting a free meal ….. don’t use her as an excuse .. stand up and take it ! .. you knew what you signed up to when you got elected ! Isn’t that the line you are trotting out about the gardai ? Just get on with it !
Listening to his interview this evening he came across as an arrogant man, I can’t imagine him ever having a connection with his electorate so I actually feel for the Garda because I would find it very hard not to kick the fcuk out of him at the negotiating table.
He came across very arrogant, because he is very arrogant. Good call.
I’m glad I didn’t bring my wife to listen to his interview with me. She can’t handle arrogance.
Sorry, am I missing something here? Was the man booed or heckled or pelted with eggs or rotten tomatoes?
Reading news articles, I thought some people just quietly walked out during the speech.
What did he expect, after the cuts he’s made, a standing ovation?
Don’t tell me Mr Shatter is as fragile as his name suggests.
If he’s as thin-skinned as that he’s in the wrong job and just wait till he goes round the doorsteps at the next election!!
Exactly Mary! What did they do wrong? Sitting and listening to Shatter is my idea of hell. I would have done more than just walk out.
Just shows you how disconnected he (and many others in his party) are from reality
If you want respect you should show respect.
Unlike the wives of those present, Shatter’s wife was probably happy enough back in their big house, enjoying his big government wage
This is what he’s worried about! Just proves that these guys are completely out of touch.
Probably best that Mrs. Shatter stayed at home in her ivory tower!!
What a terrible attitude to the “bring your missus to work” day.
You do not get respect, you have to earn it. Shatter and Callanan have not earned it.
I’d argue the decisions he has to make are unavoidable, but my God he needs to find a sense of humility in his approach or he won’t get anyone on board with these cuts.
And if he could refer to Derry properly that would be good too.
i would argue against David,
but you’re right about his utter lack of humility –
Is he trying to piss everybody off?
the cuts to the Garda are pure arseholery
and he is a fool of a politician
You mean as “Slash city”?
I bet the ol bill were pleased she stayed away too. If she’d been there, would she have paid her own way or would we have picked up the tab for that too ???
Applause to the Gardaí that refused to listen to the spin of a minister who has savaged their income . When someone who goes out in the morning and may not come back in the evening – yes it is the job they chose to do – should have the right not to listen to platitudes about how great they and how bad a state the economy is in are when some have to cycle to work because they can’t afford petrol for their car . The best trick the previous government played was to put the private sector to war with the public servants . Political comments have eviscerated the pay scales etc . Yes there needs to a performance related structure in place that is vital across the public sector . As one myself I can’t wait for it to come in I don’t fear it one iota . There are a significant no of hard working public servants that would deservedly merit from this . Hard working individuals have every right to treat their ministerial head with distain for all their platitudes and unfulfilled promises . I hope my colleagues in the IMO ,who have given James Reilly a long honeymoon , will have the balls follow suit for continuing the harney hatchery of the health service in the past 2 years since taking office cutting our income 5 times to date within and without Croke Park thru FEMPI . They have to accept responsibility and backlash their actions incur
Gary get real. We BORROW the money to pay them and have 450,000 unemployed and 100,000 emigrated.
Come on, much of what you say is true but it didn’t take a government to “put the private sector at war with the public servants”. A fair solution needs to be fair to all sides. We can’t afford the PS at the present size and cost. It’s as simple as that. No war, just fact. All that said, I know where I want the cuts to start (Shatter)
You refer to them as if they are parasites on the state as opposed to the educators , protectors and care givers of our citizens . Yes there were many mistakes made in the boom times re bench marking and non performance based pay increments but these individuals have what appear to e good jobs but many are now living in poverty . It’s bad enough having 450000 unemployed and however many more emigrated but its a catastrophic situation when a significant cohort of these public servants in jobs are now forced to compete with those emigrating by looking for an sustainable standard of living elsewhere . I know for a fact that’s happening in my profession and others . Absolutely publi service needs reform and performance related structures out in place and any inertia removed but the vast majority are hard working but their salaries and much talked about pensions did not bankrupt the state the banks did
Censored the above comment was for Liam Treacy’ I am in agreement with what you say for the most part . Yes the PS in a lot of areas is bloated and nos need to come down . Where there are inefficiencies that is due to management ineptitude or incapacity to make changes due to legal or governmental directives . Every parent wants their child taught in a school with a favourable pupil teacher ratio , or adequate SNA resource teaching or enough cops on the beat or local Garda station to remain open or enough nurses in the ward where ones sick relative or enough GPs to deal with your day to day health needs . The issue for many of these public servants is their jobs are no longer viable to meet their day to day . Many had to buy their house 10 years ago . Their slightly more favourable pension is no good to them at present . Already many of these individuals with jobs have to emigrate as opposed to want to which has two effects , one compete with those without jobs who have to emigrate and the other to denude vital public service to the citizens . I know of several long established GPs who have already emigrated and more will follow suit , that’s just my profession . Everyone is suffering , but the public service issues are not as simple as many pundits will have you believe . Bad as things are now there will be a worse manpower crisis here of teachers medical professionals etc because quality of life will be better elsewhere to raise families as grow professionally
Mr Shatter is a very patronising man
Almost as bad as Micky Mc. He tried to screw the Gardai too….didn’t he end up having to resign?
They’re all very patronising.
I suppose they are just so used to patronising one another all the time that they just can’t help themselves when it comes to dealing with the rest of us. It makes me sick to hear them roar and shout and slag and jeer each other every day in the Dail, and then they head out to Europe all dressed up and tippin’ the cap.. All the while oblivious to the suffering they are causing back home. I really hope they get the land of their life one of these days..
I think we need a proper hard lined grizzled veteran no nonsense ex Garda as our minister of justice.
Yea…Luggs Brannigan would be great! He would knock heads together in the negotiations!
With all thats going on, this is what this imbecile comes out with?? Gardai didnt stand up for him or applaud him. This has obviously cut him deep. Same as the you tube video which hurt the poor Commissioners feelings and well, he wasted no time in hunting down those perpetrators. These pair are utterly embarrassing so high in their ivory towers the have completely lost touch with reality and while crime levels soar and the crisis facing Gardai intensifies THIS is what is of concern to this blistering idot. Its mind boggling.
I was at the AGSI conference in Sligo, the Minister came into the conference, he was greeted by every member of the AGSI executive who shook his hand. The acting president addressed him on the concerns and fears of the members of AGSI, the Minister was given the opportunity to make his own speech which he did for over 45 minutes. At the end of the Ministers speech he was thanked for attending the conference by the president and we were informed by the president that the Minister was under pressure for time and had to leave immediately. He was walked from the building to his car by members of the AGSI executive. He didn’t receive applause from the delegates, he entered and exited in silence from the delegates. 4 delegates left the conference very discreetly as the minister began to speak to show their own protest by the proposed cuts to Garda pay!
Adrian this goes to show the AGSI have no balls. All the Ass Licking in the world won’t get them anything from Shatter especially Respect. He is only Laughing at Them.
Plonker !!!
Respect My Authoritaaaah.
She’d have been totally Shattered!
Walking out on the patronising speech of a man who’s actions continue to attack their jobs, welfare, income and families is hardly inappropriate, unless it is too heart-breakingly light a response to his demented attacks on them.
Support the Gardaí, or we’re all in the government firing line next.
If shatters wife needs an alternate Date to these affairs I am available most evenings ??
Would be too upsetting for Marie Antoinette to see how angry those peasants are
Shatter & Callinan out.
Is this a joke! Well boo woo shatter got some resistance to your one sided cuts.
Kenny doesn’t debate anything? Shatter feels sad when people protest, I predict some new laws coming, “always agree and smile with the Govt”
#igiveup
I can think of a better date night.
Respect is a two way street. It is not an entitlement, it is earned, not to be demanded or owed. The arrogance of our public representatives knows no bounds and the sooner the Croke Park II so called deal is voted down the sooner proper, respectful, reasonable negotiations can begin.
What are they disciplining these people for? In relation to what offence? Does anyone know?
This seems bizarre to say the least. I can see a High Court case coming on. This smells a little bit unconstitutional to me. They just walked out of a room, unless there’s something else going on here that hasn’t been reported.
What did he expect a huge round of applause and a thank you minister! Come round to yourself Shatter you clown
Alan upset by the ” Silence of Garda” ahhhhh.
I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a Minister stating that any Union body were “Not courteous or reasonable” when they utilised their right to protest but then, GRA and AGSI are not recognised unions. If four Gardai (who were not working) who walked out of their conference while an ‘invited guest’ was speaking are disciplined, the whole organisation should come together as one and show that they won’t be bullied because at the moment, it is clear that that is what the Commissioner and Minister Shatter are doing at the moment.
Fair enough, she was invited. It’s standard common courtesy to do so.
But his using her in the context of his interview today was absolutely pathetic.
What did he expect !!! Bell end !
I think he’s just trying to put himself in a good light . Trying to make out that he’s such a gentleman compared with the others who attended the dinner .
I think he should “get real ” .
This is not Downton Abbey !
Ooh mumsy, the big bad guards don’t play nice!
Oh Jesus Alan. Who in their right mind would pity you and yours given your tactics? You’re a bullshitter and its a long way down from your pedestal boy. Your wife deserved to see you talk down to the people who stand their posts and risk their lives.
They are all desperate for the place of Tool #1 in the government… Himself and Quinn are neck and neck at this stage! Where is that troll lad reginold with some random useless info about nothing? Doesn’t he comment on everything!
He will have plenty to winge about after the next election when he follows the Kerry bull and and hard man dermot into oblivion
And yet Red C says no….
I hope the Gardai stand firmly behind their colleagues and show that condescending fart that mean business.
What did the muooet expect warms hugs. He is destroying the force. Does he also want a pat on the back.
Goverment ministers are starting to get heat and they are not likinh it.
She is living in a carlsberg world with the troll
cuts? hes looking for cuts is he?im sure theres no shortage of people who would like accommadate him
Minister shatter . You are lettin yourself down and whatever good you think you have done in your political life has being erased due to your actions since being appointed minister of justice . and ex – minister Nora Owen should really just get her facts right before she makes any more statements on the Gardai
. It certainly shows to me that Fine Gael really don’t give a damn about Gardai or in fighting crime . Shame on them
wonder why she decided not to go.. probably didn’t fancy the menu
I pity the poor Gardai driver having to bring sharter home after the conference I wonder what the conversation was about
an embarassment of a minister in a long list of embarassing fg/lab government misisters… justifies the closing of garda stations by saying he even closed the one in his election area, there again not everybody has their own garda 24 hours outside their front door,,,that man or woman deserves a medal to have to protect such an arrogant minister who looks down on the force …then uses his position to discipline people who walk out on a speech.So much for a democratic society. whats next disciple the rest of the delegates for not giving him a standing ovation.Took FG ministers just 2 years to display the arrogance that FF ministers displayed during their long tenure in government.Roll on next election get rid of them and give their biggest fears a chance SF.
Cry baby!!
Justice and defense minister all rolled into one. Our little country is the only country in the world bar North Korea where such a set up exists..scary
What a plonker!
and again the way they try to get to us is to make us feel guilty. Like we are embarrassing ourselves. And an embarrassment to Europe. Bit too late for that I’m already numb!
could imagine the breakfast table in his house if the wife joined the garda and walked out woman deserves our sympathy for having to live with an arrogant condesending ass
Well done you 4 brave lads. Don’t take any shit from the Appointed Assistant Commissioner you face Tomorrow he/she is just another Shatter Lackey and will not get any Respect from the Irish People if There is any Sanction taken against ye. Fight the good Fight for all Gardai and the Decent People Of Ireland. Respect to you all.
Don’t disagree, John.
am sure he is a barrel of laughs at weddings when asked to give a speech
Anyone know what sentence she got for drunk driving ? Or did she swap seats with him?
Shatter is rich and entitled, the main weakness in his type is that they believe they are smarter than everyone else, his weakness is now being highlighted in the public domain. A family law solicitor does not have the experience required for the job of Minister for Justice no more than a teacher has the experience required for Taoiseach, the lack of experience coupled with arrogance is a dangerous mix
Boo hoo poor thing. He must be shattered.
Think she stayed out in the car outside the conference because she was just “waiting for a mate”
This is an old solicitor trick to look behind you and pretend that the crowd are spurring you on to reveal the scandal..ie the insult felt. Playing to a larger audience now though who can see the ‘act’ for what it is.. Backfired badly.
I cannot understand how Alan Shatter or any TD or Senator can flaunt their spouse at any function in these days of austerity packages and cut backs.
Lads, I think the Gardai have hurt Alan Shatter’s feelings by not clapping his speech……He’s glad his wife wasn’t there to witness it……………….playground politics……..hope his mammy gave him a clean hanky before he went and made sure he had washed his hands!
‘they’ mean business
i applause the garda that walked out,, at least that is all they did,, shatter has closed his own door for the next election one less fg liar to take out, and if we are a free country with free speech and now these guys up on remand,, its a disgrace,, if you dont agree get out is the fg and labor motto,, no hope for anyone standing up to them not even their own ministers are allowed an opinion,, think the government need robots to sit and listen to them and their bad ideas, as anyone with half a brain would have a comment to make about these austerity cutbacks,,, now if a few of our ministers would get a bit of back bone and say enough maybe just maybe they may get treated with respect from the irish,, but oops would get the boot to silly me
Only a gobsh:te would say that
He could talk for Ireland. When he is being interviewed ,the whole time is taken up by him in his :I am always right: tone.The interviewee cannot get a word or question in.I always think, why are you having him on. He likes the noise his mouth makes.I note from the above comments ,how popular he is NOT. His wife got a bargain.She’s welcome.
She was invited to a work dinner. Hardly unprecedented.
Grow a set ,Shatter. Your the boss , take the flak and shut up crying. Your bird has no right going with you on official business , get professional , wise up , work with the Garda not against them ya muppet!!!!
The minister for ?
A genuine case of Napoleon Syndrome. Shameful Shatter is now embarrassing his wife by hiding behind her. Very poor indeed! This story is only beginning.
The Garda that walked out might have needed to just go to the toilet…probably to empty the bullshit from his ears.
The bare faced cheek of him he’s lucky all they did was walk out
Aw .. poor Alan .. mommy’ll get you a plaster!!
Kevin Shaw how do you know that.
Bullshatter!
Gardai and AGSI are trying to bully the minister and the rest of the country. They keep saying they represent their members. They blew the negotiations and are trying to blame the other side. The minister represents an elected government with a massive majority. We’ve all read about the scandalous allowances that were secret for so long! We know about the Garda scandals. We know about the report done by the US police chief Kelly.
There are 450,000 unemployed and 100,000 emigrated. My son, recently redundant has to wait 3 months to get benefits because his p45 was messed up by a bust employer. The Gardai have it good and now paid for by borrowings we will never see the end of.
You think the Guards have it great. Are you serious. PS. Not the Guards fault the P45 went missing.
1. Gardai were never involved in talks to begin with.
2. Allowances were never kept secret and were giving instead of increases to core pay as it is easier to remove an “allowance” than core pay.
3. 13000 individuals in the force so theres bound to b one or two bad apples
4. Your young lad is claiming the dole? Isnt the tax payer forking out for that two? Dont the Gardai pay tax?
Everyone on state pay or benefits are beneficiaries of funds paid by non state taxpayers! There is no money! did i say the guards have it great? NO. they have it a lot better than most. they get paid!
A lot are arrogant and ill mannered not just a few. The force have let themselves down badly here. A lot of public dismay among the people i speak to. The Claire Daly issues have also shocked people in addition to Donegal and many other scandals in recent years.
Every Minister in recent times has been berated by the guards. Governments have capitulated and increased numbers when what was needed was reform and management. Can’t do it now as the Troika adults are in charge!
All ministers were elected and appointed by government and deserve to be treated with respect. Especially when they speak openly and honestly. Mr Shatter has a direct style we need more of……
Were allowances subject to tax?
Hell of a lot of guards posting here.
What do you work at Harry ?
Arrogant Pratt! Hopefully others will do the same to this shameless bunch of self servers. This Government are so arrogant and condescending and so out of touch it’s unbelievable.
policing is about respect and not anger and imtimidation and being a bully. the gardai have failed their country, its people and want to dictate.,In saying this im marked .
You have proof of this, of course.
have your say