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The next big test for this government is Budget 2021. RollingNews.ie

'Try again. Fail again. Fail better': The mantra of the FF-FG-Green government 100 days in

One thing is for sure, this government needs a win.

“TRY AGAIN. FAIL Again. Fail Better” – a quote from Samuel Beckett that this government appears to have adopted as its mantra. 

At the beginning of August, the Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe nearly got taken out by a giant speaker falling over at an event.

An “alarmingly accurate visual metaphor” for the coalition so far, as one journalist put it.

The new government was only five weeks in the job, and it had already been forced to overcome a series of crises and gaffes.

This government couldn’t hit any more speed bumps, could it?

But little did anyone know then there was plenty more lying in wait – and many of it self-inflicted. 

The government’s first major test was one that led to the loss of its first minister.

Agriculture Minister Barry Cowen had received a fine and a ban for drink-driving while holding a provisional licence. It emerged that a Garda Pulse record suggested he had tried to avoid the checkpoint.

Cowen strongly denied this, showing the Taoiseach the garda record he was disputing.

The Taoiseach told him that he would have to face more questions in the Dáil.

Cowen refused. Martin then sacked him.

Losing a minister so early on – nothing could top that? But of course, the only thing that could top that is losing another.

No sooner had Cowen been fired, speculation moved to who would replace him.

The obvious choice was Mayo’s Dara Calleary – he’d been snubbed for a top job by Martin (another issue which caused a headache early on) so this was an opportunity to right what some people perceived to be a wrong. 

Golfgate

But then a little thing called Golfgate happened. 

At the end of August, there was public fury over revelations that around 80 guests, including serving and former politicians, attended a golf dinner in a Co Galway hotel just a day after the government had announced strict new measures.

Fianna Fáil’s Dara Calleary – who sat at the Cabinet table as the new measures were decided – was forced to resign his position as Agriculture Minister after he attended the function.

Fine Gael Senator Jerry Buttimer also quit his role as deputy chairman of the Seanad. Six serving senators – three each from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, including Buttimer – were thrown out of their parliamentary parties.

After days of speculation about his role, and a number of media interviews, Fine Gael’s Phil Hogan was also forced to step down as EU Trade Commissioner.

A report was compiled into the attendance of former Attorney General Seamus Woulfe at the event, but he escaped this week with just a slap on the wrist.

file-photo-the-report-by-ms-justice-susan-denham-has-found-that-the-resignation-of-supreme-court-judge-seamus-woulfe-would-be-disproportionate-following-his-attendance-at-the-infamous-golfgate-d Supreme Court judge Seamus Woulfe with former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan. Leah Farrell Leah Farrell

Golfgate resulted in the Dáil being recalled early from the summer break. It was by far the biggest scandal of this government and the one that did most damage in terms of public support.

Pubs, the Leaving Cert and the Living with Covid plan

When the new Dáil term came around last month, it seemed it would be a perfect time to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. But alas, no.

Getting pubs reopened was the next big hurdle for the government, in light of Ireland being the only country in Europe where pubs still remained closed, something the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar seemed keen to highlight early on in the new term.

The new Covid roadmap for living with the virus, as well as the Leaving Cert, all items top of the agenda that this government were anxious would go well. 

When the new levels were revealed in the roadmap there was widespread criticism of the communication of the plan. Questions were raised about why Dublin was being placed on Level 2.5, with pubs not serving food remaining closed.

Nonetheless, after much of September was dominated by publicans lobbying for a reopening date, they were allowed open their doors again on 21 September. 

The government’s big unveiling of the plan was overshadowed though when the Health Minister Stephen Donnelly had to be tested for Covid-19.

NO FEE GIS COVID RESILIENCE  NATIONAL RECOVERY PLAN JB13 Rollingnews.ie Rollingnews.ie

The minister tested negative, but the handling of the situation, was also fodder to the opposition. The knee-jerk reaction to suspend the Dáil and instructions for the whole Cabinet to restrict their movements played back into the idea of golfgate, that there is one rule for one class of people, and another for the normal folk.

The Leaving Cert seemed to be the government’s one saving grace.

Unlike other jurisdictions, our calculated grades system appeared to go off without a hitch. That all came undone this week when it was revealed that an error in the code used to calculate the grade was detected, resulting in 6,500 students getting the wrong grades.

More gaffes

There are other controversies that have tripped this government up along the way. 

These include the pay of three super junior ministers in government, followed on with the government’s decision to hire more advisers for ministers for state in the middle of a pandemic. This decision was made in the same week there was a cut to the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).

There was also that time Eamon Ryan fell asleep in the Dáil. A vote was taking place, and the Green Party leader had to be awoken from his snooze.

Another own goal for the government was the disastrous handling of changes to the PUP. After backlash, the government decided to allow reverse a decision, and allow people receiving PUP to go on holidays to green list countries without losing their weekly payment.

There was that time Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan voted against a government bill on extending the rent freeze and eviction ban. 

Junior Minister Joe O’Brien abstained. They both lost the party whip.

More recently, there was the dog’s dinner of former Minister of State Michael D’Arcy jumping ship to join a funding group, all the while failing to check with the ethics watchdog that it was all above board.

100 days of government

Yes, the gaffes just kept on coming. But maybe 100 days of the new government is a good time to take stock. 

It’s not all bad, government sources will argue. Much has been achieved, they say.

This government enacted 13 Bills in the first 100 days of Government.

They rolled out the July Jobs Stimulus of €4 billion of direct expenditure, €1 billion of taxation measures to support businesses as well as €2 billion in credit guarantees.

In July, the first North-South Ministerial Council was held in more than three years.

The big one: Schools re-opened.

On the Brexit front: A mixed bag. Matters have definitely deteriorated in terms of relations with the UK and Boris Johnson. This is due to the UK Prime Minister undermining of an international agreement. However, the Irish government has rallied, getting support from the EU and US. 

Yes, the Living with Covid plan got off to a bumpy start, but they did promise to deliver it, and they did.

The €600 million Winter Plan was also launched which will provide more health service capacity as we head into uncertain times. 

The government also approved the heads of the Climate Action Bill – something the Green Party promised would be done in the first 100 days.

Ministers admit there has been a lot of bad press, much of it self inflicted. But this government will last – that is one thing they are clear on.

However, one issue is glaring. It was the biggest issue in the election, and despite the pandemic, hasn’t gone away. Housing. 

It was easy fodder for Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald this week, when she asked the Taoiseach in the Dáil: Where is the housing plan?

Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said the roadmap for social, public and private house building would be published in September.

With Fianna Fáil making big promises in the election to deliver on housing it is something they have to get right. Any further delays will only compound the criticisms.

With the long list of own goals, slip ups and gaffes, there is one thing for certain – this government needs a win.

Could that win be on housing? No pressure Minister O’Brien.

 

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    Mute longstrides
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:32 AM

    5th of June 2020. Tanaiste Varadkar stated that ‘summer is not lost’. Maybe not pal, but you’ve thrown winter to the wolves. Time for electorate to each be issued 1 pencil, sharpened, and a snap election.
    No need for canvassing. Ye can do it from home.

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    Mute Mickety Dee
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    Oct 4th 2020, 11:15 AM

    @longstrides: Another election is the last thing we need now

    14
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    Mute Cynical
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:25 PM

    @longstrides: Possibly the worst time ever for an election.

    Get through the winter and if you still feel the same way, revive it next summer.

    There really is nothing any-other group of people will be able to do differently than we are doing right now.

    7
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    Mute Sean O' Donovan
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:42 AM

    Winning at robbing, conning and making jobs for the boyz.

    290
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    Mute Keith O'Reilly
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:16 AM

    They won’t get a win because they’re useless. Of course anyone who didn’t vote for FF or FG could have told you that ages ago! I’m just ashamed I was suckered by the Greens this time. Never again.

    354
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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Oct 4th 2020, 8:02 AM

    @Keith O’Reilly: the greens are appaling.

    190
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    Mute tirnanog1979
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:18 AM

    Varadkar went on a solo run with his last address to the nation. Going against alot of what NPHET were recommended in their original road map. If the nation thinks we would be at a better place with the movie quoting King. I give up

    178
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    Mute Patrick O Connell
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:35 AM

    @tirnanog1979: who would we be better with???

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    Mute Eugene Conroy
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:48 AM

    @Patrick O Connell: MLMcD

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    Mute James Brown
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:59 AM

    @Eugene Conroy: Why?

    13
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    Mute Marty Lawless
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    Oct 4th 2020, 10:18 AM

    @Patrick O Connell: Dustin the turkey

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    Mute Mike O Brien
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    Oct 4th 2020, 4:34 PM

    @tirnanog1979: and now he is self isolating on his full pay working very hard on the twit machine making himself look good as usual what a joke.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:27 AM

    F.G are are supposed to be part of this government. Not including the undermining of the part time Taoiseacht Michael Martin by his own party and Vareakra running rings around him. The promised land of Taoiseacht has proven Martin is not up to the job. The FFG / Green circus continues.

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    Mute Mickety Dee
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    Oct 4th 2020, 11:16 AM

    @Donal Desmond: Vareakra must be running rings around you too

    6
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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Oct 4th 2020, 2:43 PM

    @Mickety Dee: FG have certainly being running rings around the people included myself for years. Varadkar seems to forget he and his cohorts are part of this circus of a government. Varadkar after losing the election still made Martin go cap in hand to him to form a government. Now That’s the future part time Taoiseacht Leo Varadkar running rings around the present part time Taoiseacht Michael Martin.

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    Mute Paul Mc
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:55 AM

    I’m no fan of Fine Gael or Fianna Fail but the Cork man who had money resting in his wife’s bank account is being played like a fiddle!

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    Mute Mary Nugent
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:49 AM

    @Paul Mc: Nero looks good now.

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    Mute longstrides
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    Oct 4th 2020, 3:07 AM

    @Paul Mc: he’s no Jack Lynch. Even his own grassroots membership can’t stand him. Even though he’s probably a nice man, and all.

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    Mute Berkieahern3
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    Oct 4th 2020, 9:39 AM

    @Paul Mc: that developers money was accidentaly lodged into that bank account as well you know. I mean who hasn’t had money from a builder lodged into there account accidentaly, it happens me daily.

    33
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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Oct 4th 2020, 4:50 PM

    @longstrides: One of the Biggest State Spongers ever.
    A Fake

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    Mute Stephen Gaffney
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:12 AM

    And I wouldn’t be fond of the drink, but when I’d go at it, I’d go at it awful and very hard, I do have about 45 pints in about ah two hours, I’d have a packet of crips in and maybe an auld packet of peanuts, and I’d go for probably, I’d have ten more anyway, and then get up the following morning and Maureen would have the fry on and I’d go at it agin, and therell be no shtopping me I’ll take the shirt off any mans back.

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    Mute John Considine
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:27 AM

    @Stephen Gaffney: Stephen, this is a professional publication, you are required to quote your sources. Honestly, I wouldn’t have cared but you left out the best bit, at the end. Have a listen folks…

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkcXjholnGk

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    Mute Stephen Gaffney
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:09 AM

    @John Considine: I’m banned from posting links

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    Mute John Considine
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:35 AM

    @Stephen Gaffney: Is that a new account thing?

    It’s no excuse anyway though. The “Basterds!” at the end is what makes that whole clip. You simply have to accept that you misled the public on this one. I’ll expect your new, new account in the morning…

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    Mute Stephen Gaffney
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:54 AM

    @John Considine: I don’t condone the use of language. I find it offensive. I cursed once. Well about 45 times in 2 hours. And I’ll do it agen

    23
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    Mute ojjo
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:57 AM

    Don’t forget also… the day the PUP payment rates were drastically reduced by approx €50 per week was on the same day TD’s received a 2%pay rise on their existing €96,189 salary and Senators a 2% increase on their €68,111 (plus expenses and pension) salary. This rate increases with additional duties within the Seanad Micheal Martin still earns €1,500 more than Varadkar did as Taoiseach, despite a 10% pay cut.

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    Mute Stephen Kearon
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    Oct 4th 2020, 2:45 PM

    @ojjo: ALL 300k+ public servants received 2% pay restoration, not just 160 TDs.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Oct 4th 2020, 3:21 PM

    @Stephen Kearon: But public servants do not have Vouched and Unvouched expences. One thing that the part time Taoiseacht Michael Martin is positive on is the amount of U Turns he will do.

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    Mute Joe Farrelly
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    Oct 4th 2020, 3:49 PM

    @ojjo: All the Civil Servants got an increase that day as well, I’m fed up of the hysteria and whingeing that goes on every time Politicians get a pay rise, plus the usual posturing and nonsense from Sinn Fein saying they won’t take it, who cares if they do or don’t.

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    Mute John Considine
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:23 AM

    Schools and Colleges at the same time will probably be what undoes them in the end. Schools they had to do, in terms of economic impact it’s genuinely massive, but colleges they did for the big business apartment landlords and it does seem to have been too much, too soon.

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    Mute Mary Nugent
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:50 AM

    @John Considine: alot of lost revenue there.

    21
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    Mute ed o brien
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    Oct 4th 2020, 10:09 AM

    @John Considine: Most colleges are doing lectures online with limited campus activities.
    Plus, what is the point in secondary level education opening up without a functioning college system also opening.
    It’s not like there is an abundance of jobs out there for school leavers.

    Ridiculous comment!

    9
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    Mute Mos
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:10 AM

    Not long to go now after that week MM on the slippery slope, Leo waiting in the wings again, Eamon pushing for the impossible, some Bannana Republics are run better.

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    Mute Roberto Amling
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:31 AM

    Groundhog day with the shepples following.

    72
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    Mute David cotter
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:55 AM

    Poor old mehole…they have absolute contempt for him …especially his own
    It’s sad really ..he’s been found out to be absolutely dreadful reminds me of the Cowan years and this will go same way as that farce

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    Mute longstrides
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    Oct 4th 2020, 12:43 PM

    @David cotter: Brian Cowen held the esteem of his Parliamentary Party and his party membership. Not so MM.

    Even Michael Moynihan, (Cork FF T.D) 19 year old daughter in Cork told her class and substitute teacher that she wouldn’t psis on him if he was on fire.

    8
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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:54 AM

    They would be a comedy like the goons only for times are getting serious, financial meltdown, covid,brexit, understaffed hospitals,homelessness, etc

    57
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    Mute Cupid Stunt
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    Oct 4th 2020, 6:23 AM

    Meanwhile Sin Fein lurks in the shadows waiting for its opportunity to pounce.

    32
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    Mute Patrick O Connell
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    Oct 4th 2020, 7:37 AM

    @Cupid Stunt: hiding more like, haven’t been seen in 6 month s

    35
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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Oct 4th 2020, 8:06 AM

    @Patrick O Connell: really? Have you been living in a cave with no signal?

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Oct 4th 2020, 9:02 AM

    @Patrick O Connell:
    Now would that be wishful thinking on your behalf?

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    Mute Karen Delaney
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    Oct 4th 2020, 5:56 AM

    Sack the lot of them. Put Tony Holohan in charge. He’s the only grown up available

    20
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    Mute Bill
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    Oct 4th 2020, 6:13 AM

    @Karen Delaney: and you’re actually serious which is the worrying thing. Sweet Jesus!

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    Mute Tom Bombdadil
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    Oct 4th 2020, 10:32 AM

    @Karen Delaney: back to bed, and turn off RTE, the cervical cancer issue isn’t forgotten.

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    Mute Toon Army
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    Oct 4th 2020, 11:09 AM

    @Bill: In fairness just shows what people think on who is actually running the country these days. It’s NPHET!

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    Mute Maria Quinn
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    Oct 4th 2020, 9:37 AM

    The missed opportunity to end with the Housing Crisis, a Humanitarian Disaster in this Land pre-Covid times.
    They only have to do the same that in Spain, leave in the hands of tenants begin or not a new period ( part 4) Few days ago Spain announced the first time extension for it, end January.
    Here only needed it up to Christmas day, because it’s when the planned two years relief began. It was planned 4 years ago to not disappoint landlords
    That means 4 years ago the government had the chance to reduce the drama of families, unable to afford the rents with the minimum wages.
    This coalition government will be remembered for the missing the opportunity to secure a home to stay during an unprecedented global pandemic.

    The government has missed the opportunity to write their names in gold ink on the History. They chose to write their names in blood ink. God help them

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    Mute Fran O'Keeffe
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    Oct 4th 2020, 10:23 AM

    Why are SF and others not calling for an election wait till the budget working man tax tax tax.

    9
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    Mute marshall staxx
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    Oct 4th 2020, 11:45 AM

    @Fran O’Keeffe: waiting for the dung to properly hit.

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    Mute Ernie Gallagher
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    Oct 4th 2020, 1:39 PM

    It’s stunning how many people quoting this Beckett line have clearly never read the original. There’s little resemblance.

    2
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