@JimmyMc: Wow, did I say there weren’t issues? My wife is a nurse, she tells me every day there are issues. There are multiple things that could be done better but we are in an ever evolving situation. I’m not going to go canvassing for Simon Harris after all this but he is managing this as best as he can at this moment in time and the people criticising the HSE, myself included, now have a duty to keep the mouths shut, keep the head down and let them get on with it. We could be in a much worse position than we are now and where we will be in 2 weeks.

@Ricky: Looks like the Twitter bots have been set lose on the Journal now too. Look at #concannonbots for more info. Good to know the government and focusing on fake online praise in this time of crisis.

@Ricky: Simon is the best at the talkin’.

@The Guru: Correct. So bloody obvious as well. It started Paddys night. As soon as the article went up after leos speech, a stack of accounts posted almost instantly with variations of ‘I wouldn’t be leos biggest fan but…’ and ‘I’m not a fine gael voter but….’

It would be hilarious if it were not such a serious time.

@The Risen: And who are you?

You are hiding behind an alias. You’re someone to talk about bot accounts.

@The Risen: Taoiseach brings back communications guru for Covid-19 public campaign
https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/taoiseach-brings-back-communications-guru-for-covid-19-public-campaign-39054064.html

@Ricky: I don’t understand is there any penalties for over 70s or high risk groups who refuse to obey the new life saving laws to protect them if they decline to go into self isolation !

@Ricky: Nice try, but we dont have a government !!! Nor is Varadkar our elected Taoiseach, nor is Regina doherty a Minister for Social protection, she lost her seat she’s technically unemployed.

@Ricky: last year he wanted to fine nurses who were protesting for better pay and conditions after years of underfunding from his Government. You’re clearly a bit fickle.

@Da Vid: and so are the people lapping it all up applauding them for merely doing their jobs.

@Ricky: He needs bots like you to praise him for doing nothing..

@Ricky: Only a bot would say that!

@George Sheils: How do we know that you are who you say you are?

@The Risen: that’s a shinner trick.

@Bobby wilson: I think the real risk of death should be deterrent enough for them.

@George Sheils: Ironic isn’t it? Shinner bots going on about FG bots from behind multiple accounts – this risen fella is/used to be for connolly and still revolution_irl on twitter as far as I can tell. All moany old pro SF bots that do nothing but spit from the ditch in faux outrage. Funny how nobody is really calling for ‘change’ now. Mary Lou and the left (SF aren’t left) know that even if they had the numbers now they wouldn’t be able to get their magic money tree planted.They don’t want government now, they know they’d have to implement some tough budgets in the future so they now want to sit and wait and snipe when the time is right. They are lying to us about wanting a unity government, pretending to want one knowing full well nobody will do business with them. Harris and the gang are doing well listening to the experts and not being afraid to implement measures. Yeah, nothing’s ever going to be perfect, despite what SF propaganda would have us believe.

@Ricky: You’re hilarious. Fg are getting ready for another election and nothing else. You only have to read their bots comments on social media. And here is another one.

@The Guru: Yeah I’m a bot. Sitting at home with no work and down nearly €1500 in wages for the month of April now so I better get onto Leo and the boys with regard to payment for my comment of praise that will change the country. Jesus Christ, Godforbid somebody has a different opinion to you.

@Ricky: It’s an oddity that’s showing up across the world. People are scared and fawning over authority in the hope of protection. Trump’s ratings are up, even among Democrat voters. Bolsonaro in Brazil, ratings up despite vast majority of medical experts in the country telling him they are headed for disaster. FG up here despite the damage they’ve done to our health services over the past decade. Johnson in the UK, ratings up. Italy, Spain…same thing happening. Harris tweeted a message on Friday night, just after Varadkars statement. He attached part of an email from the CMO which stated exactly what the Government needed to do and the Government followed it to the letter. It’s starting to feel like people are elevating Varadkar and Harris to hero status purely because they are capable of following the best advice available to them. They are doing what they are told, just like the vast majority of the rest of us.

@Ruairi Colton: Another what? I don’t give two hoots about any political party or your opinion.

@Derek: that’s fine! But it’s not as simple as that, the health services who will be overwhelmed by over 70s and other high risk groups too when surge happens y! Which will effect the entire population across the state in excessing bed in a emergency!

@The Risen: Oh I’m so very sorry The Risen, do you want me to say something really nice about Mary Lou instead? And I can stroke your hair as well at the same time..?

@Tommy Roche: You are going to get roasted for stating the truth Tommy. The current government are doing well relaying the messages to the people as we move through this crisis but their “supporters” on here are shooting down anyone that speaks the truth just like you did.

@Bobby wilson: Yeah, they’ll probably become a statistic in 2 weeks time.

@Ricky: The mask has just slipped……….

@Ricky: Oh the bots have moved in here now, great…!!

@David Corrigan: Sure anyone with something positive to say are Bots. Are you a Bot like me David? Did you get paid from Leo yet? Still waiting on my payment. I might have to transfer my allegiance to Mary Lou if she can match his offer. All the Bots meeting up on Zoom tonight by the way.

@Da Vid: Yeah, a global Pandemic tends to do that alright.

@Bobby wilson: Good afternoon Bobby. Congratulations on making a comment that doesn’t include “ The Island of Ireland” I’m proud of you Bobby. Well done!!

@Ricky: I can’t tell if you’re deluded or just a troll.

@james dimaggio: I’d like to back that up, indeed everyone on the island of Ireland is proud of you

@Ricky: I just got comfortable giving out about the government and then they go and do an amazing job

@George Sheils: most of ous are:-)

@Ricky: pass me a bucket.. The amount of times ive seen this “I wanted him out before this” nonsense. Wait til the virus dies down and the huge death toll doesn’t transpire and see how happy you are with him then and the country is on its knees and you have nothing cause the govt shut the country down!

@The Risen: You have the processing power of a calculator watch. Basically what you’re saying is that every time there is a major event, lots of accounts post that you don’t recognize and your conclusion is that it’s a government conspiracy to infiltrate a news app.

I only got involved in commenting at the general election but have been reading for years, like most I would have left until the next major event, but I got too caught up in ridiculing morons who spend 40 hours a week as a professional internet idiot. And you still think I’m a bot! Bleep bloop ya nut.

@Sean Fahey: Has the real Sean Fahey not caught up with you yet?

https://www.pepperlaw.com/people/sean-p-fahey/

@The Risen: I’m assuming this is an automated message? Seeing as this twitter account is not used for tweeting, has a fake name and fake picture, this must be a bot, programmed by the IRA to spread its propaganda of free houses and dregs utopia. Sorry, I don’t converse with machines….. ya nut.

@Ricky: bullshite!!!!

@Sean Fahey: SO you’ve stolen somebody’s identity to post on the journal. What a lowlife.

@Bobby wilson: it’s two sides of the same coin. By ignoring the guidelines to remain at home, in turn raising the numbers of elderly who may be infected and need medical care or an ICU bed will due to their own actions face the subsequent lack of resources available to them thus dramatically increase their risk of being another statistic.

@Ricky: Don’t feed the shnnerbots

@Ryan: We’ll have our health Ryan, we’ll have our health (well, most of us will). That’s really all that most people care about really.

@Ricky: Dr from Korea on Asia TV last night said could June/July before things improve. He is the one in the eye of the needle in Korea

@Bobby wilson: What about healthy 70 years old and their mental health living on their own get some one else to pick on. We don’t live in a police statr

@Ricky: I don’t get paid by anyone to speak my mind on here Ricky. There are plenty on here taking payment for spouting nonsense alright. Imagine people to be so thick that they have to get paid to do that kind of work?

@The Risen: I know several people who have joined Twitter during this difficult time,some of whom have different political opinions than myself so I know some of the new Twitter accounts are genuine!
This is a very stressful time and people will reach out to others during this time on social media and I don’t begrudge them that,it’s their way of coping so I welcome them even if they have different opinions!
I think during the weeks and months ahead not only should we play our part in ‘flattening the curve’of spread but we should help others who are reaching out to communicate on Twitter,etc
I am strong enough to still hold my own views and political opinions and I’m never swayed by spin.I like some politicans in all political parties,it’s policies I disagree with.I voted SF in last GE but I don’t mind hearing other people’s views and am well able to debate!!

@Rob Mackey: nice try – but read the constitution – the government remains the government until a new government is elected and ministers remain ministers until new ministers are appointed – or that is my understanding of how the “transition” works – so we do have a government while we await the newly elected TDs to get their act together and elect a new Taoiseach and for the new Taoiseach to appoint new ministers.

@Nuala Mc Namara: http://www.broadsheet.ie/2013/03/07/fine-gaels-frape-room/

@Rob Mackey: Check out Ricky’s account. I think it could be Simon’s staff using bogus accounts to make Simon look good. Following very few with No Follower’s.

@Ricky: I agree and said that also a few times. He does his job really well and steps up as a Health minister. Maybe “it needed a crisis” to really show what capable and competent government we have. As you said, there is nothing to fault right now and I also am very proud to live in this little green country, always have been but this time once again confirmed it. I personally hope they stay in power because what you need is people who step up and act in a crisis! Well done!

@The Risen: Sure,I’ve given that link to others during the years I’ve commented here so fully aware of it!
That doesn’t change the fact that genuine people are joining Twitter etc trying to cope during this difficult time. Its difficult enough to cope with this when you’re well and don’t normally experience anxiety,stress and depression.It is my strong view that is very dangerous to dismiss them as “bots” etc.Some of them might feel reassured that they get regular information and advice and that there is cross party support for corinavirus measures,etc..That helps them cope too.We need to support each other during this time,it’s going to get alot worse over the coming weeks.

@Ricky: This comment is embarrassing, just pure cringe. Harris is out of his depth, do not forget he is reading from a script and getting his instructions from Holohan and co and Fine Gael have recently employed a communications guru. Jesus people in Ireland are so servitude in times of despair. Wake and get a grip man.

@Nuala Mc Namara: cross party support for coronavirus measures, yet behind the scenes FFG are in negotiations to form a government that would exclude other parties from being part of the decision- making process for the next five years. Their increased online activity to take advantage of this crisis is one thing, but their attempted power grab while the public are at their wits end during a public health crisis, is nothing short of disgusting

@Bernard Sweeney: Ok look, the testing centre in Cork was planned to close yesterday, they didn’t close because they ran out of test kits, they ran out of people to test.

Won’t see Mary Lou coming out of hiding and saying what a very well done job done there over the weekend.

@Bernard Sweeney: Are you replying to yourself Bernard?

@JimmyMc: I’d prefer a National Emergency Unity Government with SF included with ALL sections of society represented.Until this is well past it’s peak it won’t be known the full scale of measures needed to deal with the consequences.
We’d have a Government at the start of this pandemic in Ireland if SF had not been excluded by FF/FG!!! Now we have Ministers who have lost their seats both FG & Independents, several weeks later when new Ministers could have been settled in weeks ago.

@Bobby wilson: yes …. death.

@Ricky: I agree, I am from Ireland, but living in Northern Ireland, the UK government has made many major errors, and the NI Executive have been paraylsed with indecision, and are not even testing here, and the death rate from Coronavirus here in NI is three times that of Ireland. Shocking…

@The Risen: says the biggest troll and bot on the journal. But at least your consistently full of $h1¥.

@JimmyMc: da fuq is wrong with you? The public voted and threw up the possibility of fffg reforming. Anyone that can get 81 seats is welcome to form a government, that’s our democracy. You’re just sore that the spoofers in SF won’t be the ones doing it.

@David Corrigan: yes to avoid someone getting an unnecessary email or notification because I responded to them.

@Ricky: you do realise that all Harris is, is a spokesman for the people actually making the decisions. You have to be seriously out of touch to think that any Minister is making any decisions on this. They are being informed as to what to do by the higher ups in the health executive and medical profession. These are the people telling Harris et al what to do…and when yo do it. Not Harris. Not Veradkar. Not anybody. You really need to educate yourself on how government works on a ministerial level. These guys give speeches and yes it must be daunting to be up there giving the speech urging people to get on board with these measures and bear with them…but HARRIS IS MAKING NO DECISIONS HERE. Please understand that. Maybe while you are on lockdown you should try look up episodes of “Yes Minister” and see what actually goes on. Yes it lampoon’s the post of minister in ways but many British MPs who were ministers and saw the series said it was actually too close to the truth for comfort…and the comedy was kind of ironic as it is comedic what the actual public thinks goes on and what does actually go on within the halls of Ministerial power.

@Rob Mackey: actually under the law ministers remain in office until a new government is formed so she is not technically umeployed.

@The Risen: The risen team of orchestrated responders. Richest party in the country paying his team. Only anti government pro Sf. Not as if he’s insightful. Why do SF have to Putin like manipulate the commentary . Nobody gets 500 to 600 ticks unless paid for.
Sinister.

@George Sheils: Track his postings.Five people dying in health service . Is he first up. No.
Just anything to puff up SF and heap derision on the government. Its a power grab if they say something positive.

@JimmyMc: So what . SF employs 200 people . Richest party on the island.

@John Tierney:

@OpinionsMyOwn: ‘ might be’ isn’t good enough. A strict list of essential product manufacturing should be given to government and if it is urgently required then only that production by scaled down work force should continue.

@OpinionsMyOwn: People still will need pacemakers to stay alive. Medtronic makes pacemakers. Should we not continue to look long-term at the needs of healthcare patients?

@M Bowe: Wrong. There are other illnesses, coronavirus didn’t end all other illnesses.

@Aaron O’Leary: where did I mention Covid19 exclusively????

@Willy Mc Entire: Firstly, FF and FG are two different parties. Secondly, where have SF been in all this? Absolute radio silence – when the sh*t hits the fan, I want FG taking care of things cheers

@JedBartlett: couldn’t agree with you more.

@Evan: yes FG are doing a good job. Are they any difference than FF. No they are almost the same. It will be interesting to see who ends paying once the cost to the economy is known.

@Evan: The president of SF did an interview on the six one last week and was also on The Tonight Show being interviewed. Get your facts straight.

@Evan: FF and FG are 2 different parties.
Fair play lad , everybody needs a laugh lol…

@Evan: SF have been continuously advising and calling for lots of policies to deal with this crisis. They are not being broadcast by media and people like you are falling for it. SF proposal to increase the emergency welfare payments was ignored basically by media until FFG were forced to increased it from €203 to € 350..
SF are calling for more strict allocation of ‘ essential’ manufacturing status on companies who are not delivering proper care and well being to their employees instead prioritising profit.
Check out SF online then question the media rather than other way around!!!

@Evan: if they are different parties why a) have they been in government together for the last number of years and
b) how do their politics/policies differ from each other?

Ad far as i can see the main difference is that if the family voted FF youre a FF supporter and if tye family traditionally voted FG they are all FG voters. This doesnt change no matter how poorly their side (of the same coon) perform when in power. It is about tribes not politics and needs to change.

@Evan: I would imagine they have decide to let FG get on with the business of sorting out this mess!
If the intervened muppets like your good self would be running a muck here. So with that Pull your neck in.

@Brian Madden: how about some people men and women with education and some power are getting things done the best they can..trying to save lives..and get us all on one page.knowing in this country it’s a very mixed bag..this is not political this is life or death and the care of health workers and staff in other areas that are doing there best to keep us fed and alive..we all know we have to stay at home..to be safe.but nobody listened and now it’s law..and will be till June maybe.mental health will be effected badly.but we have to be strong and want to live.to stay alive..

@Willy Mc Entire: There one of the same. Everyone can see that!
Only care about power not the people.

@JedBartlett: I think your account is very bogus. I think you could be Simon’s staff using bogus accounts to make Simon look good. Following very few with No Follower’s.

@Evan: Mary Lou,her health spokesperson,all the political party leaders and their health spokespersons, Government and their medical expert advisors and other experts have been meeting regularly every week and there is cross party support for coronavirus pandemic measures!
Pearse Doherty and other political parties has raised concerns over banks making extra payment demands from mortgage holders.
He also was critical of the’ Central Bank’s failure to exercise it’s legal powers and force the insurance companies to start paying out claims ‘businesses are making according to Irish Examiner:’Insurance companies refusal to pay out claims is’deeply cynical’ 24/3/20.
Pearse also wrote to Paschal Donohue’outling proposals to rescue small businesses’
Eoin O Broin has not just giving input re housing and rents but has also been thanked by Simon Coveney re his efforts re getting people stuck abroad home.
Louise O Reilly as health spokesperson has had input along with Mary Lou into the weekly meetings with other party leaders and their health spokespersons, Government and experts.

@Seaniecp: Guards had 0 problem with me doing it these past 3 days, just tell them I’m going for a drive and they let me go saying there is nothing in the guidelines explicitly preventing it and they cannot see an issue.

@Aaron O’Leary: that’s because they haven’t received their instruction on legislation yet so there is little more then a telling off can be done. But I can ensure you it wasnt their instruction to tell you that it’s not an issue.

@Seaniecp: But they have received their instruction. If you have actually seen a Garda, they will hand out the guidelines to you if stopped. They know what you can or can’t do, you’re just making up stuff. Don’t want your family to get infected? Stay inside then, lock your doors, let nobody in.

I can imagine you’re taking the whole family for walks at one time.

@Aaron O’Leary: nope I live with just my partner and am too tired from work to get exercise on the little down time. And know a little bit more then you about what the gardai’s instruction and protocol is on this matter I can safely say . Also I’ve no choice to stay at home.
I think people should listen to the medical experts guidance on this rather than Aaron o Leary of the journal who’s agenda is the preservation of his civil rights at all times at all costs even at the detriment of other peoples health. But take care and please keep other people safe too. Thank you.

@Seaniecp: Oh you’re a guard are you? Since my former roommate is one and my partner is a nurse. I’m sure you know more.

@Seaniecp: Since a Guard said it’s okay for me to drive around within the 2km radius I’m sure it’s okay and since the Health Minister said the 2km radius is perfectly fine I’m sure it’s okay, but yeah I guess a professional liar knows more

@Seaniecp: Infact going for a drive within the 2km is safer than walking, no? Since with walking you cannot prevent social interaction. With a car you are isolated from people. Turn on the brain

@Aaron O’Leary: my cousins friends aunt is a orthopedist. I know loads about that now too…..
I’d say your partner loves coming home from work at them moment wrecked listening to how you feel your civil liberties are at risk.

@Seaniecp: Well I don’t actually give out about them and if you saw any of my other comments, you would know that I was in full support of a lockdown. No need to show your disdain for civil liberties, I’m sure the comments section doesn’t need to here how you get hard at the thought of living under the thumb of someone else.

@Aaron O’Leary: yes I dont dispute that. But sure if everyone is doing that how are the guards to know what peoples trip purposes are and it becomes to hard to regulate. Then some people drive off and go walking somewhere etc which was happening even last night. Dont be so narrow minded .

@Seaniecp: But yes someone lying on theJournal knows more than two frontline workers right now, considering my role involves the public, we actually know what can or cannot be done under the guidelines. :)

@Aaron O’Leary: hahaha good man. Well look we could do this all day. I’ll continue to trust the advices of the experts and hope this all works out and you can continue sit by the red telephone and wait for the call from the powers to be to ask you to bail us out of this crisis with your own ideas.

@Seaniecp: Well talk to the guards then who I have been assured by that I can drive within the radius with no problems. I work with the public and have been told over and over what can and cannot be done, with even slightly stricter measures coming from top down for us :)

@Seaniecp: Yeah do listen to the experts, who have no issue with driving within the 2km radius. Thanks for proving my point.

@Aaron O’Leary: ok I’m lying on the journal…… keep safe there. All the best.

@Aaron O’Leary: link to experts saying there is no issue driving within 2km for non essential purposes please ?
Also 2km qasnt in initial debate about driving here.

@Seaniecp: Type in Ireland lockdown exemptions in Google. We are allowed to travel within 2km of our homes for exercise, which includes driving to a spot within that 2km.

@Aaron O’Leary: no can you provide me with an official link please including ‘which includes driving fo a spot within that 2km’ please

@Seaniecp: I think your account is bogus. I think it could be Simon’s staff using bogus accounts to make Simon look good. Following very few with No Follower’s.

@Aaron O’Leary: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/self-isolation-and-limited-social-interaction.html

You can still go outside to exercise briefly by yourself, but only within 2 kilometres of your home, keeping 2 metres distance from other people.  

@Mark Edwards: cool story bro. I dont use twitter or facebook. I created a twitter so I could take part in journal comments section. But thanks for thinking I’m fake cause you dont agree with me.

@Pauline Fedigan: agree with you.

@Pauline Fedigan: I propose a new health tax of 10 euro a week per person
under 18’ and over 65’s not included ,
Tax every Worker and Ever SOCIAL WELWARE CILENT , for what if that was only say 2 million people that equals 20 million a week , and this tax can be split in 2 , 10 million into health care and 10 million paying off the debt form this ,,
Is it really not as simple as that ,,,