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Politicians 'have an obligation to give the people of Ireland a choice', according to the former Minister. Johnny Bambury 2025

Fianna Fáil 'should be running a candidate' says wannabe candidate Mary Hanafin

There was also a divisive debate on extending the presidential vote to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland at the MacGill Summer School.

“IT’S AN INSULT to the office of president, if you’re willing to run for everything, but you won’t run for the office of president.”

Former Fianna Fáil Minister Mary Hanafin spoke about her party’s lack of candidate at the MacGill Summer School on Saturday night.

“I firmly believe that the largest party of the country, which is the largest at local level, largest at national level, largest in Europe, should be running a candidate.”

Last month, she said she “would happily” contest the presidential election but added that was ultimately up to Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin. 

“You have an obligation to give the people of Ireland a choice. It is the politicians who give you that choice.

“It’s the people who elect the president at the end of the day. But you can only do it out of the ballot paper of candidates,” she said.

Two-time presidential candidate Sean Gallagher, who contested the 2011 and 2018 elections, joined Hanafin on the panel discussing the upcoming election.

There was also an impromptu appearance from the audience by Colum Eastwood, a nationalist MP in Northern Ireland who is “considering” becoming a presidential candidate. 

It was suggested last month that Eastwood, who was party leader of SDLP up to 2024, could also be a possible Fianna Fáil candidate due to links between the two parties. 

But when The Journal asked Eastwood about this, he said “there’s been nothing from the leadership of Fianna Fáil”.

“I obviously spoke to people within Fianna Fáil and the Labour party, and outside of those political parties, who have asked me to consider it and that’s what I’m doing.”

‘Not enough understanding’ to extend vote 

The two potential candidates differed on their views of opening up the vote to Irish citizens who are residents of Northern Ireland. 

Only Irish citizens who are residents of Ireland can currently vote in the presidential election.

When asked if this should be extended, Hanafin said “not yet and not in isolation”.

“There’s not enough understanding between communities within Northern Ireland and North-South.

“When you look last week, you look at the effigies, you look at the bonfires, you realise there’s still a journey to go before we get any kind of real understanding and real political understanding.”

This view was contested by an audience member who said “it is a little bit hurtful as an Irish person from the North to hear Mary cite bonfires last week as a reason why I should not have a vote. That’s nonsense. 

“There are many people like me who are Irish, who have only ever been Irish, that live in the North who would like to have a say.”

In response, Hanafin said: “My point was there needs to be a greater understanding of the shared island before we get that far.”

Eastwood told The Journal he agreed that “there isn’t enough understanding” and said “that is something that the next president should be focused on”.

“But that doesn’t mean we should be denying the opportunity to vote for people in the North. 

“I think it would be a very positive thing actually if Irish citizens living across the border… were able to play their part in this election.” 

The Journal / YouTube

To progress this, Hanafin said that there was “huge scope for extending cooperation” and by doing this, it would “help to break down boundaries”. She cited North-South bodies already in operation such as Tourism Ireland. 

Former candidate Gallagher said that the “connectivity between the diaspora and Ireland… is totally untapped”. He added: 

“I don’t think it needs to be a vote, but I do think there needs to be a reach out and an embracement of the diaspora.”

Gallagher not standing for election again 

When asked if he was going to stand for the presidential election for a third time, Gallagher said: “No is the answer. Not because I have any fear but because my life has moved on. My time was my time.”

The former Dragons’ Den panellist had already said earlier this week that he would not be running. 

Mentioning Trump, he joked: “It’s not lost on me what I was trying to do in 2011.

“That 14 years later, one of the greatest challenges the country has is from a president who is an entrepreneur, a TV personality and in real estate – the three things that I was at the time.”

Gallagher predicted that “social media, and now AI, is going to be a deciding factor this election”. 

In 2011, a false tweet linking Gallagher to Fianna Fáil was read out by present Pat Kenny during the last debate of the campaign on RTÉ’s Frontline programme.

“I can say that I was, most likely, the first victim of fake news in a presidential campaign,” he said.

Mentioning the case he subsequently took against RTÉ, he said that every single election since will be governed by “RTÉ guidelines that did not exist” before this. 

This case resulted in the public broadcaster apologising and paying, what was reported as ‘substantial damages’, in settlement. 

2ceb5502-5f46-4d1e-b7f3-746b32516c4b Sean Gallagher said social media is going to be a decided factor in the presidential election. Johnny Bambury 2025 Johnny Bambury 2025

‘A vicious campaign’

Social media was raised a number of times during the night’s discussion. 

Hanafin said that having contested an election before, “hardens you” for the presidential campaign. 

But added: “Unfortunately, what you can’t do is harden yourself against social media.”

Hanafin said she doesn’t look at social media but gets people to track it for her “to see if there’s something that needs to be answered”. 

“The only thing you can do in a campaign like this is to keep a million miles away from it and let your loyal team of supporters take the abuse on your behalf.” 

She said the difference between general elections, with hundreds of candidates, and presidential elections, with a handful, is that there is more time to focus on one person.

“It’s like 10 green bottles, except instead of getting them to fall, they just shoot them – one after the other – to see who’s the last person standing.”

“It is a vicious campaign.

“If I was lucky enough to be standing, I would love to win. I actually wouldn’t mind losing if I kept my reputation.”

She said that the mainstream media “have a really important obligation to make sure that the campaigns are professionally, efficiently and respectfully run”.

Why run?  

So why would anyone put themselves through such a grueling election, asked host of the discussion journalist Dearbhail McDonald.

There are three basic motivations that drive people, according to Ian Robertson, emeritus professor of psychology at Trinity College – to be liked, for achievement and power.

“You need strong values – you need to be compelled by something that is bigger than yourself. You need to have an appetite for power,” he said.

“You maybe don’t need to be liked too much. Needing to be liked can be a terrible impediment for being effective.” 

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41 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mary Hinge
    Favourite Mary Hinge
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:35 PM

    Apparently Microsoft have contacted all five users of internet explorer to warn them…

    489
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    Mute Tom Keating
    Favourite Tom Keating
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    Apr 28th 2014, 8:03 PM

    If it was only that simple, 25% of the world browser users use IE versions 6 to 11, so this is a big deal and a big impact.

    37
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    Mute Anthony Byrne
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    Apr 29th 2014, 6:58 AM

    The usual hype. Its not like ‘all of a sudden’ there is a security flaw in IE version x y or z. There have been countless flaws in every version since for ever. Let there be no panic, no ‘serious problems’.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Were Jammin
    Favourite Were Jammin
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:53 PM

    A quick workaround for XP users still using IE.

    1. Install chrome or firefox

    2. Slap yourself for not ditching IE sooner.

    389
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pedro
    Favourite Pedro
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:44 PM

    Windows 8 fails to hit expected targets.

    Microsoft ends support for XP.

    Shortly after, “massive” security issue found in IE.

    Microsoft state that they will be issuing a patch to fix the security issue however XP users will be left vulnerable.

    All seems a bit too convenient to me..

    243
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    Mute SilentFugitive
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    Apr 28th 2014, 8:18 PM

    You have my vote Pedro.

    36
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    Mute Ali Fortune
    Favourite Ali Fortune
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:33 PM

    People still use IE?

    155
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    Mute Pedro
    Favourite Pedro
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:45 PM

    Bank of Ireland’s Business Online tool only works with IE.

    115
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    Mute Tony Canning
    Favourite Tony Canning
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:48 PM

    The most recent IE is actually good.

    52
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    Mute ƒR()§†H@X
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:34 PM

    Apparently nearly 1 in 10 users still use it
    http://www.w3schools.com/browsers/browsers_stats.asp

    20
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    Mute Ian Mac Eochagáin
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:35 PM

    Our production system at work only works with IE, and version 9 at that.

    29
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    Mute Joe Brennan
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    Apr 28th 2014, 8:00 PM

    It’s closer to 1 in 5 that still use IE. The stats you posted are only for users of the w3 schools site who would generally be more tech savvy

    10
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    Mute B9xiRspG
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    Apr 28th 2014, 9:38 PM

    If software is written that only works on IE then it’s bad development and laziness on the coder part

    17
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    Mute Virtual Architect
    Favourite Virtual Architect
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    Apr 29th 2014, 12:50 AM

    I stopped using BOIs business internet service because it was so appalling. I have to go to a bank machine or make a phone call to find out my bank balance. As for internet explorer- it is only used by people who don’t know much about security.

    4
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    Mute Dave Davis
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    Apr 29th 2014, 3:55 AM

    Agreed. Bank of Ireland Business On Line is the most atrocious app online. It’s an absolute embarrassment and breaks every usability standard in existence. It looks and acts like it was whipped up in a 4th class Web design class. They charge a hefty fee for the privilege too. The only reason I still use it is because it’s the only bank that let’s you wire money to Serbia believe it or not. I hate not having a choice.

    6
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    Mute Frank Carty
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    Apr 29th 2014, 8:39 AM

    On the contrary Jim, the opposite is true. Its very easy to develop site for FF and Chrome, compared to earlier versions of IE

    2
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    Mute Marc Keegan
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    Apr 29th 2014, 5:03 PM

    I agree with Frank – It’s difficult to get a site to display correctly on IE and requires a lot more effort than FF or Chrome – It takes time, patience and a lot of experience to get a modern design to perform as intended on IE. (Also requires tears and a jade monkey paw).

    1
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    Mute Leopold Dedalus
    Favourite Leopold Dedalus
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:35 PM

    “The security flaw puts almost all Internet Explorer users at risk”

    Those 30 people must be very worried

    131
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    Mute Frank
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:37 PM

    A deliberate move by Microsoft to scaremongering operators of XP to upgrade to more NSA hackable and imposing systems with built in cameras and back door snooping technology. It will be a long time before I leave from XP.

    58
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    Mute Tony Canning
    Favourite Tony Canning
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:48 PM

    Or just move to linux.

    57
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    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:21 PM

    Frank
    Out of curiosity, and I’m not being a smartass but do you cover your webcam with tape.

    59
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    Mute Jarlath Murphy
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:25 PM

    Doesn’t everyone?

    53
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    Mute ged_star
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:34 PM

    Frank where exactly did you get this info

    “NSA hackable and imposing systems with built in cameras and back door snooping technology”

    Never heard such rubbish in the last 15 years that I’ve been working in IT

    23
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    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:50 PM

    ged
    I have been in IT less time than you and I can say without reservation that Franks comment has merit.

    44
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    Mute Vocal Outrage
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    Apr 28th 2014, 6:08 PM

    Are you guys off your rockers? XP has probably been compromised in terms of privacy just as much as every other OS

    13
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    Mute ged_star
    Favourite ged_star
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    Apr 28th 2014, 6:35 PM

    Glen and Frank

    Where is your proof???

    I would be really interested in reading more info about “NSA hackable and imposing systems with built in cameras and back door snooping technology”

    So please post any proof that you both have and I will gladly read

    4
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    Mute Frank
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    Apr 28th 2014, 7:26 PM

    Glen … I don’t need to … Dell 6400 was made long before build in web cams.

    13
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    Mute Tony Canning
    Favourite Tony Canning
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    Apr 28th 2014, 7:33 PM

    ged_star – what isolated corner of the web have you been living in? Habbo Hotel??

    https://www.eff.org/nsa-spying/timeline

    9
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    Mute Frank
    Favourite Frank
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    Apr 28th 2014, 7:33 PM

    ged_star … I guess you must be still working on Windows 98 with MMX technology hardware.

    Dell have been operating outsourced (India) customer service using remote access to PC Systems for the last 15 years.

    This is quite old news….

    Broadcom has just rolled out a chip for smart phones that promises to indicate location ultra-precisely, possibly within a few centimeters, vertically and horizontally, indoors and out.

    The unprecedented accuracy of the Broadcom 4752 chip results from the sheer breadth of sensors from which it can process information. It can receive signals from global navigation satellites, cell-phone towers, and Wi-Fi hot spots, and also input from gyroscopes, accelerometers, step counters

    http://www.broadcom.com/products/GPS/GPS-Silicon-Solutions/BCM4752

    http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/broadcom-4752-rfid-microchip.jpg

    9
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    Mute Glen
    Favourite Glen
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:16 PM

    The cost of upgrading to a different OS for businesses alone would be astronomical on the wide scale. People like XP their comfortable with it I can’t see that changing anytime soon.

    28
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    Mute Graeme O'Connor
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    Apr 28th 2014, 6:33 PM

    They did on a mass scale when moving from Windows 95 to XP and there was no complaints about the cost then. If they’re that worried about the cost then they should move to a Unix based OS which can be used for free.

    13
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    Mute Alan Lawlor
    Favourite Alan Lawlor
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    Apr 28th 2014, 9:25 PM

    Win95 to XP was an improvement.
    Vista and Win8 are arguably not (Win 7 was/is good imho)
    Not everybody is tech-savvy enough to replace Windows with Linux, but that is not necessary.
    For some years, many people on XP have been switching for IE browser to Chrome or Firefox, hence IEs dwindling market share, even amongst non-mobile and non-tablet platforms. This is because there were no longer IE upgrades for xp users, therefore no support for HTML5 and CSS3 increasingly used on many websites.
    So, quick fix is to change broswer not whole OS. You also have less vulnerabilities and quicker patches when they do arise.

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    Mute Glen
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    Apr 28th 2014, 11:40 PM

    Alan
    Vista is a hybrid of XP & 7
    7 is a great OS as is XP but 8 is more touchscreen based. Linux has merit. Their disc defrag is the biggest difference as far as I can see. Personally I use Mozilla for browsing I just can’t see eye to eye with Chrome.

    1
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:46 PM

    Use Mozilla – unless you bank with BOI.

    13
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    Mute Alan Lawlor
    Favourite Alan Lawlor
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    Apr 28th 2014, 9:17 PM

    internet explorer IS mozilla

    1
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    Mute Mary Kavanagh
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    Apr 28th 2014, 9:20 PM

    Firefox then!

    7
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    Mute Barry O'Brien
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    Apr 28th 2014, 9:47 PM

    No it’s not, Alan. Firefox is part of the Mozilla Foundation. IE is Microsoft. You may think this because it has the word Mozilla in its User Agent string, but nearly all browsers have that for legacy compatibility reasons.

    14
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    Mute Clau Mc C
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    Apr 28th 2014, 6:11 PM

    IE is widely used in enterprise, chrome and Firefox are more for the end/home user

    11
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    Mute David Jordan
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    Apr 28th 2014, 8:36 PM

    The only country that has to use IE is South Korea, the government there made it a legal requirement to encrypt shopping and banking websites. However, the security software legally required uses Microsoft’s ActiveX scripting language, which is only available in Internet Explorer. Ironically, ActiveX is horribly insecure.

    “South Koreans use Internet Explorer: It’s the law”

    http://www.zdnet.com/south-koreans-use-internet-explorer-its-the-law-7000022827/

    6
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    Mute Thors Big Hammer
    Favourite Thors Big Hammer
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    Apr 28th 2014, 4:47 PM

    Just visit trust worthy sites and you will be fine.

    9
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    Mute Neal Ireland
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:44 PM

    Which ones are those?

    18
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    Mute Onlyblowingsmoke
    Favourite Onlyblowingsmoke
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:40 PM

    What few of you seem to realise or know is that nearly all atm machines in Ireland still use this now security flaud software. Can any one provide information on this, are the banks likely to upgrade, at what cost to the already overcharged customers

    5
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    Mute John McDonnell
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    Apr 28th 2014, 6:27 PM

    Most ATM’s don’t use Internet Explorer.

    19
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    Mute Crocodylus Pontifex
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    Apr 28th 2014, 7:17 PM

    The ‘m’ stands for machine so it’s either AT machine or just ATM but never ATM machine

    25
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    Mute Shay
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    Apr 28th 2014, 5:38 PM

    People still use laptops?

    5
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