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Gender gap: Irish women pay 'high price' for motherhood

A new OECD report shows that the gender pay gap in Ireland widens as women have children.

IRISH WOMEN BEGIN to earn less money than men after they have children, a new OECD study has shown.

The pay gap stands at -17 per cent before women have children, but after at least one child moves to 14 per cent.

The OECD also shows that men in Ireland work 344 minutes per day in paid work, 129 minutes in unpaid work, and 473 minutes in total. Women in Ireland work 197 minutes paid work, 296 in unpaid work and 493 minutes in total per day.

The OECD average for men’s work in total is 472 minutes, and for women is 493 minutes.

Closing the Gender Gap

In OECD countries men earn on average 16 per cent more than women in similar full-time jobs, but at the top of the pay scale this rises to 21 per cent, which the OECD said showed “the continued presence of a glass ceiling”.

OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría said:

Closing the gender gap must be a central part of any strategy to create more sustainable economies and inclusive societies. The world’s population is ageing and this challenge can only be mastered if all the talent available is mobilised.

The figures come from the latest OECD report, Closing the Gender Gap: Act now, which shows that the average pay gap between men and women widens to 22 per cent in families with one or more children. For couples without children, the gap is 7 per cent on average. Overall, the wage penalty for having children is on average 14 per cent.

The OECD says that improving the tax and benefit system for working parents would help tackle this. “After accounting for childcare, more than half (52 per cent) of a family’s second wage is effectively taxed away,” it said. This proportion rises to 65 per cent and above in Australia, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.

The report also says that if childcare eats up one wage, there is often little or no financial gain from both parents working or at least working full-time. Part-time work among women is most common in Austria, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK.

Taking into account part-time work, the gender wage gap in take-home pay doubles in many European countries, and triples in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Crisis

During the recent economic crisis, women have suffered less than men in terms of employment and married women have often been able to cushion household earnings by working more, said the OECD. But it said crisis-driven cuts in public sector employment – where women account for just under 60 per cent of the total workforce -will worsen womens’ position in the labour market in coming years.

It also said increasing a father’s individual entitlement to parental leave may increase a father’s share in caring on a longer term basis.

According to the report, the impact of pay inequality is dramatic over a woman’s lifetime. Women over 65 are today more than one and a half times more likely to live in poverty than men in the same age bracket.

The proportion of women-owned businesses is around 30 per cent in OECD countries, and self-employed women also earn 30 to 40 per cent less than their male counterparts. Improving women’s access to business financing is key, said the OECD.

In OECD countries girls outperform boys in many subject in school, and are more likely to stay there until 18 and beyond. But girls are less likely to choose science or technology subjects. The OECD recommends raising awareness of the consequences of educational choices on career and earnings prospects, but also says a shift in perceptions and social norms takes time and needs to take place both at school and at home.

Read: Irish fourth class pupils above average in reading, maths and science>

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32 Comments
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    Mute Daniel Parnell
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:06 PM

    We will have another election within 12 months. I’d prefer if they just one now.

    If they are unwilling to form a government and continue on with this ritualistic dance of “no you ask first” neither of them deserve to be apart of government.

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    Mute ben
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:23 PM

    I think we should bite the bullet and vote enda 200%..

    36
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    Mute Goku
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:03 PM

    Send me your details and I’ll send you a rare BLUE PETER BADGE!! Limited offer, so apply now. ImaFool@gmail.com

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    Mute Fill Knickers
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:10 PM

    Enda , Let Me Go Ya Useless Ball-Ox

    65
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    Mute J
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    Mar 24th 2016, 3:41 AM

    Those ‘Independents’ would do well to remember the hugely divisive policies of Fine Gael that fostered such inequality in this Country over the past 5yrs. How easily they forget?
    …and lest not forget the Mandarins, the ‘Permanent’ unelected and more specifically, unaccountable Senior Civil Servants…who really run the show (as is proof right now) and they should have a lot of questions to answer for their role in this Country’s financial collapse prior to 2008…but, their decisions are privileged and protected under the law…now there’s one Parliamentary change the incoming regime should seriously consider.

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    Mute sparky
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:13 PM

    What’s Enda telling that lady in the picture. “.sorry we took away your carers allowance.but we had to do it to pay back the banks.”

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    Mute Ted Murray
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:21 PM

    I thought he was saying “Gottla gear”, having decided to give up on politics and become a ventriloquist.

    52
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    Mute Paul Mc
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:35 PM

    Yes and don’t be worrying about the death grant, sure you won’t be needing it when your dead.

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    Mute Pete Slattery
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:54 PM

    Which would be ironic, Ted, since he’s been DoB’s dummy for the last five years.

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    Mute Liam O Connor
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:57 PM

    No he is asking her has the man with 2 pints in he’s hand been in yet?

    46
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    Mute Fill Knickers
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:13 PM

    Kenny , F*ck Off Back Too Mayo

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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Mar 24th 2016, 12:55 AM

    Ted Murray………..so funny.

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    Mute For Connolly
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:16 PM

    Anyone else reckon Lowry backing enda Kenny in government would guarantee there would be no movement on the findings of the Moriarty tribunal for another Dail term?

    The report was published 5 years ago yesterday.

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    Mute Diarmuid Lenihan
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:58 PM

    The statute of limitations is up soon anyway, with mr FG having the most to lose nothing will ever be done about it.

    36
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    Mute Vincent Wallace
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:33 PM

    Funny thing about all this. The longer it all goes on the more people will realise we don’t actually need any of them in Government.

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    Mute Darren Mccarthy
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:17 PM

    The country seems to be running along just fine…its always been the civil servants that run country, the minister just signs on the line.

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    Mute Daithi
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:43 PM

    Like an army officer.

    21
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    Mute J.Rudd
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:18 PM

    25% of the nations 65% who voted, only wanted him back.
    Even if it was a full one fourth of the country, how is it fair that three quarters of those that didn’t opt for him as their number one party are going to be dictated to by the 25%???

    Independents that also stated on record pre-election that they were not going to support him – are now going post-election to support him.
    …Talk about more u-turns and double-crossing already – and the government isn’t even formed yet!
    They again, are starting as they mean to go on – as usual. So what’s really changed in their antics? Bugger all!

    If FG get to come back, there will be no stable government for definite in Ireland.
    A lot of people are not going to forget at the next soon possible election, who already looks like they are willing to u-turn on their very own words stated previous.
    The independents do this, they are not only ruining the ir own chances next time – they are bring down the rest of any independents that might have some decency in them, by they willing to stick to their previous stated words!

    It comes as NO surprise that the Green party might be mixed up in this shenanigans.
    They were ran out of office before – look like they will have to be ran out of office again?
    Clearly they have learned nothing.

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    Mute James O Brien
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:35 PM

    People who don’t vote aren’t allowed a say

    31
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    Mute Jonathan McKee
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:13 PM

    What about doing what is in the best interest of the country and not in their best interests ? Either they can form a working government or not.

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    Mute Tim Brennan
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:29 PM

    I voted very simply I do not want Enda Kenny as Taoiseach and I’m am in the AOBE camp and otherwise being poor or disabled you will be crucified by FG and just look st the Tories this week is where Fine Gael got their election manifesto from scew the poor and handicapped

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    Mute Micheal Johnson
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:28 PM

    Clearly you are unaware of how the system works.

    Very simply, you have no right to vote for a Taoiseach, nor anyone else outside of your constituency. Votes are then pooled to produce the most representative parliament on the face of this earth. Just because it hasn’t worked out how you wanted is no reflection on the system

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    Mute Tim Brennan
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    Mar 24th 2016, 12:48 AM

    Your logic is implausible bottom line any vote for FG was a vote for Kenny

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    Mute Willy
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:26 PM

    Controlling opposition as well as government is the elephant in the room.. FG /FF want to control both as they always have. Conceding opposition to SF is the reason FF will allow FG minority charade until collapse. Self service as always.. The electorate are ever the wiser to these trough seekers and next election might see even bigger losses for the established parties..

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    Mute Jack Falltrades
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 11:04 PM

    Excellent point.

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    Mute epo eire
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    Mar 24th 2016, 1:30 AM

    I wouldn’t have thought FF had the balls to play a big hand like that it has been SF secondary move from the start but it makes sense. I agree. Good point Willy.

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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:49 PM

    Denis naughton was on radio today and was asked would he push for the emergency department to be reopened in roscommon (which was what he left fg over)and he said no he said rural broadband was the major issue.that just proves his stand was a blatant act of self preservation dreadful characters we elect.

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    Mute Tim Brennan
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:12 PM

    Once FG always FG he only left because Enda didn’t promote him that’s just politics

    42
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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:20 PM

    yes indeed Tim he seen the way he would have looked after promising the retention of the A&E and played the martyr.

    24
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    Mute William Clay
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:15 PM

    Please not another 5 years of these parasites, it’ll be carte blanche on the country

    62
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    Mute Liam Lyons
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:35 PM

    Apparently theres a few elephants in Tallaght too

    34
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    Mute Steve
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:29 PM

    Sweet Jesus, they still haven’t sorted this out? FFS.

    32
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    Mute Kerry Blake
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:49 PM

    Opposite cheeks of the same arse basically….

    29
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    Mute Thomas Murphy
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:37 PM

    Some photo, “a shift’s a shift”

    26
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    Mute Neuville-Kepler62F
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:26 PM

    From “Pig in the Kitchen”
    to “Horse in the Lift”
    to “Elephant in the Room”
    ….. any snakes LEFT in the grass?

    25
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    Mute prop joe
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:03 PM

    FF and FG get together or call an election. Enough bull about minority governments.

    24
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    Mute Michael Maher
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 11:46 PM

    If only it was funny 100 years on since the Rising and there is no proper Government the Irish cannot agree.
    Ireland is just full of overpaid little fat , greedy thick unqualified gombeen people filling cronies and their own pockets who claim to be working in the public interest.
    Back scratchers the lot of them.

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    Mute Brendan Keegan
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    Mar 24th 2016, 3:52 AM

    Ireland has done nothing of note in that hundred year. When you travel round the world and see the progress some countries make in give years you see his Ireland lags behind. We can’t make a decision now without checking to see what the EU says or what happens in other countries. We don’t see any trends. We have crap at the top.Cronies and lackies everywhere.

    14
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    Mute steve white
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:15 PM

    Tommy Broughan isn’t Independent he nominated himself as “Independents 4 change” registered political party.

    20
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    Mute Mary Murphy
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    Mar 24th 2016, 12:59 AM

    So Tommy can get an extra 38,000 as leader……..like Eamon Ryan. Ffs

    16
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    Mute Neuville-Kepler62F
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:32 PM

    Enda, before you do any deal have a listen to what the 13,000 on the “Unfair Car Tax Law” petition are saying.
    Doubtful you will last long unless Reform of your Regressive Taxes is on the list.
    https://www.change.org/p/unfair-car-tax-law/c

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    Mute @mdmak33
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:57 PM

    Fg is obviously not wanted by the majority of people, so anyone supporting them in any way will suffer in future election, so just call GE now.people are suffering on trollies, on the streets, poverty.

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    Mute Jim Woodcock
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:36 PM

    Enda looks like he’s trying to hide a boner there.

    19
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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:47 PM

    How, with an 80 year old???

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    Mute The Descolada
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 11:05 PM

    I know, I wouldn’t be able to hide mine either!

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    Mute Bobby Phelan
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:21 PM

    Garbage

    18
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    Mute Coco Beware
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 9:36 PM

    Looks like he’s trying to snog that old lady, shame on you enda

    15
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    Mute David Grogan
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:36 PM

    Fine Gael is still wooing those ‘Endapendants’ – but there’s an ‘elephant in the room’

    please God tell me Mary Harney is not back????

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    Mute Philip Cavanagh
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:34 PM

    We also would have accepted “enda-phant” in the room

    10
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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:48 PM

    Phanting all the way???

    3
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    Mute dominic
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    Mar 24th 2016, 7:56 AM

    As a citizen never had such a blessed period free from listening to those predictably boring elected politicians.The country running as well (or as badly) without you lot Enda

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    Mute epo eire
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    Mar 24th 2016, 1:18 AM

    I’m a little confused about issue by issue support. Does that mean if say socdem doesn’t get their way on an issue then the government colapses? or if an Endapendant doesn’t agree then it’s cause a general election? Or that each issue will take months to be decided on with loads of amendments and rewrites? Im genuinely confused by it. Also if FG manage to get in with a minority party who’s to say they won’t just give their new Endapendants lackies (how quickly I reached for the L word) 2 fingers and do what they want. If that happens people will have short memories and no sympathy for any TD who walked into that situation.

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    Mute Colette Kearns
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    Mar 24th 2016, 1:07 AM

    Funny that they dont show the picture of Enda with the very old lady , him sitting there with her in her home wrapped up in his fancy warm coat & scarf & this poor old dear , sitting at home in her p.j’s dressing gown an extra coat , hat on her head just to try keep warm!

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    Mute Michael Sands
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    Mar 23rd 2016, 10:27 PM

    ENDA IS PUCKERING UP RIGHTLY NOW LOL.

    6
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    Mute Brendan Keegan
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    Mar 24th 2016, 3:46 AM

    Whatever comes out of this the next government is doomed. It will be in the hands of people who will have their own agendas.

    5
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    Mute Olar Perez
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    Mar 26th 2016, 1:25 AM

    HACK ATM AND BECOME RICH TODAY!!!!

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