The following conversation, or one very like it will be held the length and breadth of the country this weekend. People will as usual discuss the “State of The Nation” and as always will come to very similar conclusions.
Political conversations are not banned from pubs because they may cause arguments. They are banned because they leave the participants depressed and unable to finish their drinks.
Mick and Tommy are down the pub on Friday night. There they sit at the bar with a couple of pints in front of them. The conversation goes as follows
Tommy: So Mick what do you think of this inquiry into the failure of the banking system?
Mick: Well Tommy let me tell you this, you can guarantee that lots of taxpayer’s money will be spent and at the end of it nobody will be held accountable. Nobody will lose their jobs, or have their pensions touched. It will be a whitewash.
Tommy: You know what Mick; I think I have to agree with you there.
Mick: The government have said that they are going to follow the style of the “Murphy Report” because that was a huge success in getting to the bottom of the clerical abuse problem, and it will cost less money
Tommy: That’s right. They are going to meet behind closed doors and the report will be issued before anyone has the right to reply. I wonder will they just take a sample count of the perpetrators just like the Murphy report did?
Mick: As I said at the start Tommy nobody will be held accountable, we as a nation will be out of pocket and nothing will change within the banking sector.
Tommy: Do you think the report will be made public before the next General Election?
Mick: Tommy, are you being serious, there is more chance of getting a yes or no answer from a politician than there is of this report being published before the election.
Tommy: Will you have another pint Mick?
Mick: I will Tommy, sure “a bird never flew on one wing” now did he.
Tommy: So how’s the family Mick?
You see this is the general public talking. The very same people who placed the T.D’s in power.
I hope they can make it down to their very own local’s this weekend. They will be helping the economy by spending money that they can claim back on un vouched expenses and also listening to common sense spoken by their electorate.
Maybe we should make it compulsory that once a month the local T.D has to go down to their local hostelry and actually listen to the very people who put them into power.
We live in hope.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 - Happy New Year
Athlone has been hit badly by the recent floods and now its freezing cold but believe it or not I’m exited
I’m looking forward to the New Year
My New Year resolution is to have a positive attitude for the coming year.
I will not allow myself to be negative in 2010
The government can throw whatever they want at me and I will still keep a smile on my face.
The travails of 2009 have thought me a great lesson. You have to look after yourself and your family and this is what I will be doing. I will build a little bubble around ourselves and we will succeed.
As a nation we have a great opportunity now to stick together. We all know that times are tough, but the simple things in life can get us through
The joy and wonder on a child’s face as they open their Christmas presents.
The support of family and friends.
The sunrise in the morning.
A smile here and a laugh there.
We live in a great country that just needs a little help to get it back up from its knees
There is no harm in looking back to find a way forward. We have been through recessions before and we can come out the other end a little wiser.
I just want to let you know that I am ready, confident and keen to make this the best year ever.
We are all lucky in different ways; sometimes you just need to have it spelled out for you.
So the year had begun. What are you going to make of it? Will you grab it by the scruff of the neck and give it a shake? Or will you sit idly by and allow things to happen around you?
As I said I’m exited. I’m going to smile more at people. I’m going to make an effort to get to know new people; I’m going to learn new skills. I’m going to progress.
It’s all out there for us we just have to go and get it. I know barriers are sometimes placed in our way, but nothing that can’t be overcome.
If anyone sees me being miserable in 2010 you have my permission to issue me with a rebuke.
The New Year is here whether we like it or not, now we just have to go and make the most of it.
Good Luck
I’m looking forward to the New Year
My New Year resolution is to have a positive attitude for the coming year.
I will not allow myself to be negative in 2010
The government can throw whatever they want at me and I will still keep a smile on my face.
The travails of 2009 have thought me a great lesson. You have to look after yourself and your family and this is what I will be doing. I will build a little bubble around ourselves and we will succeed.
As a nation we have a great opportunity now to stick together. We all know that times are tough, but the simple things in life can get us through
The joy and wonder on a child’s face as they open their Christmas presents.
The support of family and friends.
The sunrise in the morning.
A smile here and a laugh there.
We live in a great country that just needs a little help to get it back up from its knees
There is no harm in looking back to find a way forward. We have been through recessions before and we can come out the other end a little wiser.
I just want to let you know that I am ready, confident and keen to make this the best year ever.
We are all lucky in different ways; sometimes you just need to have it spelled out for you.
So the year had begun. What are you going to make of it? Will you grab it by the scruff of the neck and give it a shake? Or will you sit idly by and allow things to happen around you?
As I said I’m exited. I’m going to smile more at people. I’m going to make an effort to get to know new people; I’m going to learn new skills. I’m going to progress.
It’s all out there for us we just have to go and get it. I know barriers are sometimes placed in our way, but nothing that can’t be overcome.
If anyone sees me being miserable in 2010 you have my permission to issue me with a rebuke.
The New Year is here whether we like it or not, now we just have to go and make the most of it.
Good Luck
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
"Fairytale Of Athlone"
“Fairytale of Athlone”
Once upon a time there was a 38-year-old married man with one child. He spent 6 months of 2009 unemployed. He spent every day searching for jobs, while doing the best for his family.
“Job seekers allowance” paid him and his family 365.00 euros per week. That money was badly needed.
When he had the chance to get back into the workforce he jumped at it. Working again, a reason to rise in the morning and a belief that he could make a difference.
The job paid minimum wage, which meant that he would be 25.00 euros worse off per week. Not a great start but at least he was working, back in the swing of things, back communicating with people, making decisions and making a difference.
He applied for Family Income Support on the 15th October 2009 and was told that there would be a delay of 4-5 weeks before payment would be made as there was a huge increase in the volume of applications for F.I.S
He waited until the 23rd November and rang the social welfare to see how his application was progressing.
He was then told the astonishing news that there would be a further delay of between 5 – 6 weeks before any payments are made.
The employee at the social welfare office did say that the payment would be backdated when it was paid, so that makes it all ok then.
So it will be 2010 before any payment is made. What about Christmas? He screamed, how would he get through Christmas, how will his family get through Christmas.
His son wants Santa to bring him a toy tractor; a bloody toy tractor is all he wants.
What will he get his wife? What will his wife get him? Nothing I’m afraid.
There can be no presents for his nieces and nephews, no presents for his parents or his wife’s parents; it’s just not possible. Friends will just have to be patient.
This is a real person with real human concerns. He is angry, angry at everything, but will refuse to give up. He will continue to fight to re-establish himself. He refuses to go back on social welfare. He prefers to work and give something back to his community
And yes his son will receive his tractor for Christmas. He will make damn sure of that, and he will make sure that it comes with a trailer and is the best tractor that he can afford.
To his friends at the social welfare office he can only ask that every time a claim comes across their desk that they think of the human aspects of each claim. They are not just pieces of paper, there are lives affected by your actions every day of the week.
Try and process one more claim each day, take five minutes less for your lunch break and process one more claim, come in five minutes early and process one more claim. Don’t go on strike and you can process lots more claims.
This recession will not beat this man and not beat his family. 2010 will be a better year full of the ups and downs that every year brings. Here’s hoping for more ups than downs.
Once upon a time there was a 38-year-old married man with one child. He spent 6 months of 2009 unemployed. He spent every day searching for jobs, while doing the best for his family.
“Job seekers allowance” paid him and his family 365.00 euros per week. That money was badly needed.
When he had the chance to get back into the workforce he jumped at it. Working again, a reason to rise in the morning and a belief that he could make a difference.
The job paid minimum wage, which meant that he would be 25.00 euros worse off per week. Not a great start but at least he was working, back in the swing of things, back communicating with people, making decisions and making a difference.
He applied for Family Income Support on the 15th October 2009 and was told that there would be a delay of 4-5 weeks before payment would be made as there was a huge increase in the volume of applications for F.I.S
He waited until the 23rd November and rang the social welfare to see how his application was progressing.
He was then told the astonishing news that there would be a further delay of between 5 – 6 weeks before any payments are made.
The employee at the social welfare office did say that the payment would be backdated when it was paid, so that makes it all ok then.
So it will be 2010 before any payment is made. What about Christmas? He screamed, how would he get through Christmas, how will his family get through Christmas.
His son wants Santa to bring him a toy tractor; a bloody toy tractor is all he wants.
What will he get his wife? What will his wife get him? Nothing I’m afraid.
There can be no presents for his nieces and nephews, no presents for his parents or his wife’s parents; it’s just not possible. Friends will just have to be patient.
This is a real person with real human concerns. He is angry, angry at everything, but will refuse to give up. He will continue to fight to re-establish himself. He refuses to go back on social welfare. He prefers to work and give something back to his community
And yes his son will receive his tractor for Christmas. He will make damn sure of that, and he will make sure that it comes with a trailer and is the best tractor that he can afford.
To his friends at the social welfare office he can only ask that every time a claim comes across their desk that they think of the human aspects of each claim. They are not just pieces of paper, there are lives affected by your actions every day of the week.
Try and process one more claim each day, take five minutes less for your lunch break and process one more claim, come in five minutes early and process one more claim. Don’t go on strike and you can process lots more claims.
This recession will not beat this man and not beat his family. 2010 will be a better year full of the ups and downs that every year brings. Here’s hoping for more ups than downs.
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Human Spirit
The Human Spirit
The floods that have destroyed areas of Athlone this week have been devastating for those concerned. To have your home violated by a flood is a truly distressing issue.
I have spoken at length with people who have lost their properties or businesses and the tales are truly harrowing, yet one thing that everyone is in agreement with is the superb effort from the general public of the town and the country as a whole.
I am involved in the flood relief support group and it seems that every community and voluntary group in the area is throwing their full support behind this venture.
People have been amazing offering their time, money and possessions to help those less fortunate than themselves. The feeling with the volunteers is “there but for the grace of god go I” We are the lucky ones.
Floods are a natural disaster, but they discriminate against those who live closest to the water, and once the water rises there is nothing you can do.
The community spirit is superb. I just hope that we can learn from this disaster and keep community support at a high level going forward.
I must commend the local representatives who have given up their time to fill sand bags and assist the families most affected. I am sure people will remember these gestures.
On the other hand the point must be made that last Tuesday when council workers refused to strike in other flood affected areas around the country, Athlone was not so lucky and the council workers stayed at home. This in itself was a major public relations gaff, and left the affected people feeling isolated.
I feel that sometimes we need a disaster of sorts to awaken those altruistic feeling within us. A flood relief centre has been opened in the Athlone Town Centre and volunteers are desperately needed to man the area from 9.00am – 9.00pm, so if you have a few spare hours get down to the town centre and show your support.
When the dust has settled on the floods in this area, I know that blame will have to be apportioned and difficult decisions will need to be taken.
Athlone is built on the beautiful river Shannon and it breathes life into the town on a daily basis, but occasionally it comes and bites us when we least expect it.
We need to respect the river and put an emergency plan in place so that when the floods return, because they most certainly will, that we are ready to support those most in need.
Our government need to take notice and assist the stricken communities both now and in the future. The community are doing their bit, now its up to the elected representatives to do theirs.
I must dash now, as I have to get into a boat and go and visit my in laws. The one road out from their house is flooded and can only be accessed by boat. I do hope the water has receded by Christmas. I don’t feel like carrying the turkey in a boat.
The floods that have destroyed areas of Athlone this week have been devastating for those concerned. To have your home violated by a flood is a truly distressing issue.
I have spoken at length with people who have lost their properties or businesses and the tales are truly harrowing, yet one thing that everyone is in agreement with is the superb effort from the general public of the town and the country as a whole.
I am involved in the flood relief support group and it seems that every community and voluntary group in the area is throwing their full support behind this venture.
People have been amazing offering their time, money and possessions to help those less fortunate than themselves. The feeling with the volunteers is “there but for the grace of god go I” We are the lucky ones.
Floods are a natural disaster, but they discriminate against those who live closest to the water, and once the water rises there is nothing you can do.
The community spirit is superb. I just hope that we can learn from this disaster and keep community support at a high level going forward.
I must commend the local representatives who have given up their time to fill sand bags and assist the families most affected. I am sure people will remember these gestures.
On the other hand the point must be made that last Tuesday when council workers refused to strike in other flood affected areas around the country, Athlone was not so lucky and the council workers stayed at home. This in itself was a major public relations gaff, and left the affected people feeling isolated.
I feel that sometimes we need a disaster of sorts to awaken those altruistic feeling within us. A flood relief centre has been opened in the Athlone Town Centre and volunteers are desperately needed to man the area from 9.00am – 9.00pm, so if you have a few spare hours get down to the town centre and show your support.
When the dust has settled on the floods in this area, I know that blame will have to be apportioned and difficult decisions will need to be taken.
Athlone is built on the beautiful river Shannon and it breathes life into the town on a daily basis, but occasionally it comes and bites us when we least expect it.
We need to respect the river and put an emergency plan in place so that when the floods return, because they most certainly will, that we are ready to support those most in need.
Our government need to take notice and assist the stricken communities both now and in the future. The community are doing their bit, now its up to the elected representatives to do theirs.
I must dash now, as I have to get into a boat and go and visit my in laws. The one road out from their house is flooded and can only be accessed by boat. I do hope the water has receded by Christmas. I don’t feel like carrying the turkey in a boat.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The French Connection
Day Light Robbery – The defeat of a small footballing nation.
It seemed that the only issue on peoples mind last week was the World Cup Play off match against France.
The whole country held their breath and then Thierry Henry extinguished our dreams with two sweeps of his hand.
Recessions are difficult to get through, many challenges are put in our way and there are few opportunities for the country to forget its worries and all focus on the one goal
The whole country stopped last Wednesday night and I should know because a meeting ran late and I did not get home until the game was half an hour old. The roads were empty, everyone either tucked up at home or enjoying a pint or two in the pub.
Even those of you who are not huge football fans could see the importance of this match. It was a great chance to forget out worries for a few hours, yet now we are left signing petitions in a bid to have the game replayed.
I am sure that Messrs Cowen and Lenihan were hoping for a favourable result in Paris. Possibly in the hope that a nasty budget could be slipped through on the back of national euphoria.
It is plain to see that FIFA the governing body of football want to see the major footballing nations qualify for the world cup finals in South Africa.
This became apparent when FIFA moved the goalposts following the qualification campaign and seeded the larger nations against the smaller nations.
This change of the rules all but guaranteed the progress of large nations like France and Portugal
I feel that if we had been serious about the injustices done to us we should have refused to contest the qualifiers unless an open draw was in place
I fully understand the financial implications that this decision could bring with it, but at least we would be standing up for the rights of both our players and our fans
Qualification for major championships is difficult enough without FIFA continuously putting new obstacles in the way of the smaller nations.
I am sure that I can speak for everyone when I say the Irish players and fans did us proud last week, and I am saddened that I was not in Paris myself.
We can now forget the trip to South Africa, Cape town and the African safari’s will have to do without the Irish supporters. Come next summer many of us will be looking on with envy and I am sure we will take more than a passing interest in the progress of the French team
As Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses would say “ Mange Tout Rodney, Mange Tout.
It seemed that the only issue on peoples mind last week was the World Cup Play off match against France.
The whole country held their breath and then Thierry Henry extinguished our dreams with two sweeps of his hand.
Recessions are difficult to get through, many challenges are put in our way and there are few opportunities for the country to forget its worries and all focus on the one goal
The whole country stopped last Wednesday night and I should know because a meeting ran late and I did not get home until the game was half an hour old. The roads were empty, everyone either tucked up at home or enjoying a pint or two in the pub.
Even those of you who are not huge football fans could see the importance of this match. It was a great chance to forget out worries for a few hours, yet now we are left signing petitions in a bid to have the game replayed.
I am sure that Messrs Cowen and Lenihan were hoping for a favourable result in Paris. Possibly in the hope that a nasty budget could be slipped through on the back of national euphoria.
It is plain to see that FIFA the governing body of football want to see the major footballing nations qualify for the world cup finals in South Africa.
This became apparent when FIFA moved the goalposts following the qualification campaign and seeded the larger nations against the smaller nations.
This change of the rules all but guaranteed the progress of large nations like France and Portugal
I feel that if we had been serious about the injustices done to us we should have refused to contest the qualifiers unless an open draw was in place
I fully understand the financial implications that this decision could bring with it, but at least we would be standing up for the rights of both our players and our fans
Qualification for major championships is difficult enough without FIFA continuously putting new obstacles in the way of the smaller nations.
I am sure that I can speak for everyone when I say the Irish players and fans did us proud last week, and I am saddened that I was not in Paris myself.
We can now forget the trip to South Africa, Cape town and the African safari’s will have to do without the Irish supporters. Come next summer many of us will be looking on with envy and I am sure we will take more than a passing interest in the progress of the French team
As Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses would say “ Mange Tout Rodney, Mange Tout.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Charity "Bag Pack"
Last weekend I was involved in organising and participating in a charity “Bag Pack” event at Tesco in Golden Island. You know the type of thing; somebody stands at the far side of the till and helps you pack your shopping
I had never done one before and to be honest with you I felt a little nervous, and my fragile state was not helped by having to wear a luminous yellow jacket.
Before I started I thought that it is very important not to upset the general public. I was a little worried that people would be standoffish and wary of who we were
This could not have been further from the truth. The general public of Athlone proved to be extremely generous and were full of wise cracks and banter.
I was concerned that the sight of people collecting for charity might annoy some especially during these financially turbulent times but I was wrong.
People dug deep into their pockets and were happy to toss a few coins into our little white buckets.
When I say buckets I really mean recycled mayonnaise containers.
What’s more they took an interest in what we were collecting for and we were happy to answer any questions
I really enjoyed the different personalities and conversations that I had and it was also a thrill to help people with what many see as a chore.
It reminded me that when I was unemployed I felt isolated and did not get out and about as much as I should, once your confidence takes a battering it can be hard to get it back.
I met more people at Tescos in a two-hour period than I would have done in a week when I was on the dole.
I really hope never to find myself unemployed again but if I do I will make sure to help out with things like this.
For the many of you out there who may find yourselves at a loose end I propose you pick up the phone and find out how you can help your community. It will feel like watching the “Secret Millionaire” Television programme, you just won’t be handing over huge amounts of cash a the end of it
I would never have believed that packing bags for two hours could make you feel invigorated, but it does.
It made me feel useful and that I was making a difference
You see the best in people and believe you me; when it comes to giving to deserving causes Athlone does have the best of people.
I had never done one before and to be honest with you I felt a little nervous, and my fragile state was not helped by having to wear a luminous yellow jacket.
Before I started I thought that it is very important not to upset the general public. I was a little worried that people would be standoffish and wary of who we were
This could not have been further from the truth. The general public of Athlone proved to be extremely generous and were full of wise cracks and banter.
I was concerned that the sight of people collecting for charity might annoy some especially during these financially turbulent times but I was wrong.
People dug deep into their pockets and were happy to toss a few coins into our little white buckets.
When I say buckets I really mean recycled mayonnaise containers.
What’s more they took an interest in what we were collecting for and we were happy to answer any questions
I really enjoyed the different personalities and conversations that I had and it was also a thrill to help people with what many see as a chore.
It reminded me that when I was unemployed I felt isolated and did not get out and about as much as I should, once your confidence takes a battering it can be hard to get it back.
I met more people at Tescos in a two-hour period than I would have done in a week when I was on the dole.
I really hope never to find myself unemployed again but if I do I will make sure to help out with things like this.
For the many of you out there who may find yourselves at a loose end I propose you pick up the phone and find out how you can help your community. It will feel like watching the “Secret Millionaire” Television programme, you just won’t be handing over huge amounts of cash a the end of it
I would never have believed that packing bags for two hours could make you feel invigorated, but it does.
It made me feel useful and that I was making a difference
You see the best in people and believe you me; when it comes to giving to deserving causes Athlone does have the best of people.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Letter to Mr. Cowan
Open Letter to An Taoiseach - Brian Cowan
Dear Brian,
It must be tough for you at the moment? The country is in a terrible state and everyone is blaming you. I certainly don’t envy you.
But there are positives out there Brian. Every cloud has a silver lining and it is up to you to find one.
The nation awaits your verdict. You have an opportunity to change the face of economic Ireland forever if you are brave enough to take up the challenge.
You don’t need me telling you what needs to be done, you know that already.
As a low paid worker I am willing to take a hit if it helps in the regeneration of our economy and so should everyone else, so just get on and do it.
Don’t be afraid of the difficult decisions. Do not bow down to the public servants or other vested interests. You know that there are huge savings to be made in this area and if you have the will you can find the way. The country voted you into power to make the difficult decisions so make them.
Brian , Do you have the will? Do you really want to get your hands dirty or are you going to gloss over the issues in the hope that you can put a positive spin on things in time for the next election.
This budget is not about saving your own skin, its about saving the country.
Please never forget that you are a public servant, elected by the people for the people. You are there to do OUR work, not the work of your own political party.
Brian, do you know that politicians are hated out here in the real world?
We have been disgusted by scandal after scandal, disaster after disaster, yet you are still in power, still our county’s leader so get on with it.
I am giving you one more opportunity to get things right. I am sure I will not agree with everything you produce in the upcoming budget, but I like every other sensible citizen will be able to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to digesting the budgets findings.
If you fail to make the difficult decisions and pander to your cronies in certain circles, I will stand up and take you on head first. I will march. I will agitate and I will call for a change of government.
You know the old saying Brian “Cometh the hour cometh the man “
So Come on Brian.
Yours Hopefully
Joe Public
Dear Brian,
It must be tough for you at the moment? The country is in a terrible state and everyone is blaming you. I certainly don’t envy you.
But there are positives out there Brian. Every cloud has a silver lining and it is up to you to find one.
The nation awaits your verdict. You have an opportunity to change the face of economic Ireland forever if you are brave enough to take up the challenge.
You don’t need me telling you what needs to be done, you know that already.
As a low paid worker I am willing to take a hit if it helps in the regeneration of our economy and so should everyone else, so just get on and do it.
Don’t be afraid of the difficult decisions. Do not bow down to the public servants or other vested interests. You know that there are huge savings to be made in this area and if you have the will you can find the way. The country voted you into power to make the difficult decisions so make them.
Brian , Do you have the will? Do you really want to get your hands dirty or are you going to gloss over the issues in the hope that you can put a positive spin on things in time for the next election.
This budget is not about saving your own skin, its about saving the country.
Please never forget that you are a public servant, elected by the people for the people. You are there to do OUR work, not the work of your own political party.
Brian, do you know that politicians are hated out here in the real world?
We have been disgusted by scandal after scandal, disaster after disaster, yet you are still in power, still our county’s leader so get on with it.
I am giving you one more opportunity to get things right. I am sure I will not agree with everything you produce in the upcoming budget, but I like every other sensible citizen will be able to sort the wheat from the chaff when it comes to digesting the budgets findings.
If you fail to make the difficult decisions and pander to your cronies in certain circles, I will stand up and take you on head first. I will march. I will agitate and I will call for a change of government.
You know the old saying Brian “Cometh the hour cometh the man “
So Come on Brian.
Yours Hopefully
Joe Public
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