Last March while covering the Taoiseach’s visit to California, I took time out of a fairly hectic schedule to pay a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It was my first time on the West Coast but the Bridge was well-known to me from movies, especially those of Clint Eastwood. (more…)
I am glad to see that movie director Oliver Stone has apologised for comments he made about the Holocaust. Stand-up comedians please note and click here
Great video, not sure about the candidate. Since the first one was deleted, I have provided a link to another. Have we got an Irish Alvin Greene? For more info on this unusual political figure see http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0710/40199.html
You are all familiar with the expression, “I hadn’t got time to bless myself”. This week, your humble scribe has been in Donegal covering the MacGill Summer School and hasn’t had time to blog. (more…)
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny referred to Independent TD Michael Lowry rejoining the party at a recent birthday celebration for environment spokesman Phil Hogan in Kilkenny, sources at the event said.
A number of attendees quoted Mr Kenny as saying: “Is that a membership application form I see in deputy Lowry’s top pocket?”. Sources differed as to whether or not he was joking, however. (more…)
Like most Irish people, I suspect, I can take or leave the game of soccer. The World Cup failed to catch my imagination this time, or anyone else’s around these here parts, and not just because Ireland wasn’t involved. (more…)
You know the way you half-hear things on radio? It happens to me all the time.
I was walking on O’Connell Street last Friday morning, sort of listening to a debate on the Civil Partnership Bill on Pat Kenny’s radio show, when I thought I heard Independent Senator Ronan Mullen claim Justice Minister Dermot Ahern had been “got at” over the legislation. (more…)
Tomorrow I shall be two years contributing to The Irish Times Politics Blog. It has been a curious journey with many surprises, some good, others not so good.
The Fine Gael heave was great entertainment, but probably not very enjoyable for those directly involved. Curiously, Enda Kenny has emerged stronger than before and looks more like a plausible taoiseach than at any time since he took over as Opposition leader.
A few surprises. Catherine Byrne, Sean Barrett are the principal ones. Leo Varadkar has survived as has Fergus O’Dowd and Simon Coveney. All three have been given decent portfolios. Phil Hogan is where he was. Like Paul Kehoe, does that suit him? Or was he disappointed that James Reilly was given the deputy job.
Michael Noonan is the most interesting appointment. I think he’ll excel. Richard Bruton will be good in enterprise particularly as the ‘economic planning’ role is tagged on. That’s what he loves most.
Enda Kenny Leader and Northern Ireland
James Reilly Deputy Leader and Health and Children Michael Ring Social Protection
Alan Shatter Justice and Law Reform
David Stanton Defence
Sean Barrett Foreign Affairs
Richard Bruton Enterprise, Jobs, Economic Planning
Paul Kehoe Chief Whip (including political reform)
Catherine Byrne Older Citizens
Simon Coveney Transport
Deirdre Clune Innovation and Research
Jimmy Deenihan Tourism, Culture & Sport
Andrew Doyle Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Frank Feighan Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs
Charlie Flanagan Children
Phil Hogan Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Michael Noonan Finance
Fergus O’Dowd Education and Skills
John Perry Small Business
Leo Varadkar Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Frances Fitzgerald Leader in Seanad
