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Autism in Ireland - Fianna Fail Uses Old, Failed Logic, Tired Clichés, In
2008-02-16 11:14:00 It is sad to see that in Ireland today that old, failed logic and tired clichés like "one size does not fit all" are being trotted out by the governing Fianna Fail party to deny Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services to autistic children in Ireland:Fianna Fáil's Peter Power appealed to the Opposition not to assume that those opposing the motion were 'anti-children', saying nobody was absolutely right, or absolutely wrong.There was derisive laughter from the gallery when Fianna Fáil's Margaret Conlon, a former teacher, referred to children with special needs demonstrating their abilities 'when they play their tin whistles as a group'.Concluding the debate for the Government, Minister Micheál Martin said the Government did not believe 'one size fits all', because autism is a continuum, and said the idea of a wide range of teaching methods was not a ridiculous suggestion.These rationalizations were trotted out a decade ago in New Brunswick and other jurisdictions in Can...
Crocodile tears being shed for Shannon - Heathrow flights
2007-08-20 00:35:00 Recent protestations by Ministers O'Cuiv and O'Dea regarding the decision by Aer Lingus to terminate flights from Shannon to Heathrow are nothing short of political opportunism. I am not surprised however to see government Ministers and politicians all running for cover following this latest decision by the board of Aer Lingus. Indeed words such as "rebellion and split" as reported in this article are not what you associate with one of the most conservative political parties in Ireland. So when I read of this latest "rebellion" in the cabinet on the Aer Lingus issue I take it with a pinch of salt. In the months preceding the privatisation of Aer Lingus the Labour Party repeatedly warned of the consequences of selling one of our national assets by this government. I don't take any great pleasure in saying "we told you so" when speaking of this latest debacle.
From Bush, Blair and Brown with thanks!!
2007-08-09 01:36:00 Recent reports that the US Military has lost track of 190,000 AK-47 assault rifles and pistols given to the Iraqi security forces is extremely worrying but not altogether surprising. In fact Iraq seems to be slipping into even greater chaos daily with horrific consequences. This was forecast by all of us who took part in the anti war marches a number of years ago. However Bush and Blair and now Brown all refused to listen to the millions who warned against them of the consequences of their actions. Now with over 650,000 Iraqi civilians dead it seems we are no nearer a permanent peaceful solution.Here in Ireland the government continues to play its part in the war on Iraq. The ongoing use of Shannon Airport by the US Military is a national scandal. The failure of the Green Party to address this issue in its programme for government with Fianna Fail will be to their eternal shame. The Labour Party has been consistent in its opposition to the use of Shannon for this purpose and calls f...
Fianna Fail not an option
2007-05-17 17:31:00 As reported by the Irish Times today the Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte once again made it quite clear where he stands on coalition with Fianna Fail. He told listeners to Pat Kenny's radio show "I have no intention of doing any business with Fianna Fáil." This surely must end speculation by the media on the issue of coalition with Fianna Fail. This election campaign has shown that there is a hunger amongst the electorate to remove this current Fianna Fail/ PD government. Speaking to Labour Party members in Waterford and around the country there is no appetite in Labour for propping up a jaded Fianna Fail party. Quite the opposite in fact. I don't think I have ever come across a more concerted campaign to remove Fianna Fail from office. In case you missed what Pat had to say today here is a quote from the programme."As regards the electoral strategy I have risked my reputation as leader in constructing a platform with Fine Gael in order to ensure that the people will have the opp...
Missing in Action
2007-05-15 17:43:00 "These men are dangerous. They should not be approached, placed in charge of a Government Department, given access to billions of euros of taxpayers money or allowed anywhere near the spotlight until after the election campaign. If you see them opening their mouths in public, please contact FF HQ who will take immediate steps to stop it"
Election Update Waterford
2007-05-15 00:22:00 The last few days of the canvass have been hectic here in Waterford. Yesterday we were joined on the canvass by radio journalist Mark Power of WLRfm who came around with Brian O'Shea in the Manor Lawn and Cork Road area of the city. Once again the response was very positive and despite the inclement weather we were upbeat at the end of the canvass. One feature of this campaign seems to be the lack of Fianna Fail canvassers in the city. The word is that the Soldiers of Destiny are dropping their leaflets rather than calling at the doors. The main issues that came up on the canvass were mainly health related with some voters taking the opportunity to recall their own difficulties in the health service. Tonight we canvassed Lismore Park and had our largest canvass team so far. Speaking to party members after the canvass the clear message coming from the voters is that there is a demand for a change of government. One lady came to door and asked me not to vote to put Fianna Fail... |
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