This week, RTE screened a follow up to the excellent but depressing documentary on a snapshot of people having to leave Ireland. Link: Arrivals
As I was part of the quarter of a million who left Ireland in the 80's, it struck a strong cord for me.
Generally speaking the people who are leaving are the people we need to stay. The fact that it is acceptable in 21st century for people from this island to become exiles reflects very serious issues.
Not alone is it not acceptable but it would be for me a critical benchmark in the context of a National State of Emergency & National Government of Unity as a solution to moveing forward. Please see my earlier blogs on election.
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Tuesday 22 March 2011
Moriarty Report - Timing is to good !
Once again, the people of Ireland are the losers. I question the timing of the publication of the report, especially as the Moriarty Tribunal was set up in 1997. 13 years - think about it - and the decsion is made to publish the report in the week the government is in crucial negotiations with EU on our future. Now the final cost of this tribunal is estimated to be €100m.
As for the contents....it goes without saying that no action will be taken despite the fact that criminal proceedings and withdrawal of passports would be basic steps to take.
It only underlines my original view stated in this blog, that "Ireland in Crisis" requires a "National Government of Unity" who will then declare a "State of Emergency" to ensure:
(i) Real debate and options
(ii) Reform the system of Government and administration
(iii) Create a new platform of communication and action for short medium and long term.
We need our current government to be successful in its endeavours. However this may not be enough for the people of Ireland. Everytime we attempt to be confident and get on with it, we are confronted with obstacles created by the system of organisation that we have allowed to evolve.
As for the two privilege days afforded to public servants by the British Empire back in 1921, I rest my case!
As for the contents....it goes without saying that no action will be taken despite the fact that criminal proceedings and withdrawal of passports would be basic steps to take.
It only underlines my original view stated in this blog, that "Ireland in Crisis" requires a "National Government of Unity" who will then declare a "State of Emergency" to ensure:
(i) Real debate and options
(ii) Reform the system of Government and administration
(iii) Create a new platform of communication and action for short medium and long term.
We need our current government to be successful in its endeavours. However this may not be enough for the people of Ireland. Everytime we attempt to be confident and get on with it, we are confronted with obstacles created by the system of organisation that we have allowed to evolve.
As for the two privilege days afforded to public servants by the British Empire back in 1921, I rest my case!
Monday 14 March 2011
Just Back From Indonesia
I have just spent the last 8 days in Indonesia, working on b2b event. Early on Friday morning last, we experienced the earthquake tremor that lasted about 8 seconds. It was roughly 1.30am local time. I carried on as normal and did not check satellite news services etc for two reasons - was busy with my work and the locals were carrying on as normal (as was the Hotel).
'I carried on as normal' till I started to receive text messages from Europe - was I ok? I had no awareness of the dramatic events taking place in Japan at this stage. It was lunchtime Friday and now panic was apparently setting in on guests and delegates at the Hotel due to the incoming communication by phone and internet from the west, concerning tsunami. Indonesia had issued tsunami warnings but only in a number of specific coastal areas far away from where we were.
Basically, I was confounded by the huge reaction from the other side of the world reflecting the power of media communication. However it was also over the top (for the region where I was) and highlighted the responsibility and gaps in reporting such news. We had another small after shock within hours but going by the locals this was normal and characteristic to South East Asia if you lived there.
'I carried on as normal' till I started to receive text messages from Europe - was I ok? I had no awareness of the dramatic events taking place in Japan at this stage. It was lunchtime Friday and now panic was apparently setting in on guests and delegates at the Hotel due to the incoming communication by phone and internet from the west, concerning tsunami. Indonesia had issued tsunami warnings but only in a number of specific coastal areas far away from where we were.
Basically, I was confounded by the huge reaction from the other side of the world reflecting the power of media communication. However it was also over the top (for the region where I was) and highlighted the responsibility and gaps in reporting such news. We had another small after shock within hours but going by the locals this was normal and characteristic to South East Asia if you lived there.
Thursday 3 March 2011
ACTION - Declare National Government of Unity & State of Emergency
Since October 2008, I have often been bewildered with the lack of genuine debate on the solutions and options for Ireland in Crisis. More importantly I often wondered why the Fianna Fail Government and the opposition did not form a National Government of Unity and declare a "State of Emergency". Only two such calls were made before; "the emergency" during world war II and more recently in the '70's (?) in relation to terrorism on this island.
Post Election 2011
Now I want to have the opportunity to ask the this question both to the new and previous government. Crucially it is a key action and step that would resonate with the public in large, as it creates the possibility of bringing some confidence and believe to the people in the political system.
So here I am going public with my solution for "Ireland in Crisis"!
Step 1 - Political parties declare intention to form "National Government of Unity" to create a clear focus on finding a solution to 'Ireland in Crisis'.
Step 2 - Declare intention to institute 'State of Emergency'
Step 3 - Referendum to gain support of the people. This could include an vote for the "Proposed Ministerial Group" to run the country.
I believe there would be a number of key benchmarks to end the state of emergency. One of these should be return to normal immigration.
If you are part of the national media of this country or part of the new Government that will make up the Dail,please contact me as I would welcome the opportunity to ask this question.....................
David Egan Email davidjoyce2011@gmail.com or telephone 0402 30793
Post Election 2011
Now I want to have the opportunity to ask the this question both to the new and previous government. Crucially it is a key action and step that would resonate with the public in large, as it creates the possibility of bringing some confidence and believe to the people in the political system.
So here I am going public with my solution for "Ireland in Crisis"!
Step 1 - Political parties declare intention to form "National Government of Unity" to create a clear focus on finding a solution to 'Ireland in Crisis'.
Step 2 - Declare intention to institute 'State of Emergency'
Step 3 - Referendum to gain support of the people. This could include an vote for the "Proposed Ministerial Group" to run the country.
I believe there would be a number of key benchmarks to end the state of emergency. One of these should be return to normal immigration.
If you are part of the national media of this country or part of the new Government that will make up the Dail,please contact me as I would welcome the opportunity to ask this question.....................
David Egan Email davidjoyce2011@gmail.com or telephone 0402 30793
Wednesday 2 March 2011
Johnston Mooney & O' Brien - The Wicked Three!
Since the election, we have had wonderful blue skies and sunshine every day and Ireland have just created another historical sporting moment. I like to think that these moments are a domino affect that inspire and create more positive days.............
Final Irish Election Results.....Finally ..........!
Fine Gael 76
Labour 37
Fianna Fail 20
Independents 19
Sin Fein 14
Going back to my original (below) introductory blog note set up on 19th February, the election results have backed up my perceptions and theory. In fact, if you look at the national media coverage of the main parties in the run up to the election day, compared to any of the independents, it highlights the huge vote for the independent candidates.
In my Wicklow area, I have to say, it is incredibly impressive that the unknown Stephen Donnelly got elected. Only decided to enter the election race 5 weeks out from the election, he replaced the established players of Roche and Fitzgerald. Historical election ? .............you bet!
Sunday 27 February 2011
The People Kick Start Change
History will record that it was "The Irish Election 2011" that kick started the much required "movement for action" on the island of Ireland in the 21st century.
The current politicial parties should now ponder carefully over the coming days and weeks on the results. The current key national media will also address the realities:
Most Fianna Fail voters put country before party.
Fine Gael received high percentage of protest votes of people who had no other alternative (fear of unstable government)
The high number of Votes for Independents reflecting the key need for change and providing an alternative for the future.
The number of people not voting indicating no confidence in current system and immigrants unable to vote
Let me expand on the last point. I met a number of people over the last week who told me why they would not vote. One of the key points for me was the vote for "No Confidence in Ireland when it comes to those in authority". That is to say:
*Those in power of the banking system abused their power
*Those in power of the Catholic Church abused their power and
*Those in political power abused their power
Who can u have confidence in?
The current politicial parties should now ponder carefully over the coming days and weeks on the results. The current key national media will also address the realities:
Most Fianna Fail voters put country before party.
Fine Gael received high percentage of protest votes of people who had no other alternative (fear of unstable government)
The high number of Votes for Independents reflecting the key need for change and providing an alternative for the future.
The number of people not voting indicating no confidence in current system and immigrants unable to vote
Let me expand on the last point. I met a number of people over the last week who told me why they would not vote. One of the key points for me was the vote for "No Confidence in Ireland when it comes to those in authority". That is to say:
*Those in power of the banking system abused their power
*Those in power of the Catholic Church abused their power and
*Those in political power abused their power
Who can u have confidence in?
Friday 25 February 2011
Election Day Friday 25th February 2011
My day job means I am up early before 6am in the morning. So it won't come as no surprise that I had my vote completed before 8am. But this election did give me the feeling of history in the making as far as results were concerned. So I can imagine there is a lot of anxiety amongst candidates today and tomorrow after all the efforts of volunteers and party followers over recent weeks.
My fear remains of the people who will not vote. Yesterday in a local shop in Arklow, I got talking to two people behind the counter and both highlight the tragedy and fear we all SHOULD have.
One was a local lady who will not vote because of her frustration and 'fear of voting' someone in who might do more damage. While she did not want to leave Ireland, the rest of her family do want to move to Australia. She is working and they are not. Naturally I put forward a strong case for voting, but at the same time, respected her view and circumstances. How many others like this will not vote?
The other working person in the shop was a young well motivated married man from South Africa. He was unable to vote and will be leaving Ireland before 17th March, after spending 9 years here. Both cases highlight the tragedy of the community losing good hard working people. If this is being replicated 80,000 times over the next 18 months, it is easy to see how the Irish market will continue to contract and how ......
Ireland is in Crisis.
.........and some serious questions need to be asked to the opposition of the last number of years who will now be governing the state? ....the same will go for the new opposition who also sat in the Dail over the last number of years?
These questions will be set out in this blog next week.
My fear remains of the people who will not vote. Yesterday in a local shop in Arklow, I got talking to two people behind the counter and both highlight the tragedy and fear we all SHOULD have.
One was a local lady who will not vote because of her frustration and 'fear of voting' someone in who might do more damage. While she did not want to leave Ireland, the rest of her family do want to move to Australia. She is working and they are not. Naturally I put forward a strong case for voting, but at the same time, respected her view and circumstances. How many others like this will not vote?
The other working person in the shop was a young well motivated married man from South Africa. He was unable to vote and will be leaving Ireland before 17th March, after spending 9 years here. Both cases highlight the tragedy of the community losing good hard working people. If this is being replicated 80,000 times over the next 18 months, it is easy to see how the Irish market will continue to contract and how ......
Ireland is in Crisis.
.........and some serious questions need to be asked to the opposition of the last number of years who will now be governing the state? ....the same will go for the new opposition who also sat in the Dail over the last number of years?
These questions will be set out in this blog next week.
Thursday 24 February 2011
Appeal to Fianna Fail Voters
I want to appeal to the Fianna Fail voters NOT to vote for their party. You already know the result. So you should USE YOUR VOTE to show your dismay at your party.
The way forward for the Fianna Fail party is put a large mirror up to itself. Then reform the party over the next period of time. Put the country of this island and its people before the party. I would also advise that anybody including Mr Martin should be told by its members that they and their colleagues who have served in any paid capacity in the state should act as advisers (or at least be allowed to have input) on the creation of a new FF party.
VOTE but use your VOTE to protest!
The way forward for the Fianna Fail party is put a large mirror up to itself. Then reform the party over the next period of time. Put the country of this island and its people before the party. I would also advise that anybody including Mr Martin should be told by its members that they and their colleagues who have served in any paid capacity in the state should act as advisers (or at least be allowed to have input) on the creation of a new FF party.
VOTE but use your VOTE to protest!
Tuesday 22 February 2011
Your VOTE is the Opportunity to Protest
Every vote counts! This election, more than most, will be high up on the "Elections Table of importance"; since the founding of the state in 1921. This election represents a key day for every person who can vote on Friday 25th February.
The number of people voting should reflect the "crisis" we are in. I would view a higher than usual vote as very positive and essential if there is to be real change for the future. Another important feature should be the higher than usual votes cast for "independent" candidates.
In general terms, we will have the same people in the Dail after Friday. That is to say the failed opposition will now be the new government of Ireland. It is important to point out that all parties who sat in the current Dail failed the people of Ireland.
It is important for the voters and people of this country to realise that the failed opposition will do their best and I for one, hope and will want to believe that they can out perform themselves with the tasks and decisions that lay ahead. However one thing I am certain about is that they will NOT be able to bring the change and reform required by the people and the country at grassroots level.
Why?
Because the existing political parties cannot put country, people or national interest before their party. It is the same political parties and faces that will make up the majority of the Dail that was there when the crisis started.
There is a solution and there is a way forward.
Now the people must use their protest vote.
The number of people voting should reflect the "crisis" we are in. I would view a higher than usual vote as very positive and essential if there is to be real change for the future. Another important feature should be the higher than usual votes cast for "independent" candidates.
In general terms, we will have the same people in the Dail after Friday. That is to say the failed opposition will now be the new government of Ireland. It is important to point out that all parties who sat in the current Dail failed the people of Ireland.
It is important for the voters and people of this country to realise that the failed opposition will do their best and I for one, hope and will want to believe that they can out perform themselves with the tasks and decisions that lay ahead. However one thing I am certain about is that they will NOT be able to bring the change and reform required by the people and the country at grassroots level.
Why?
Because the existing political parties cannot put country, people or national interest before their party. It is the same political parties and faces that will make up the majority of the Dail that was there when the crisis started.
There is a solution and there is a way forward.
Now the people must use their protest vote.
Saturday 19 February 2011
Irish Election 2011
My name is David Egan.
Personal
I was born, educated and working in Dublin up to 1985, when I became part of the estimated quarter of million that left during the ‘80s. I returned to Ireland at the end of 2002 and live in a new housing estate in Co Wicklow.
Politics
I am not a member of any political party but like the majority of people, I appreciate my democratic freedom and understand the importance of the vote. I have usually attempted to vote for the best candidate in the area that I lived rather than the party. The exception to this was the period of years when I lived abroad and was unable to vote (despite the fact I wanted to). On some occasions, I travelled home to Dubiin for the sole purpose of voting.
Between 2008 and 2010, as the Irish crisis deepened and we the public became more aware of just how serious the situation was, the political parties threw themselves into party politics rather than focus on the solutions required to get us through the crisis. This for me was the last straw. I lost all confidence in the current party political system.
However I also know that the gap between the people and the political system has grown to such a degree that the politicians do not really appreciate the anger and the appetite for real change and overhaul of our society. People do talk about “we need a revolution” but it is not in the traditional sense of “people on the street” and barricades. Its actually more dramatic then this! ....as it involves a lot more than a change of system. It is more than getting people involved again in their community and politics. It is a new thinking and approach within society that meets our current and future needs.
I regard the huge number of independents and smaller political groups like “New Vision” as one part of a major movement taking place. Fascinating is the fact that mainstream media both publishing, TV and internet have not yet reflected this thinking or movement. There are examples of course, eg New Ireland series of articles in the Irish Times, Charlie Bird hitting the streets of Ireland this week reflected the dept of indifference but also the hunger for real change.
Forthcoming Election February 2011
Most people will use their vote as a protest vote. My main concern is the people who may not vote. It is crucial that this election sees a high vote and the people who do not want to vote for any of the traditional parties on this island should VOTE for an INDEPENDENT candidate in their area. It is my understanding that we have the highest number of independents standing in this election since the founding of the state, reflecting my views above.
Media Coverage
There has been no innovation or creative thinking by the media on how to reflect the person on the street or how to give coverage to the high number of candidates who are not from the traditional parties. As a result of this, the debate and current Irish Crisis has been treated in quite a lame way, dare I say, not really the reality of the situation or the crisis.
So what's Next?..................
Personal
I was born, educated and working in Dublin up to 1985, when I became part of the estimated quarter of million that left during the ‘80s. I returned to Ireland at the end of 2002 and live in a new housing estate in Co Wicklow.
Politics
I am not a member of any political party but like the majority of people, I appreciate my democratic freedom and understand the importance of the vote. I have usually attempted to vote for the best candidate in the area that I lived rather than the party. The exception to this was the period of years when I lived abroad and was unable to vote (despite the fact I wanted to). On some occasions, I travelled home to Dubiin for the sole purpose of voting.
Between 2008 and 2010, as the Irish crisis deepened and we the public became more aware of just how serious the situation was, the political parties threw themselves into party politics rather than focus on the solutions required to get us through the crisis. This for me was the last straw. I lost all confidence in the current party political system.
However I also know that the gap between the people and the political system has grown to such a degree that the politicians do not really appreciate the anger and the appetite for real change and overhaul of our society. People do talk about “we need a revolution” but it is not in the traditional sense of “people on the street” and barricades. Its actually more dramatic then this! ....as it involves a lot more than a change of system. It is more than getting people involved again in their community and politics. It is a new thinking and approach within society that meets our current and future needs.
I regard the huge number of independents and smaller political groups like “New Vision” as one part of a major movement taking place. Fascinating is the fact that mainstream media both publishing, TV and internet have not yet reflected this thinking or movement. There are examples of course, eg New Ireland series of articles in the Irish Times, Charlie Bird hitting the streets of Ireland this week reflected the dept of indifference but also the hunger for real change.
Forthcoming Election February 2011
Most people will use their vote as a protest vote. My main concern is the people who may not vote. It is crucial that this election sees a high vote and the people who do not want to vote for any of the traditional parties on this island should VOTE for an INDEPENDENT candidate in their area. It is my understanding that we have the highest number of independents standing in this election since the founding of the state, reflecting my views above.
Media Coverage
There has been no innovation or creative thinking by the media on how to reflect the person on the street or how to give coverage to the high number of candidates who are not from the traditional parties. As a result of this, the debate and current Irish Crisis has been treated in quite a lame way, dare I say, not really the reality of the situation or the crisis.
So what's Next?..................
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