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!

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.

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

Johnston Mooney & O' Brien - The Wicked Three!

Not the resurrection of the old Dublin baker but an exciting historical 3 wicket win by Ireland over England in the World Cup.

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 ..........!

Wednesday 2nd March, So finally we have the make up of the 166 seats of the next Dail.
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!