Texts and emails, Monday 4 January 2010
Topic: Vincent and his panel of guests look ahead to 2010 and predict some of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Panelists: Siobhan O'Donoghue, Matt Cooper, Sam Smyth and Terry Prone.
Higher civil servants did not get benchmarking. They were told they would have to earn so called performance related pay, so called bonuses. These were abolished in 2008. Benchmarking was not abolished so the seniors did suffer around a 10 per cut which others did not. If they want to abolish the bonuses then they should be paid benchmarking. Otherwise it is simply unfair and seniors will bail out in their droves this year.
Frank.
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Today on national radio lunch time show it was advertised that Inspector of mental hospitals report was to be topic. However once again dire treatment of our mentally ill was put on hold to discuss Brian Lenehan . Think once again mentally ill services must always take 2nd place. Nothing changes sadly.
Anne Ryan, Kilkenny.
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I am a Garda and along with the Public Service say cut we are also being cut by a further 5% in our allowances. And you expect us to put our lives on the line when we are being treated like bog manure. Would you? My glorious pension won't say my mortgage next month.
Pat, Castlebar.
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Lone parents are very well off getting everything free. It’s us low paid paye who pay for everything.
Irene.
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We need a minister who can devote all his energy to his job. Can’t fight on two fronts. He should step down.
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Brian Lenihan is head and shoulders above any other politician of any party and I wish more journalists would do d country a fraction of d service he has and will, by reporting factually and not with a personal undercurrent always. I think d people of Ireland deserve better service from d media.
Brid, Kildare.
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Vincent you forgot the most important question of all: Will Tonight with Vincent Browne still be around in December 2010? We all certainly hope so!
Graham, Dublin.
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Can you ask matt what happens if and when my business goes bust. I have no means to cover the banks personal guarantees just properties mortgaged heavily. I am a company director and can't act as another director. I won't be entitled to any state allowances. I probably will have no choice but to drive a taxi to keep a roof over my head.
Kieran.
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I am on disability allowance i am on now e1-96 per wk i would love 2 have work but I can’t get work even on back 2 work scheme 52 yr woman below the bread line. How can the gov justify it. And making us the scape goat. My friend died xmas he was under hospital blood tests every month didn’t no he had cancer told 2 wks 2 live they missed his cancer 4 5 years cut backs kill people!
Fran, Dublin.
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After Fianna Fail surviving last year and people believing that "we have turned the corner" i think it is time that the electorate resigned. This has to be the worst government in history but the paddies don't care do we? Even the media don't care. Brian Cowen is a joke and a terrible leader but has been giving a free ride by the media. Mary Coughlan is 2nd in command for god sake but apart from reporting on her diarrhoea of the mouth she suffers from nothing else. Sad little country.
Andy, Offaly.
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:-) Judging by the pessimistic views of your panel it seems we're in for another year of negativity from the media, would you not for Gods sake give people some sense of hope.
Peter Kavanagh.
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When I was diagnosed with cancer I was employed in a semi-state who wrote 2 me stating that my job could not b held as I would not b able 2 give it my full attention - grade 3. Brian Lenihan has an advantage he is financially secure. I wish him well but i had 2 get legal advice - which cost - at a time when I was at a low. I survived.
Marie K.
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The new social tax will affect pensioners adversely especially those on low pensions likewise a property tax . Is this fair having paid taxes all our working lives.
Monica, Waterford.
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If some of those large developers have transferred Assets into their wives' names, and their businesses go into receivership, what happens those assets? I would really like to know. Thanks. Ruth.
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As is there are no jobs for college graduates in ireland. Therefore the only option open for graduates is to emigrate. How then do you move towards a knowledge based economy without an educated work force?
Charlie, Kildare.
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I tink matt cooper wud b better off reading a crystal ball. I thought a journalist was to report facts and analyse not give us d drivvel he has just spouted. I'm a paye worker and well fed up of d constant bad outlook and lack of any attempt at possitivity from tv commentators. Grow up and try and b positive.
Brid Feely, Maynooth.
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I would like to register my abhorrence oaf TV 3's treatment of Minister Lenihan's illness. I assume this subject will be discussed by the panel. I would hope that F.F. spokespeople will boycott appearances on T V. 3 until, at the least, an apology is offered to the minister.
Elizabeth, Howth.