Had Labour remained in opposition, they could have increased their political capital, rather than destroying it. By Philip O'Connor.
Ever since they abandoned any pretence of socialism or social democracy to go into government with Fine Gael, I've found cause to be extremely critical of Ireland's Labour party. Naturally enough many members have contacted me to express their displeasure, via social media and otherwise.
Controversy has erupted surrounding the Government’s use of public funds for an allegedly neutral “information” campaign for the forthcoming referendum on the “Stability Treaty” (aka the Fiscal Compact).
Stephen Donnelly, Constantin Gurdgiev, Shane Ross. Royal Hotel Bray from 7.30.
We'll be taking questions (as time allows) from twitter under the hashtag #braydebate.
On Monday afternoon, psychology and economics professor Erich Kirchler gave an interesting seminar here at the Kemmy Business School on the factors that affect taxpayer compliance or evasion. He finds two dimensions – power and trust – impact on the overall tax take. If the taxing authorities are seen to have high power, unsurprisingly this will mean greater compliance with tax laws. However it is equally important, particularly for self-assessment, that there is high trust in the system.
Over the last 15 years Labour never saw its role as arguing for radically different politics, preferring to prioritise a return to government with Fine Gael. By Vincent Browne.
Eamon Gilmore's speech to the Labour Party conference last night could have been more plausible and, maybe, ultimately more electorally satisfying than the one which he delivered. (As this is being written prior to the delivery of the speech, I am assuming he adhered to the conventions of leaders' addresses at such gatherings, with the usual triumphalism, exaggerations and hype.)
Essentially, the TD you elect does not matter. They have no power. So why continue with the charade of electing individuals - why not just vote for parties? By Philip O'Connor.
Joe Costello's car-crash appearance on Tonight With Vincent Browne was another fine example of the capacity of our politicians to delude themselves.
Ahead of the Labour Party's national conference in Galway this weekend, Labour TD for Dublin West and Swords, Patrick Nulty writes that his party's identity has been "somewhat eroded" since it entered government. Motions being put to party delegates, if passed, "will signal to the leadership that a new direction is required", Nulty writes.
The claim that Fine Gael has to respect Michael Lowry’s mandate is hypocritical. By Vincent Browne.
In obeying the optics driven demand that government must be seen to be unified, the Labour Party is setting itself up for the same fate as the Greens. By Philip O'Connor.
One of the great soccer strike partnerships of the late 90s was between Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham, who, when they played together, averaged a goal between them every 85th minute.
The Government should ease off on the scaremongering that has been a hallmark of its Fiscal Treaty referendum campaign so far. By Paul Murphy.