Search Results for 'Bertie Ahern'

The fallout from the most dramatic economic collapse imaginable over these past three years, coming after the incredible highs of more than a decade of the fabled or now much-maligned ‘Celtic Tiger’, has produced plenty of reviews and reassessments of that period in Irish history and of the decisions taken.

“It is entirely up to the people of Carlow Kilkenny as to what they do with their votes but unless there are two seats in this constituency there may not be a senior minister position.” That’s the warning from incoming Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, in last week’s Kilkenny Advertiser. So what happened to picking the best person for the job? Surely that’s what we’re electing this government for, not to return favours to vote getters, regardless of their ability? We’ve seen enough gobshites topping the poll over the years, Bertie Ahern, Padraig Flynn, Jackie Healy-Rae immediately spring to mind, and dragging in a second or even a third candidate on their coat tails. We want the best man or woman for the job, Mr Kenny, the days of returning favours are over. If you don’t believe me ask the IMF or the ECB.

The need to defend and support the arts in a climate of economic devastation, a political ideology of savage cuts to front line services, and ‘socialism for the rich, capitalism for the poor’ has never been more pressing.

This election marks the end of an era for Galway Labour. Michael D Higgins is hopefully heading for the greener pastures of the Phoenix Park. What may prove to be a gain for Ireland is certainly a loss for the Labour Party. For many on the Left Michael D represented the party’s “conscience”.

This election marks the end of an era for Galway Labour. Michael D Higgins is hopefully heading for the greener pastures of the Phoenix Park. What may prove to be a gain for Ireland is certainly a loss for the Labour Party. For many on the Left Michael D represented the party’s “conscience”.

Bertie Ahern’s interview on his final day in Dáil Eireann typifies the man. He was gratuitously offensive to a member of the public with legitimate complaints when he sarcastically stated that some people would do anything to get on TV. The fact that she might have a point about his having more than a little responsibility for the current economic crises completely escaped him.

I had never heard of Larry David until about five years ago. I was in the middle of explaining an incident in a local restaurant, where I had a less than satisfactory lunch, when my friend said, “You know, you’re getting more like Larry David in Curb Your Enthusiasm every day.”

After the coming general election we will hopefully elect a new Government with a new focus, new energies and hopefully more ability.Those elected must immediately make many difficult, contentious and unpopular decisions. They must not shirk their responsibilities. We can all see the results of Bertie Ahern’s cowardly self serving keep everybody on-side at all costs. We are now paying a heavy price for his cowardice and greed. Amongst other things I believe the new Government must implement the following;

“Water, water, everywhere,

A good question, Christina. Answers on a postcard to Christina Aquilera, who originally posed the question.