In what many commentators have suggested is merely a cosmetic exercise designed to boost Fine Gael and the Labour Party in the run up to an impending General Election the release of the final report by the Banking Enquiry in January is now in some doubt. The Banking Enquiry was set up to examine the facts surrounding the Government bail-out of the Irish banks. On the one hand there are the Fianna Fail politicians who facilitated the bail-outs, repeatedly pointing out that they had no option but to comply with their European masters who were going to underwrite the loans … Continue reading Banking Enquiry May Disintegrate into its Political Parts

The results of the annual 2015 Legatum Prosperity Index for 2015 have been announced and it is good news for Ireland. It may come as something of a surprise to the baffled Irish citizenry that their country is ranked as the tenth most prosperous in the world. Given that the Irish health-care system has been regularly described as ‘third-world’ and ‘not fit for purpose’ it is amazing that Ireland is so well regarded in these kinds of polls. 142 countries around the world were surveyed and once again it is our Scandinavian friends who top the poll. With Norway, Denmark … Continue reading Ireland Ranks in Top Ten on World Prosperity Chart

Although the position of Mayor of Dublin is largely ceremonial with the office-holder yielding little if any real power the position does have a number of distinct benefits, including being a representative for the city at major public events. Perhaps there will be no larger public event in Dublin next year than the centenary celebrations to mark the 1916 Easter Rising. Councillor Criona Ni Dhalaigh is the Sinn Fein Councillor who was elected to the post and will officiate as the city’s ‘number one citizen’ during the many events that are planned. Not everyone is happy with this turn of … Continue reading Sinn Fein Will Hold Office of Mayor Of Dublin During 1916 Commemorations