Could I encourage anyone travelling through Oylegate at any time in the near future to give business to Freemanโs Gala Store and support the continued great service that they give to the community. Thank you.
While there is a right for anyone to disagree with Minister
@NormaFoleyTD1
โs views on
#rtept
, the cheap shots about her appearance by some are disappointing. Sadly, this is a challenge female politicians in particular face far too often.
Chinaโs treatment of minorities and its new
#HongKong
#NationalSecurityLaw
need to continue to be called out. Outrageous views of Ambassador expressed this morning.
This is absolute nonsense. โTo Kill A Mockingbirdโ is about tackling racism. I trust in the professionalism of teachers to lead informed intelligent discussion about racism using literature. Banning books and virtue signalling will not address discrimination.
Keeping 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'Of Mice and Men' on the JC syllabus isn't worth the hurt they are causing.
Dept should see sense here.
"Government urged to drop novels with 'racial slurs' from Junior Cert" (via
@thejournal_ie
)
Honoured to have been elected to Seanad Eireann and will serve to the best of my ability. Although an institution in need of reform, it has the ability to effect real change. In these difficult times, we need to work together to build a better country and planet.
#seanad2020
I am deeply honoured to have been elected by the people of
#Wexford
as your TD. I will serve to the best of my ability to put forward ideas and solutions to the challenges we face as a county and as a country.
It is disappointing that the CEO of
#websummit
and
#CollisionConf
continues to engage in homophobic dogwhistling in Ireland. You can disagree with someoneโs politics and with actions they have taken (as I do) without making homophobic insinuations.
Taiwan has significant expertise in public health and in dealing with
#COVID19
. We should
#LetTaiwanHelp
and permit Taiwan to participate at the
@WHO
World Health Assembly.
BREAKING:
#IPAC
launches global campaign calling on the
@WHO
๐to invite Taiwan ๐น๐ผ to participate in the upcoming World Health Assembly.
If Taiwan is left out, we all suffer.
It's time to
#LetTaiwanHelp
.
๐ฝ๏ธ Watch our video statement below ๐
Interesting that the leader of a party formed in 1970 has the images on her wall of Constance Markievicz, the founding chair of
@fiannafailparty
, and
@labour
founder, James Connolly.
Tim Martin, owner of
#Wetherspoons
, didnโt want to close any pubs in Ireland or Britain. He wonโt pay staff /suppliers. Boycott, yes, but also the courts can refuse pub licence renewal on the basis of the character, misconduct or unfitness of the applicant - this should happen.
Some move from Wetherspoon.
It has suspended all payments to its Irish suppliers.
Random fact: In the six months to January, Wetherspoon made a profit of ยฃ45 million.
This was up from ยฃ40m during the same period the year before.
If you are in a position to do so, in the next few days, book tickets to the theatre or to a gig, or go out to a restaurant or a bar. These sectors sacrificed much and in helping getting them back on their feet, it will help bring us back together.
The Taoiseach has asked me to be the
#Seanad
spokesperson on Higher and Further Education as well as Research and Innovation. I look forward to contributing to the development of
@DeptofFHed
and engaging with Ministers
@SimonHarrisTD
and
@NiallCollinsTD
I disagree with the decision not to allow pubs reopen on Monday. Publicans who breach guidelines should be closed immediately and face questions over licence renewal. Pubs that serve food can still open - anomalous. Decision will be harmful to rural pubs.
I have suggested that a copy of the Constitution / Bunreacht na hEireann be given to every second level student along with introductory lessons. Here I outline the importance of this document.
There was a small anti-vaccination protest at my office in Gorey today.
I respect the right to peaceful protest.
However, I will continue to speak out in support of science and of vaccination.
#VaccinesWork
and we need to take on those who spread fake news and disinformation.
I write in todayโs โฆ
@Independent_ie
โฉ that a
United Ireland would not be the South taking over North - it would be a new country and it is one that needs to be inclusive. That means difficult discussions and planning, not simplistic slogans.
Along with
@barrymward
, we raised in the
#Seanad
today Beijingโs suppression of human rights and democracy in
#HongKong
and the use of the National Security Law to stifle dissent.
#Seanad
Commencement Matter 2
@malcolmbyrne
@barrymward
Pro-democracy and human rights activism and the operation of the national security law by the Chinese Government in Hong Kong
Gemma O'Doherty and Justin Barrett and their toxic brand of racist "nationalism" should never see the inside of an
#RTEpt
studio. "New Nationalists" are nothing but latter-day
#blueshirts
.
RTE has no business platforming racists and fascists.
While I disagree with much of his partyโs philosophy, I am confident in how
@Paschald
is managing the economy in these difficult times and communicating how we meet todayโs challenges. He is a genuine, earnest politician who really cares.
#LateLateShow
I am very grateful and humbled by the strong vote I received in
#IrelandSouth
and really appreciate the help and many kindnesses I received in recent months. We ran a positive campaign and still believe politics can make a real impact.
I know
@EamonRyan
is a decent and committed politician. He stands strongly against racism and his remarks were to highlight that addressing racism remains a challenge. The focus should be on tackling the real problem not on an unfortunate way of expressing it.
Ah,
@FionntanOS
, Iโm surprised at you retweeting this nonsense. As a local SF Councillor, you were elected last year in Gorey on the Seventh and Final Count. Is your mandate any less than that of your Council colleagues?
Although close, it is now likely that I will just miss out on the final seat in
#Wexford
in
#GE2020
. Congratulations to all elected and well done to all who contested. I hope to continue to serve my community and country in some capacity in the future.
Contrary to some media reports, TDs did not seek a Working from Home Allowance. I did not believe that any would. The overwhelming majority of politicians in all parties and none are genuine and certainly not in politics for financial gain.
Family Zoom Quiz. The Question: What Irish Musical Instrument is named after the part of the body from which it is played? My fatherโs answer: The flute.
Irelandโs richest political partyโs youth wing endorses the corrupt regime of Nicolas Maduro and wants to emulate his policies here. Little solidarity with the 4m Venezuelans who have fled the country or who remain starving. Incidentally, the Venez. oil industry is nationalised
รgra sends its solidarity to the Venezuelan people. We salute your indefatigability in the face of illegal US sanctions meant to punish the Venezuelan people for their pursuit of socialism, self determination and the right to control their natural resources ๐ฎ๐ชโค๏ธ๐ป๐ช
#NoMasBloqueo
Clarity on arts events.
In a theatre setting or controlled environment, it is assumed that strict social distancing / other measures are in place therefore there is no issue with having 50 people in the venue (assuming it has that capacity)
Christmas Eve
#Brexit
deal ๐ช๐บ ๐ฎ๐ช
Thanks due to so many but
@MichelBarnier
understood Ireland and fought for us. I have suggested that the govt recommend under S 12 of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 that the President grant M. Barnier honorary Irish Citizenship.
Listener thinks that Daniel OโDonnell shouldnโt sing for Pope as his actions are not in line with Catholic Church. The last Pope to visit had Bishop Eamon Casey and Fr Michael Cleary singing for him.
#liveline
Iโm rapidly forming the view that the
#TommyTiernanShow
is the best offering from
@rte
in a long time. It is engaging and challenging of mindsets and ideas as well as a great format. Good stuff
@Tommedian
It is clear from
#GE2020
that the people have voted for
@sinnfeinireland
and other left wing parties and their policies. I respect that mandate and that they should seek to form a government.
@fiannafailparty
must accept that we will form a centrist opposition
Ireland is a friendly, welcoming country committed to the protection of human rights. Those fleeing war, famine or abuse will find support here.
We know our history and are proud of our positive contributions around the world. Those seeking refuge are welcome here.
The difficulty with Pearse Dohertyโs argument is that he spent years arguing we should renege or default on our debts. His approach would have left us with nowhere from where to borrow.
There has 'never been a better time to borrow', says
@PearseDoherty
. The risk, he says, is not that we do too much - but too little.
The party would introduce a tiered approach to wage subsidies- taking account of severely and moderately affected sectors of the economy.
That hardware store that
@EamonRyan
mentioned could be handy now for the fence that the
@greenparty_ie
and others want to sit on for the next few weeks / years.
Unnecessary worry caused to arts and music sector this evening because of lack of clarity on restrictions. Still no formal Dept statement but assured that arts events can go ahead. Annoyed also at how sports organisations being treated. Communication needs to be better.
My first summer job was picking strawberries (I am from
#Wexford
!) It is tough, hard labour and Iโve huge respect for such workers. I think
#keelings
made an error of judgment but that is no excuse for casual racism.
There is only one รglaigh na hรireann, our
@defenceforces
. The Bill I introduced on Monday protects that title.
There are other issues in defence on which I will continue to campaign but preventing the misuse of the forcesโ title is important.
@pdforra
@RACO_DF
Just got to watch
#UnquietGraves
on RTร player - horrific and haunting documentary. But all should watch. It is essential that the families get truth and closure. Innocent victims of terror. Collaboration by the British government in murder and abuse needs to be addressed.
These two MEPs visited a Shiite Militant Group that has lured gay people to their deaths. If their support for Lukashenko in Belarus and Hezbollah in Lebanon was not bad enough. They are an embarrassment to Ireland.
McGrath questions Varadkar on how close he and รย Tuathail were, given publication of a picture of the two attending a Pride march.
Varadkar: "We all know the innuendo there. We all know what it is. We all know it was a big part of what was there in the articleโฆ it's not true"
Reading some comments and reflecting on certain attitudes, I find it really disappointing that some who proclaim themselves to be โliberalโ are so intolerant of those of faith. Freedom of expression is a true core liberal value. Faith is also helping many through this crisis.
It is concerning that a member of the
@SocDems
national executive has adopted this petty approach. I would hope that
@CathMurphyTD
and
@RoisinShortall
would clarify for him that the Taoiseach (as with all Oireachtas members) can travel for work.
Taoiseach says he will be travelling home to see his family tonight in Cork - like id love to see my own family, but they are not within the 5Km limit.
Ireland strongly supports the people of
#Ukraine
. We must continue to call out Russian aggression.
While Sabina Higgins is entitled to her personal view, as expressed to
@IrishTimes
, I completely disagree with it.
To publish it on
@PresidentIRL
website is appalling.
At every meeting on
#Ukraine
, Ireland๐ฎ๐ชhas called on Russia to end this war & withdraw its forces. Today Amb Byrne Nason did so once again.
Too many people have lost their homes. Too many people have died.
Russia alone bears responsibility for this war. Russia alone can end it.
Much work in politics is often low key and only known to a few.
Nice and a little flattering to get this recognition from Miriam Lord in todayโs
@IrishTimes
.
I can only do what I do with the help and encouragement of family, friends and supportersโฆso thank you.
Current events in the US, in Hong Kong, in Hungary, in Poland and elsewhere show the dangers of populism and why it is more important than ever to stand up for democracy, for human rights, for tolerance, for justice and the rule of law - things many of us take for granted.
Bunreacht na hEireann is 80 tomorrow. First constitution in world adopted by popular vote. Enshrining rights and rule of law against backdrop of 1930s Europe.
I canโt stop looking at this picture, especially that smile, and thinking of how extremism and hate can so corrupt humanity. We all have a responsibility to ensure never again and to speak out for
#humanrights
across our world.
22 August 1941 | Hungarian Jewish girl Beรกta Donner was born.
In May 1944 she was deported to
#Auschwitz
and murdered in a gas chamber after the selection.
Another
#DublinMarathon
under the belt. Well done to everyone taking part and thank you to the wonderful organisers and the fantastic supporters all around the capitalโs streets!
The
@irishexaminer
says โa number of TDsโ are seeking an allowance for working from home. Yet none are named as seeking it and Iโm not aware of any who are. Could we have names before every public rep is descended upon?
What a ridiculous non-story. Staff that work for TDs and Senators put in long hours and are not well paid. Just because the Oireachtas is not sitting does not mean that staff are not working. Poor journalism from
@Independent_ie
What do Jack Lynch, Pope John Paul II, the YMCA and a Bill Iโve prepared and hope to soon introduce have in common?
#enactthe7th
. This is a first step.
#seanadreform
The best ever made political drama,
#Borgen
, is now available on
#Netflix
. Really recommend but watch in the original Danish with subtitles. The English dubbing is horrendous!!!
@NetflixUK
, youโre destroying it!
I am extremely grateful to the 69,166
#IrelandSouth
voters who cast their first preference for me. This places me sixth of the 23 candidates on the first count. Will be a long few days.
Why does
#cblive
constantly interrupt Jim OโCallaghan and Leo Varadkar but not opposition politicians? At least Richard Boyd Barrett was clear that he favoured moving to Level 5 now, no clarity from David Cullinane as to what he would do.
We'll be broadcasting live from outside Dublin's Mater Hospital tomorrow.
As the crisis worsens, Claire will hear from doctors, nurses, porters and other heroes on the Covid frontline.
Have you been in the Mater recently with Covid, or had a relative there?
DMs/replies welcome
This is why the Irish โleftโ are out of touch. The Chinese Communist Party continue to hide the truth and Trump accepts their word.
@JoeBiden
is right to call them out. The
@SocDems
need to decide are they on the side of the CCP or global transparency.
Jaysus, this is disgusting. The democrats are going to try beat trump by being as equally a racist bunch of arseholes as he is. Thereโs no moral superiority here.
Australia ๐ฆ๐บ has now joined the US ๐บ๐ธ and many other countries in a diplomatic boycott of
#Beijing2022
Winter Olympics.
Yesterday, I reiterated my call that
@simoncoveney
and
@dfatirl
needs to make a similar protest at the ongoing human rights abuses by the
#CCP
Honoured to have been selected as the
@fiannafailparty
candidate to contest the planned
#Wexford
by election. I look forward to setting out policies on housing, health, education, agriculture and rural Ireland, climate change and other issues for our community.
Totally agree with
@donie
on
#LateLateShow
about the dangers of
#socialmedia
distorting our politics and fuelling extremism and division. Tackling this here has not been given sufficient priority by policymakers (some have even fuelled it). Democracy is under threat.
#latelate
@rodericogorman
@johnconnors1990
It is an honourable thing to admit one is wrong and apologise, and a gracious thing to accept that apology. We all make mistakes and we can all learn from them.
First steps. In the
#Seanad
this morning, I introduced my Seanad Electoral (University Members) Amendment Bill 2020 to
#enactthe7th
and broaden the franchise among graduates.
@SeanadReform
Ireland has one of the most centralised systems of government and consequently one of the weakest systems of local government in the democratic world.
We need to look at how we can give real power back to local government.
The report is here:
The key consideration around
#LeavingCert2021
is the well-being and dreams of students. That must be the priority for all in education. Negotiation happens around the table not by walking away from it. The ASTI has to return.
@issu4u
Apart from showing complete ignorance of the history of
#Taiwan
, as well the United Nations, Mick Wallaceโs latest anti-American / anti-EU outburst has him denying the
#UyghurGenocide
. And
@AP
certainly has not denied that it is happening.
Appalling.
Taiwan is part of
#China
+ recognised as such by
#UN
but now
#US
is stoking tensions- US military have even been in Taiwan training local forces. US +
#EU
are interfering in Chinaโs domestic affairs- a violation of Art 2 of UN Charter- EU must stop working for US state deptโฆ
Vote cast in the
#Wexford
#BE19
. I am very grateful to all who helped out in our positive and constructive campaign that set out ideas on how to address the challenges, problems and opportunities that our community faces.
Tรก รกthas orm tacรบ leis an bhfeachtas do
#phac
รกistiรบdรกtheangach .
Tรก an feachtas seo ag iarraidh pacรกistiรบ i nGaeilge agus i mBรฉarla.
Happy to endorse the campaign for
#bilingualpackaging
.
This campaign seeks packaging in Irish and in English.
Rather than paying โฌ1m for mandatory hotel quarantining of
#Erasmus
students, provide the money in grants to allow them to extend their time in EU countries. Why put them into hotels in North Dublin when they could be further developing languages and skills abroad?
Letโs look at
#China
over the last 40 years - Tiananmen Square, oppression of Tibet and other minorities, Genocide against the Uighur people, crushing human rights in Hong Kong.... I can stand in the EU and criticise the
#EU
. Can you criticise the
#CCP
in China? Unbelievable.
#China
has completed greatest poverty reduction programme in human history, while
#Homelessness
in the West is at record levels. In last 40 years China bombed nobody or isn't Sanctioning any countries to death - Why is
#EU
allowing
#US
to drag us into confrontation with China..?
It is now twenty two years since the
#GoodFridayAgreement
was signed. It transformed this island and many lives have been saved. It is a triumph of politics over adversity and violence. Its full potential has not yet been realised. That challenge endures.
Happy to have been selected to contest
#Wexford
at the next General Election for
@fiannafailparty
. I look forward to setting out my vision on how we can address the challenges and opportunities that face our community.
Strong performance by
@NormaFoleyTD1
on
#rtept
and clearly in command of her brief. This followed an equally good presentation on
@morningireland
last Friday morning. (And it is important to recognise the constructive and good work of all stakeholders!)
The ongoing abuse of
#HumanRights
by
#CCP
in
#China
needs to continue to be called out. Those MEPs who seek to defend Beijingโs actions must be held accountable. The
@Left_EU
and its member parties must also decide if it shares those views.
I would hope that
@rte
@VirginMedia_TV
@TG4TV
and Irish media generally do not provide any propaganda boost to the Chinese Communist Party for the 2022 Winter
@Olympics
.
Coalition of 200 human rights groups call on broadcasters to not show the Beijing Winter Olympics next year. Say media companies "are at serious risk of being complicit in Chinaโs plan to โsport wash"
There is only one โรglaigh na hรireannโ in Ireland today : the Defence Forces. It is vital that title is protected from abuse.
The law will not apply historically eg when used during the War of Independence.
Our Defence Forces deserve respect and recognition.
It is clear that significantly strenthened sanctions on Russia are needed. The situation has now reached a point where this must include the expulsion of the Russian Amabassador to Ireland.
#russianinvasion
Mary Lou McDonald on
#morningireland
wanted government to borrow even more for
#Budget2021
but avoided answering the question on from where the money would come, given SFโs record of wanting us to default on previous loans.