Time For A Decision on Lisbon

When the President of the Czech Republic Václav Klaus says that the Taoiseach is in no hurry to find a solution on the Lisbon Treaty, I am not sure he is correct.  On the issue of the Lisbon Treaty, there is no doubt the Taoiseach and Government are playing for time, as they are with the economy, the reform of the public sector and the recapitalisation of Irish banks.  The reality is that time is running out on all of these issues, and this is a time for decisions and a time for leadership.    

Today in the Seanad, Senator Shane Ross mentioned a survey of multinationals in Ireland, which was undertaken by the IDA. It showed that 50% of them would choose not to locate here if they were to decide on doing so now.  Whatever decisions they took in the past, what is really important is the decisions they take today, and unless there is clear leadership from the Government on the fundamental economic issues and on the Lisbon Treaty, I would be fearful of the type of decision the multinationals based in Ireland now might make.

The Government Has Failed To Tackle Gangland Crime

The issue of gangland crime is worsening. There is an attitude of “good riddance” when people are killed who are involved in inter-gang warfare, and it has not been taken as seriously as it should be by the police, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or successive Ministers. 

Deputy Willie O’Dea referred to a need for new legislation on the right to silence; this matter has nothing to do with such an issue.  Deputy Michael Noonan, put his finger on it when he said, “It is an issue of detection and prosecution”, and that is where the Government has failed in tackling gangland crime.

Continue reading The Government Has Failed To Tackle Gangland Crime…

Senator Eugene Regan and Daughter Naja Regan (Local Elections 09 Candidate For Dún Laoghaire) with FG Leader Enda Kenny at the recent Fine Gael Presidential Dinner