Lisbon or Reykjavik

I congratulate the chief executive officer of Ryanair, Mr. Michael O’Leary, on winning his court case in the Court of First Instance on the alleged illegal aid granted to his airline by the Walloon regional authority for services to Charleroi Airport.   

This is not the first win for Michael O’Leary in Europe.  In The Irish Times today, he said Ryanair would not exist without deregulation having been introduced in Europe and initiated by then Irish European Commissioner, Mr. Peter Sutherland. 

The most welcome news in the article is that the Ryanair boss pledged to campaign vigorously for the Lisbon Treaty.  It is interesting that his main argument for doing so is the economic one.  He said if we are to dig ourselves out of the economic mess, we need to export and compete more in Europe.  He is right about that. 

The slogan for the second Lisbon Treaty referendum campaign should be that our choice is either Lisbon or Reykjavik. 

If we think of the misleading and confusing campaign that took place on the first referendum, we need Michael O’Leary’s straight talking to confront the, at times bizarre, arguments of the “No” campaign.  While we might find Michael O’Leary can be forthright and use choice language, it is the type of language needed to cut through the illogical and emotive arguments of the “No” side. 

Compensation for Pig Farmers

The Taoiseach got it wrong in calling on Brussels to provide aid, or to subsidise such aid for pig farmers after the recent food crisis.

The responsibility in this regard is national in nature.  The position was the same in Belgium when a similar food scare occurred some years ago.

Continue reading Compensation for Pig Farmers…

Minister for Justice is Not Taking Anti Social Behaviour Seriously

The terrible killing of Aidan O’Kane, an innocent man who was contributing to his community, was a real tragedy.  It is evident from reports that the gun victim endured an anti-social campaign so the incident started with anti-social behaviour.   

The Gardaí were aware of this type of activity, which led to this terrible killing.  It is important that the Garda Síochána and the Minister, in his directions and priorities, recognise the importance of anti-social behaviour as the first step in the existence of crime in many communities.  That is particularly relevant in the case of young people being induced into the path of crime. 

Continue reading Minister for Justice is Not Taking Anti Social Behaviour Seriously…

Historic Win in Seanad on Fine Gael Motion

Fine Gael secured a major victory over the Government in the Seanad today, on an amendment to the Charities Bill 2007. 

Continue reading Historic Win in Seanad on Fine Gael Motion…

Minister out of Touch

The recent statement by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin TD, that where the value of private pensions collapse people can fall back on the State pension, is a most insensitive, cavalier and arrogant statement. 

 As someone with a number of pensions, as teacher, Deputy and Minister, Deputy Hanafin has made this statement when people are feeling the pain of problems which have arisen in the equity markets and affected the value of pensions. 

If that is all the Minister has to offer in terms of providing solutions, it is most worrying.