Mary Harney - THE TRIP Part II

DominoDub

Ah for god sake ,,,more BIG TIME Spending by , Big Mary:mad:

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/harneys-sixday-super-bowl-trip-costs-taxpayer-8364190000-1649743.html

Gran Hermano

Not the first nor last time Harney involved in a scandal with a bowl.

connundrum

her six-day visit...

€3,380 on food and drink

Question. Answered.

Fuck it, sure whats another €200k. I'm sure they found a lot of facts out there.

Hail 2 Da Chimp

Damn it connundrum beat me to it...

Mena

€3 380.00 in food for just herself? Or was it for all of them, seven in total? It's not clear from the article.

Either way, alone, that would be €483.00 per day on food, not unreasonable for this type of trip, taking into account breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sure, you lot want your ministers to paddle across the Atlantic and stay in tents in central park?

Slow Motion

Mena wrote: »

€3 380.00 in food for just herself? Or was it for all of them, seven in total? It's not clear from the article.

Either way, alone, that would be €483.00 per day on food, not unreasonable for this type of trip, taking into account breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sure, you lot want your ministers to paddle across the Atlantic and stay in tents in central park?

No! But it would be nice to see the fat bastards squeeze their american sized asses into an economy seat on the plane, staying in a hotel with less than 5 stars and eating in reasonably priced resteraunts just like the people they supposedly represent!

Hail 2 Da Chimp

Thats less than €2K PP for a week in the states, which isn't too bad. The only issue I have with it is the cost of the cost of the government jet - €163,300. For 6 days of travelling?
They should have been stuck on Ryan Air flights.

Mena

Slow Motion wrote: »

No! But it would be nice to see the fat bastards squeeze their american sized asses into an economy seat on the plane, staying in a hotel with less than 5 stars and eating in reasonably priced resteraunts just like the people they supposedly represent!

To be fair, that's not very realistic at all. The world simply does not work that way. Sure, imagine one of them inviting some Senator or Congressman out to McD's for a lunch...

Slow Motion

Mena wrote: »

To be fair, that's not very realistic at all. The world simply does not work that way. Sure, imagine one of them inviting some Senator or Congressman out to McD's for a lunch...

I disagree! It's like that because we allow it to be! I see no reason to give them a private jet for such junkets, and why stay in a 5 star hotel? What kind of political entertaining do they do in the rooms? They may not have to go to McDs for food but I am sure there are plenty of alternatives! We just accepted in the past the politicians assurance that all these frills are necessary to be able to best represent this country abroad in the best light possible!I think a bit of frugality from now on will sit a lot better with potential investors and I believe that this kind of mindset will have to change if these guys are ever to earn the respect they have lost in this country and others, it is no longer acceptable (never was IMO) for them to act in this manner when more worthy recipients of the money spent have to go without!

Dragan

Well, the plane cost about 7000 an hour, so i imagine simply booking people tickets with airlines would be a lot cheaper, even if they did end up being in first class. Total flight cost of the trip was 160,000 or so. It all depends on local flights within the states etc etc.

Her spokesman described the the bringing of a spouse on an official trip as "normal".

This is the part that concerned me more.

Wagon

Dragan wrote: »

This is the part that concerned me more.

I know. Poor chap must be well desperate.

thelordofcheese

Slow Motion wrote: »

I disagree! It's like that because we allow it to be!

Bullshit.

It's been "this way" since the year dot, don't pull this whining "ohh they should slum it" nonsense. The world does not work that way, and you know it.

It's the same reason people have to wear suits in business, sure it'd be more frugal to turn up in jeans and a T-Shirt from pennys but then you look like a goddamn chump and nobody would give you the time of day.

towel401

When I read the thread title I thought it would be about Mary Harney actually tripping. now that would be quite something to see

lostexpectation

harney is on pcbs?

ejmaztec

Mena wrote: »

€3 380.00 in food for just herself? Or was it for all of them, seven in total? It's not clear from the article.

Either way, alone, that would be €483.00 per day on food, not unreasonable for this type of trip, taking into account breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sure, you lot want your ministers to paddle across the Atlantic and stay in tents in central park?

If they felt like having a bit of a break, they should have just stayed here and pitched a tent in the Phoenix Park. It would have been just as successful.

pcworldsucks

Rather than just bashing harney for the sake of itpeople should try and understand her motivations....which are that she is a FAT, UGLY, ROTTEN OBESE C*NT who would make you puke up your cornflakes if you had the misfortune to turn on the tv and see her BLOATED face at breakfast time. there are not many people /I would wish AIDS on but harney is one of them.. actually i would feel sorry for the poor AIDS virus that was unlucky enough to end up with harney as a host..it probably die off before it broke through the 1ft layer of FAT that surrounds her.

Biggins

In this day and age wouldn't it be great if there was a way of getting ideas without having to spend an absolute fortune!

I wish someone would invent the internet, the phone, e-mail, learn how to write, invent translation devices and actually talk to each other.
Wouldn't that be grand?

So for her nice 190,000 football trip the country gets an idea - thats one expensive idea.
I'm sure she was thinking about it while she was wining and dining, before, during and after her shopping trip!

Fcukin' waste of space is Harney and a big space at that!

Slow Motion

thelordofcheese wrote: »

Bullshit.

It's been "this way" since the year dot, don't pull this whining "ohh they should slum it" nonsense. The world does not work that way, and you know it.

It's the same reason people have to wear suits in business, sure it'd be more frugal to turn up in jeans and a T-Shirt from pennys but then you look like a goddamn chump and nobody would give you the time of day.

I'll see your bullshit and raise you bollox!

I am not whining, but as piss poor excuses for something go, your mealy mouth "It's been this way since year dot...." so that's OK argument just doesn't cut the mustard! The world works that way because people like that set a presedent and it was accepted, so set some new ones! Just because you have to weat a suit doesn't mean it has to be €500+ designer job! I have suits and I can tell you they all came from places like dunnes etc. You can look presentable (although in Hearnys case that's just never gonna happen).

Using your logic the banks should take no blame because it's allways been done like that.........

The board of FAS should take no blame because it's allways been done like that.......

The HSE should take no blame because it's allways been done like that.......

We should take this rip off shit because it's allwyas been done like that.....


Is there a picture forming here for you?

Berty

Biggins wrote: »

In this day and age wouldn't it be great if there was a way of getting ideas without having to spend an absolute fortune!

I wish someone would invent the internet, the phone, e-mail, learn how to write, invent translation devices and actually talk to each other.
Wouldn't that be grand?

In a perfect world where people respect each other that may well work but when little oul Ireland is trying to play ball with the big American politicians they wont frankly care for a quick phone call or e-mail. They will want their backs scratched and to be brought out to "Chez plonk" before they will even entertain listening to a fat as* Irish jack in the box.

markpb

thelordofcheese wrote: »

Bullshit. It's been "this way" since the year dot, don't pull this whining "ohh they should slum it" nonsense. The world does not work that way, and you know it.

It works that way for a lot of very successful business men and women - who says political leaders should be any different? Ingvar Kamprad who founded Ikea never travels business class and doesn't use a private business jet. Bill Gates was similarly frugal for a very long time. Those people know the value of money because it's theirs to lose. Politicans don't value money because they only ever send someone elses.

Berty wrote: »

In a perfect world where people respect each other that may well work but when little oul Ireland is trying to play ball with the big American politicians they wont frankly care for a quick phone call or e-mail. They will want their backs scratched and to be brought out to "Chez plonk" before they will even entertain listening to a fat as* Irish jack in the box.

She wasn't going out to ask Dell to open a plant in Ireland or Intel to invest some of their R&D in Ireland - she was supposed to be examining other healthcare systems to see how to improve Irelands. The are no backs to scratch.

Biggins

markpb wrote: »

It works that way for a lot of very successful business men and women - who says political leaders should be any different? Ingvar Kamprad who founded Ikea never travels business class and doesn't use a private business jet. Bill Gates was similarly frugal for a very long time. Those people know the value of money because it's theirs to lose. Politicans don't value money because they only ever spend someone elses.

Spot on - I agree!

At this stage, fat Harney has just provided yet another reason why these useless farts in government should go at the next election!

ejmaztec

And I bet she took up three seats on the plane - four on the way back.

thelordofcheese

Slow Motion wrote: »

I'll see your bullshit and raise you bollox!

I am not whining, but as piss poor excuses for something go, your mealy mouth "It's been this way since year dot...." so that's OK argument just doesn't cut the mustard! The world works that way because people like that set a presedent and it was accepted, so set some new ones! Just because you have to weat a suit doesn't mean it has to be €500+ designer job! I have suits and I can tell you they all came from places like dunnes etc. You can look presentable (although in Hearnys case that's just never gonna happen).

I can tell you right now, a 500 euro suit looks far better than your dunnes one and the difference is very noticable.

People place alot of value on appearances as much as you might not like it. Sure we *could* change all that, in theory. But we won't.

Slow Motion wrote: »

Using your logic the banks should take no blame because it's allways been done like that.........

The board of FAS should take no blame because it's allways been done like that.......

The HSE should take no blame because it's allways been done like that.......

We should take this rip off shit because it's allwyas been done like that.....


Is there a picture forming here for you?

Yes, the picture is that you're not very good at making analogies.

Let me be clear here, i'm not advocating lavish decadance but i'm really fucking shocked at why so many people seem to be incapable of grasping that sending ministers abroad costs money......Ohh fuckkit, this is AH. Never mind me, i'm just trying to be sensible, i've clearly forgotten when i am.

Slow Motion

thelordofcheese wrote: »

I can tell you right now, a 500 euro suit looks far better than your dunnes one and the difference is very noticable.

People place alot of value on appearances as much as you might not like it. Sure we *could* change all that, in theory. But we won't.

You've never seen me in a suit!

thelordofcheese wrote: »

Yes, the picture is that you're not very good at making analogies.

Let me be clear here, i'm not advocating lavish decadance but i'm really fucking shocked at why so many people seem to be incapable of grasping that sending ministers abroad costs money......Ohh fuckkit, this is AH. Never mind me, i'm just trying to be sensible, i've clearly forgotten when i am.

No I think the analogies are OK, they give the background as to why the OPs story gets peoples backs up! And to 99.9% of us, the figures quoted for that trip do constitute lavish decadence! I am not asking them to go about in sackcloth and ashes (one can dream however) I am looking for reasonable restraint and consideration where the usage of public monies is concerned! You're right this is AH, and as such I think for the most part represents a cross section of this tax paying society and just because the opinions are expressed in here rather than politics or some other and more respectable fora does not mean they have any less validity!

ejmaztec

thelordofcheese wrote: »

I can tell you right now, a 500 euro suit looks far better than your dunnes one and the difference is very noticable.

People place alot of value on appearances as much as you might not like it. Sure we *could* change all that, in theory. But we won't.




Yes, the picture is that you're not very good at making analogies.

Let me be clear here, i'm not advocating lavish decadance but i'm really fucking shocked at why so many people seem to be incapable of grasping that sending ministers abroad costs money......Ohh fuckkit, this is AH. Never mind me, i'm just trying to be sensible, i've clearly forgotten when i am.

It's ok to lash out when an effective world-class politician is involved, but unfortunately Ireland hasn't got any. The sad thing is that Ireland's politicians think that they are top-notch, when in fact they are nowhere near. They're all deluded.

At the moment, Ireland needs super-salesmen more than it needs politicians.

MikeStrutington

pcworldsucks wrote: »

Rather than just bashing harney for the sake of itpeople should try and understand her motivations....which are that she is a FAT, UGLY, ROTTEN OBESE C*NT who would make you puke up your cornflakes if you had the misfortune to turn on the tv and see her BLOATED face at breakfast time. there are not many people /I would wish AIDS on but harney is one of them.. actually i would feel sorry for the poor AIDS virus that was unlucky enough to end up with harney as a host..it probably die off before it broke through the 1ft layer of FAT that surrounds her.

Elect this man, right now lol

thelordofcheese

Slow Motion wrote: »

No I think the analogies are OK, they give the background as to why the OPs story gets peoples backs up!

Because people have a massive cognitive dissonance when it comes to the government?
Seriously, It's not that i support the current government unwavingly or anything, but i think it's probably best to save your outrage for things that are actually outrageous.
Otherwise it just looks like you've got a massive hate-on for the government regardless of the situation. And i don't think biggins would appricate you stealing his shtick.

Slow Motion wrote: »

And to 99.9% of us, the figures quoted for that trip do constitute lavish decadence! I am not asking them to go about in sackcloth and ashes (one can dream however) I am looking for reasonable restraint and consideration where the usage of public monies is concerned!

Oh my arse they do. Ferrying seven people representing our nation around the US (going around Texas, arizona and washington), plus food & lodgings. Unless you seriously think they should be staying in motels and eating at wendys, i've no problem with the figure spent.
It certainly could be a hell of alot higher.

Slow Motion wrote: »

You're right this is AH, and as such I think for the most part represents a cross section of this tax paying society and just because the opinions are expressed in here rather than politics or some other and more respectable fora does not mean they have any less validity!

Hmm, I dunno. This

pcworldsucks wrote:

Rather than just bashing harney for the sake of itpeople should try and understand her motivations....which are that she is a FAT, UGLY, ROTTEN OBESE C*NT who would make you puke up your cornflakes if you had the misfortune to turn on the tv and see her BLOATED face at breakfast time. there are not many people /I would wish AIDS on but harney is one of them.. actually i would feel sorry for the poor AIDS virus that was unlucky enough to end up with harney as a host..it probably die off before it broke through the 1ft layer of FAT that surrounds her.

Doesn't strike me as the most respectable opinion ever. And it's pretty much standard AH stuff.

Slow Motion

thelordofcheese wrote: »

Because people have a massive cognitive dissonance when it comes to the government?
Seriously, It's not that i support the current government unwavingly or anything, but i think it's probably best to save your outrage for things that are actually outrageous.
Otherwise it just looks like you've got a massive hate-on for the government regardless of the situation. And i don't think biggins would appricate you stealing his shtick.

No! I do however have a massive hate-on for the government because of the way they have consistently mishandled the situation and because of their inability to listen to what the public and even their own advisors in some instances tell them, and carry on with they're own plans regardless because they know better, even when they do get something right they undo any good with regular slaps in the face to the average guy on the street, with little or no evidence of going after any of the more wealthy tax avoiders/dodgers/developers/Galway tent hangers on/government appointed board members (golden parachute included with renumeration) and quango paycheck picker uppers!

thelordofcheese wrote: »

Oh my arse they do. Ferrying seven people representing our nation around the US (going around Texas, arizona and washington), plus food & lodgings. Unless you seriously think they should be staying in motels and eating at wendys, i've no problem with the figure spent.
It certainly could be a hell of alot higher.

I didn't mention motels or wendys (I thought the food there was good anyway), I did say restraint however, do they have to stay in 5 star hotels? Eat in 5 star resteraunts?

thelordofcheese wrote: »

Hmm, I dunno. This



Doesn't strike me as the most respectable opinion ever. And it's pretty much standard AH stuff.

The exception that proves the rule?

Biggins

thelordofcheese wrote: »

...And i don't think biggins would appreciate you stealing his shtick.

LOL

I'm quite willing to share it. At least we save more money that way!

Wagon

I think it's more the fact that they spent all this cash on a fact finding mission and it will achieve absolutly nothing. They are absolute failures.

Zzippy

I went on a fact-finding trip once. To Iceland. We really wasted the taxpayers money*. Saw the sights, learned a bit. I stayed in a lavish hotel**. We ate like kings***. It cost loads****. Didn't see the Superbowl though. We did, however, put what we learned to good use when we came back. Longterm, what we changed will end up saving the state quite a bit of money.

I'd like to know what Mary Harney learned that will improve the health service - and why we need to learn anything from the country with the highest private healthcare costs and highest number of people without health cover in the world.


*No we didn't.

** It was a kip, the room was about the size of a Mountjoy cell, my bed was <2 inches from my colleague's bed, and he snored - a lot!

***Food was great, but paid for and provided by our hosts

****It cost **** all apart from economy flights and ****ty hotel rates.

pcworldsucks

Breaking News: Harney died!!! Unfotunately when she hit the ground the layer of fat on the front of her body compressed downward acting like a defribilator and deliverd such a massive shock to her heart that it started again.

Biggins

pcworldsucks wrote: »

Breaking News: Harney died!!! Unfortunately when she hit the ground the layer of fat on the front of her body compressed downward acting like a defibrillator and delivered such a massive shock to her heart that it started again.

lol

just one question...
What heart? She hasn't got one! :mad:

thelordofcheese

pcworldsucks wrote: »

Breaking News: Harney died!!! Unfotunately when she hit the ground the layer of fat on the front of her body compressed downward acting like a defribilator and deliverd such a massive shock to her heart that it started again.

HURRR DUURR MARY HARNEY IZ FAT, LUK AT MY ASTOOT POLITIKUL OBSERVAYSHUNS!

sdanseo

In fairness, it's not her fault, it's the airline's.

I mean the tickets were only €999. The rest was "oversize baggage". :pac:

The_Minister

Wagon wrote: »

I think it's more the fact that they spent all this cash on a fact finding mission and it will achieve absolutly nothing. They are absolute failures.

Zzippy wrote: »

I'd like to know what Mary Harney learned that will improve the health service - and why we need to learn anything from the country with the highest private healthcare costs and highest number of people without health cover in the world.

It mentions one example in the linked article.

While the American healthcare system is inequitable, it is the most innovative in the world, and creates more new cures and treatments then any other.
There is alot to learn from the American healthcare system.

Toots

Her spokesman described the the bringing of a spouse on an official trip as "normal".

Dragan wrote: »

This is the part that concerned me more.

My father brought my mother on a business trip with him to the states last year, but you can be damn sure he paid for her ticket. The company was cool with her staying at the hotel, because the price was per room not per person so it didn't make a difference. I think some of the people regularly brought their spouses along if it was a long trip and the spouse wasn't working, however all the spouses expenses would have to be covered by the employee, not the company.

I think if this is the case, then there's no harm with spouses and partners coming on trips, however I'd say Harney's hubby was living in the lap of luxury along with his wife over there, courtesy of the state. :mad:

jimmycrackcorm

The_Minister wrote: »

It mentions one example in the linked article.

While the American healthcare system is inequitable, it is the most innovative in the world, and creates more new cures and treatments then any other.
There is alot to learn from the American healthcare system.

It's just unfortunate that most Americans can't enjoy that fact. [cough]Michael Moore[cough]

flyton5

The Icelandic president flys with Iceland Air so I don't see why Harney should be given the use of the governments Lear jet. In fact the thing should just be sold and let the government ministers fly everywhere in an Aer Arann turbo prop. It may not be as lavish but f*ck them they don't deserve it.

Also I'd love to see how much of the taxpayers money she spends on alcohol. Apparently she's rather fond of her tipple to the point where she's "tired and emotional" an awful lot of the time.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to poke fun at her appearance. Fat bitch...

Jesus Wept

flyton5 wrote: »

The Icelandic president flys with Iceland Air

He probably flies with Ryanair nowadays, or swims.

minidazzler

The Flight would probably have cost more than €160,000 if you take into account the Pay that the Aer Corps Pilot's and Flight Attendants, who also recieve small allowences when away from home. They are Paid out of the DoD's Budget. And so is their Accomodation and Food. So that cost is not added in their.

But, in Fairness, they earn the money they make, being on call constantly and working away from home for weeks at a time.