Another Shatter'ing disgrace

bear1 · 07-04-2014 1:31pm #1

So...

This idiot just get's worse and worse:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/shatter-took-gardai-on-visit-to-mexico-despite-no-threat-30161291.html

Again, this tossers super ego has cost us more money.
When the hell will Enda finally realise this man is a moronic cesspit of a man!

keith16 · 07-04-2014 1:34pm

Always has Garda presence outside his gaff too. Even when not present for long periods.

But is also happy to close Garda stations that serve the public.

Do as I say, not as I do.

D1stant · 07-04-2014 1:35pm

Were they armed or was the idea to bate the bandits back with shamrock?

Artful_Badger · 07-04-2014 1:35pm

He was worried about his safety so he took two Garda drivers (what use they'd be in Mexico I have no idea) and his wife along for the trip ?

c_man · 07-04-2014 1:35pm

I'm not the biggest Shatter fan by any stretch, but in this case it's hardly like he was visiting an EU country. How many thousands have been killed in the recent cartel wars in Mexico?

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 1:36pm

c_man wrote: »

I'm not the biggest Shatter fan by any stretch, but in this case it's hardly like he was visiting an EU country. How many thousands have been killed in the recent cartel wars in Mexico?

And what would the Garda drivers do, shoot back?

c_man · 07-04-2014 1:36pm

Artful_Badger wrote: »

He was worried about his safety so he took two Garda drivers (what use they'd be in Mexico I have no idea) and his wife along for the trip ?

Good point.

bear1 · 07-04-2014 1:37pm

Artful_Badger wrote: »

He was worried about his safety so he took two Garda drivers (what use they'd be in Mexico I have no idea) and his wife along for the trip ?

The weird thing is that they are reporting the wife paid for herself? Wtf is going on in that department I don't know.

c_man wrote: »

I'm not the biggest Shatter fan by any stretch, but in this case it's hardly like he was visiting an EU country. How many thousands have been killed in the recent cartel wars in Mexico?

Sure he was hardly visiting areas like that. It was a trip to Mexico City, and I'd say the embassy would have organised local police to help instead of flying two Guards out to there.

My name is URL · 07-04-2014 1:37pm

c_man wrote: »

I'm not the biggest Shatter fan by any stretch, but in this case it's hardly like he was visiting an EU country. How many thousands have been killed in the recent cartel wars in Mexico?

And what good would a couple of unarmed drivers be in a scenario such as being attacked by a drugs cartel? If he was that concerned about his safety he wouldn't have taken his wife with him either.

mikom · 07-04-2014 1:38pm

* voice of Snake from the Simpsons

"Ha ha, alrightttt......I'm taking this Garda down to Mexico!"

jimgoose · 07-04-2014 1:39pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

And what would the Garda drivers do, shoot back?

Like the Kerry lion-tamer, I'd say - hit 'em between the eyes with a fist of shít! :pac::pac::pac:

More seriously - it is testament to the titanium neck of this fella that he's still holding office. He has demonstrated admirably that he is an untrustworthy character with serious personality defects that alone should disbar him from holding the ministry that he does. Go. Just go.

Artful_Badger · 07-04-2014 1:39pm

c_man wrote: »

I'm not the biggest Shatter fan by any stretch, but in this case it's hardly like he was visiting an EU country. How many thousands have been killed in the recent cartel wars in Mexico?

States in the article there was believed to be no threat and that if there was one personnel would be drafted from the emergency response unit. Shatter pushed to bring his two drivers (one of which was paid overtime as he was supposed to be on leave).

If he thought there was a real threat why the hell did his wife go with him ?

c_man · 07-04-2014 1:40pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

And what would the Garda drivers do, shoot back?

I'm not sure what you want me to say to that. Their plans are agreed with the host country well in advance, I'm not privy to them unfortunately.

Are you implying that no security should go anywhere with any of our politicians? What would the Gardai do if Michael D was shot at when he was visiting South America? Or is it only for politicians that you don't like?

bear1 · 07-04-2014 1:41pm

My name is URL wrote: »

And what good would a couple of unarmed drivers be in a scenario such as being attacked by a drugs cartel? If he was that concerned about his safety he wouldn't have taken his wife with him either.

+1. Those cartels can easily kill a town load of people, what the hell could 2 Gardai do against them that the others can't?!
What a disgrace.
Should be banned from office and better yet the whole country.

wazky · 07-04-2014 1:41pm

If there was a real threat I highly doubt he would have went in the first place.

Probably wanted the two ngardai with him for the image.

bumper234 · 07-04-2014 1:42pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

And what would the Garda drivers do, shoot back?

Well they were armed

However, Mr Shatter insisted that the two armed gardai should be in the party, which also included his wife, Carol, and his private secretary.

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 1:43pm

Just saw that they cleared it through diplomatic channels to allow them to be armed. Even so, what would two Gardaí likely armed with handguns do if the cartel roll up with machine guns.

I remember visiting Egypt in 2003 and each tour bus was protected by an armed guard with a machine gun. Real threat, real response.

roadsmart · 07-04-2014 1:47pm

My name is URL wrote: »

And what good would a couple of unarmed drivers be in a scenario such as being attacked by a drugs cartel? If he was that concerned about his safety he wouldn't have taken his wife with him either.

Did you read the same article as I did? Where does it say they were unarmed? I took from it that they were armed and special arrangements were made to allow them to carry their firearms.

bear1 · 07-04-2014 1:47pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Just saw that they cleared it through diplomatic channels to allow them to be armed. Even so, what would two Gardaí likely armed with handguns do if the cartel roll up with machine guns.

I remember visiting Egypt in 2003 and each tour bus was protected by an armed guard with a machine gun. Real threat, real response.

My question would be why the Cartels would give a flying toss about an idiot like him?

WilyCoyote · 07-04-2014 1:48pm

Surely the person that dyes his hair should get protection. It almost looks as if he did it himself. Is terracotta the new ginger?
Or he may be trying a disguise.

WilyCoyote · 07-04-2014 1:52pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

.........................................................................................................................................................
I remember visiting Egypt in 2003 and each tour bus was protected by an armed guard with a machine gun. Real threat, real response.

Mummy Zombie Apocalypse :eek:

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 1:55pm

WilyCoyote wrote: »

Mummy Zombie Apocalypse :eek:

Brendan Fraser should accompany all tours in Egypt just in case.

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 1:56pm

bear1 wrote: »

My question would be why the Cartels would give a flying toss about an idiot like him?

Well he's a foreign politician for one and can be used as a ransom.

However, that's kind of the point. He was in Mexico City probably travelling between hotels and diplomatic functions. Not exactly roving around the Juarez cartel controlled area of Mexico. No real threat and no need for them.

Artful_Badger · 07-04-2014 1:56pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Just saw that they cleared it through diplomatic channels to allow them to be armed. Even so, what would two Gardaí likely armed with handguns do if the cartel roll up with machine guns.

I remember visiting Egypt in 2003 and each tour bus was protected by an armed guard with a machine gun. Real threat, real response.

Take into account this was a government minister visiting on a diplomatic trip for St Patricks day. When's the last time the cartels decided to wander in and attack visiting government ministers for no apparent reason ?

There was no threat, Shatter was more than likely just bringing the fellas along because he knew he could and that having them there to do his bits and pieces would make the trip more enjoyable for him and his wife.

The Backwards Man · 07-04-2014 1:57pm

It's hardly a disgrace is it? Mild annoyance at resources that could be better spent elsewhere maybe, but some of the anti-Shatter (and anti-govt) hysteria going around wouldn't be out of place at the Salem witch trials.

bear1 · 07-04-2014 1:58pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Well he's a foreign politician for one and can be used as a ransom.

However, that's kind of the point. He was in Mexico City probably travelling between hotels and diplomatic functions. Not exactly roving around the Juarez cartel controlled area of Mexico. No real threat and no need for them.

I'd say those cartels after 5mins with him would probably pay us to take him back.

Artful_Badger · 07-04-2014 2:00pm

The Backwards Man wrote: »

It's hardly a disgrace is it? Mild annoyance at resources that could be better spent elsewhere maybe, but some of the anti-Shatter (and anti-govt) hysteria going around wouldn't be out of place at the Salem witch trials.

When you're on thin ice with the people you represent for persistent failures to do your job to any decent standard then abuse of resources is hardly going to be ignored is it ?

Daith · 07-04-2014 2:04pm

Artful_Badger wrote: »

When you're on thin ice with the people you represent for persistent failures to do your job to any decent standard then abuse of resources is hardly going to be ignored is it ?

It's not an abuse of resources though. Having them wash his windows yeah. Bringing them on a diplomatic mission, no.

ShaggyQueen · 07-04-2014 2:05pm

bear1 wrote: »

+1. Those cartels can easily kill a town load of people, what the hell could 2 Gardai do against them that the others can't?!
What a disgrace.
Should be banned from office and better yet the whole country.

What others do you want? Do you think Obama would hire a couple of local Dubs to protect him when he visited here?
I don't know whether he needed them or not, but you don't just go and hire some randomer off the street for protection in a foreign country

bear1 · 07-04-2014 2:08pm

ShaggyQueen wrote: »

What others do you want? Do you think Obama would hire a couple of local Dubs to protect him when he visited here?
I don't know whether he needed them or not, but you don't just go and hire some randomer off the street for protection in a foreign country

No, but local Mexican police would know the situation much better than the Gardai.
Comparing Obama to Shatter is a bit of a stretch isn't it? They are in no way comparable.

dilallio · 07-04-2014 2:09pm

Shatter was afraid that the bowl of shamrock he had in his possession might be confused as a sample of super-skunk and the cartels would see him as competition.

Artful_Badger · 07-04-2014 2:10pm

Daith wrote: »

It's not an abuse of resources though. Having them wash his windows yeah. Bringing them on a diplomatic mission, no.

Maybe abuse was a bit much, needless wasting of resources may be more accurate.

mikom · 07-04-2014 2:15pm

"Yeah......... it's not like we needed those guards at home on St. Patricks day".............. said the German tourist spitting out his own teeth.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/german-couple-attacked-by-ten-youths-paddys-day-for-not-having-cigarette-lighter-30113710.html

WilyCoyote · 07-04-2014 2:17pm

bear1 wrote: »

No, but local Mexican police would know the situation much better than the Gardai.
Comparing Obama to Shatter is a bit of a stretch isn't it? They are in no way comparable.

Well yes actually. Both have had a bit of their appendage removed.

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 2:18pm

mikom wrote: »

"Yeah......... it's not like we needed those guards at home on St. Patricks day".............. said the German tourist spitting out his own teeth.

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/german-couple-attacked-by-ten-youths-paddys-day-for-not-having-cigarette-lighter-30113710.html

Ah here, one of them would have been on leave and the other wasn't likely to be walking the beat. Two gardaí aren't going to have prevented all the stupid things happening in Dublin City on Paddy's Day.

AnonoBoy · 07-04-2014 2:22pm

Maybe he wanted to reward the Garda lads by taking them on holiday?

So, he's actually dead sound.

stoneill · 07-04-2014 2:23pm

They were probably there to shoot him if he said anything stupid when he was in Mexico.

mikom · 07-04-2014 2:24pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Ah here, one of them would have been on leave and the other wasn't likely to be walking the beat. Two gardaí aren't going to have prevented all the stupid things happening in Dublin City on Paddy's Day.

The one on leave was the one paid overtime, right............ and we are closing Garda stations due to lack of funds.

maringo · 07-04-2014 2:29pm

As far as I know its been the situation for many years that a minister for justice has his/her home guarded by the Gardai.

Rabbo · 07-04-2014 2:37pm

Jesus, this Shatter witch-hunt is getting ridiculous. I'm no fan of the man myself but it has been practice for years for the Minister for Justice to be protected by Gardai and for good reason.

How is he taking a couple of armed Gardai with him to a troubled country like Mexico even up for discussion? I doubt any other country in the world would send a minister to Mexico without bodyguards.

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 2:42pm

Rabbo wrote: »

Jesus, this Shatter witch-hunt is getting ridiculous. I'm no fan of the man myself but it has been practice for years for the Minister for Justice to be protected by Gardai and for good reason.

How is he taking a couple of armed Gardai with him to a troubled country like Mexico even up for discussion? I doubt any other country in the world would send a minister to Mexico without bodyguards.

Why didn't he just go with an ERU member, then?

Most government ministers are not usually accompanied by an armed garda on an overseas trip unless there is a reason for special protection measures.
If armed officers are being provided, they are normally drawn from the force's Emergency Response Unit, who are trained in close-in protection.
However, Mr Shatter is understood to have stated that he wanted his two regular drivers with him. Diplomatic channels were used to clear the way for the drivers to bring their guns with them.

ShaggyQueen · 07-04-2014 2:45pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Why didn't he just go with an ERU member, then?

Most government ministers are not usually accompanied by an armed garda on an overseas trip unless there is a reason for special protection measures.
If armed officers are being provided, they are normally drawn from the force's Emergency Response Unit, who are trained in close-in protection.
.indo_survey>.wrap{position:inherit; background:#FFFFFF; display:block;}However, Mr Shatter is understood to have stated that he wanted his two regular drivers with him. Diplomatic channels were used to clear the way for the drivers to bring their guns with them.

Why does that matter so much? Trying to drum up outrage over nothing imo

keith16 · 07-04-2014 2:46pm

maringo wrote: »

As far as I know its been the situation for many years that a minister for justice has his/her home guarded by the Gardai.

Not exactly much they can do tho is there?

Wasn't his gaff robbed some time back? What good was an 'unarmed' presence in that instance?

It's a token practice that should be done away with.

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 2:48pm

ShaggyQueen wrote: »

Why does that matter so much? Trying to drum up outrage over nothing imo

It's not nothing. It's one thing in a series of issues related to the minister. Granted it's minor compared to the other issues at hand.

on the river · 07-04-2014 2:58pm

http://img3.allvoices.com/thumbs/image/609/480/100724315-grumpy-cat.jpg

D1stant · 07-04-2014 3:00pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Well he's a foreign politician for one and can be used as a ransom.

Are you kidding? We the Irish people wouldn't give you a fiver for Shatter. Not even a red fiver and its our decision because its our money. And furthermore, eh... oh yeah I see your point

on the river · 07-04-2014 3:07pm

D1stant wrote: »

Are you kidding? We the Irish people wouldn't give you a fiver for Shatter. Not even a red fiver and its our decision because its our money. And furthermore, eh... oh yeah I see your point

[IMG][/img]http://www.deargrumpycat.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Grumpy-Cat1.jpg

Michael D Not Higgins · 07-04-2014 3:07pm

D1stant wrote: »

Are you kidding? We the Irish people wouldn't give you a fiver for Shatter. Not even a red fiver and its our decision because its our money. And furthermore, eh... oh yeah I see your point

Whatever about the funny AH responses, if he were to be kidnapped it wouldn't look good for international relations. The government and Gardaí would come under fire for not doing enough to protect our TDs while abroad, or not adequately assessing the risk.

This is not to say that it would have happened had he no bodyguards but it would have been one huge story if it had. Either way, he shouldn't have been breaking the protocol for his usual drivers instead of those who were actually trained for this kind of duty, i.e. the ERU.

on the river · 07-04-2014 3:11pm

seriously why would any country kidnapp irish ministers. They hold no influence in international politics.

It would be great if some country took shatter off are hands. I think the irish taxpaper would gladly pay for it.

kippy · 07-04-2014 3:14pm

bear1 wrote: »

+1. Those cartels can easily kill a town load of people, what the hell could 2 Gardai do against them that the others can't?!
What a disgrace.
Should be banned from office and better yet the whole country.

Why the fudge would a drug cartel have any reason to kill a minister for justice of a foreign country - especially Ireland??

Thousands of people travel to mexico on a regular basis and don't get killed.

This is a complete waste of resources.

This man has to go.

garp · 07-04-2014 3:18pm

Michael D Not Higgins wrote: »

Well he's a foreign politician for one and can be used as a ransom.

I LOL'ed.Yeah like that would happen.

--Give us 10 million dollars or you never see him again.

Fine. Keep him.

Another Shatter'ing disgrace

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