The establishment

Who or what do you this is 'the establishment' in Irish society and how does it work.

I noticed an interesting issue lately.

A certain political party has become very popular suddenly 'the establishment' seem to have woken up to this and the next thing very subtle media article start to appear,.. in the tabloids it will be push the seamier side of the party while the 'respectable' paper it will be an article by some famous historian or academic questioning the background of the political party.

It not about the right or wrongs of this its about how this comes about.

Would you say there is a subtle power elite in Irish society who shape the agenda.

SEPT 23 1989

nothing subtle about the establishment

catallus

Think that's bad? Get a load of this! http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29950843

Things are so bad in India, their universities are hopelessly corrupted. This does not bode well.

One eyed Jack

PR and spin in politics, journalists in back pockets writing paid for opinions?

Well I never... :pac:

Sheep Lover

Fcuk the establishment and capitalism.

Sent from my 500 euro IPhone.

KomradeBishop

It's the same here as everywhere else - political parties that are powerful, are in receipt of large donations from influential business interests (who want to see a good 'return' on their investment, so want one of the parties they have close connections with, in power).

These business interests often own or have an element of control over media outlets, and thus use these outlets to try and protect their 'investments' - and through doing so, are more likely to be enamoured with the parties they protect, and gain better 'returns' if any of those parties do get in power.

Ireland has a long and continuous history of this kind of influence peddling, and it's far from gone - it's possible to stop it, but we're a long way away from that.

Balmed Out

If a minor political party grows into a credible force then any media should report on whether their policies, structures, funding etc are credible.

In at least one example at the moment in an Irish context that party is failing that point and deservedly should be examined by the media. Fianna Fail promised this and that, had giveaway budgets and we will pay for it for a long time again. Any party who decides to pick up the same mantra should be examined.