Media silence over Niall Collins story

Coillte_Bhoy

wtf is going on? Bizzarre

Overheal

Apparently it’s such a good story worth telling the OP also kept it to themselves.

Who even the **** is Niall Collins

igCorcaigh

If seen people reference his name on Twitter. Who is he and what's the story?

Jim_Hodge

Maybe they know we don't need or want to hear any more.

Because it is a much ado about nothing, and no one cares bar some bloke called Ronan who can't spell his own name.

Ten of Swords

So very bizarre op, most bizarre thing to have ever occurred in the history of bizarre things...

🙄

Coillte_Bhoy

On the Ditch ran a story few days ago about him as a councilor voting for the sale of public land which was bought by his wife, who then tried to sell it back to council, thats it in a nutshell. Not a mention in the msm about it, kind of odd no? Oh and not a peep out of the opposition either

Overheal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511307#Comment_120511307

"In general terms, a professional negligence claim is a claim in tort that is governed by the six-year limitation period for tort claims set out at section 11(2) of the SOL 1957."

https://hayes-solicitors.ie/clipart/Limitation%20periods%20in%20Ireland.pdf

Even if everything the site wrote is true it alleges events that occured in 2006, comfortably outside this statute of limitations. And when reached for comment denied the allegations. What else do they have? They make no mention of any other recorded votes besides the 1 in 2006.

Site itself feels a bit gum and shoestring

https://www.ontheditch.com/about/

https://www.ontheditch.com/editorial-team/

MegamanBoo

I think people are more concerned with FFG incompetence rather than their corruption at the mo.

The latest breaking news is that they're 'considering options' for dealing with the housing crises.

Hu - f**king - rray

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511215#Comment_120511215

It's an important one to tell.

There is a very obvious conflict of interest in a land deal, possibly tip of the iceberg stuff involving Govt ministers. I'd agree, the silence around it is disconcerting as Fionnan Sheehan and the rest of the media went head first into the Hutch/SF links.

The OP asks an important question. Pay attention.

My own opinion is Collins knew he needed to declare that deal and rule himself out of the voting and very clearly made the choice not to, cast his vote which ultimately has benefitted him personally. That is a very clear a criminal offence. The silence is not to be sniffed at, how much else of this is happening? I would wager quite a bit.

Politics in this country is exasperating. Nothing but poor choices and self interested gombeens all round.

And is it any wonder - when posters like yourself downplay these things, people will take advantage.

dasa29

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511533#Comment_120511533

If what you are saying is true explain this from the article, “While the method of disposal was not yet decided,” read the meeting minutes, “it would be by open market and the matter would be brought back to the area meeting again for further consideration.”

There is no mention of the property coming back before the council before it was listed for sale in the Limerick Leader property section.

Tork

If it's a story that should be covered, it should happen. But I also find it hard to stomach those The Ditch people digging up muck when Roman Shortall didn't pay his rent and built up arrears of nearly €50,000.

SEPT 23 1989

Every person who aspires or is a politician is a sociopath

their life goal is to have power over other people

how fcuked up is that when you take a step back and really think about it

The idea that every journalist and media outlet in the country is deliberately suppressing this story is conspiracy theory nonsense. That site the Ditch is little more than a personal vendetta project for the absolutely hideous Paddy Cosgrave. That it was founded by someone who has spread pro-Russian proposals for years and now works for Russia Today is the main story here. Questions have to be asked about how it’s being funded. That Roman Shortall lad is bad news as well.

amacca

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511602#Comment_120511602

Could be just a precautionary measure😀

A good means of reducing the amount of power others have over you is to have it yourself!

I'd be reluctant for any of the morons I meet to have much sway or influence over me!

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511602#Comment_120511602

Complete and utter bullshít.

Coillte_Bhoy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511781#Comment_120511781

I dont disagree with you re the ditch and its backers etc, but thats not the point. A Minister for State was involved in posible corrupt practice and its being totally ignored b y the msm. Imagine if he was a SFer?

Podge_irl

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511802#Comment_120511802

The media are more than happy to publish many damaging stories about the government (and rightly so)

It's significantly more likely they are not ignoring it at all and instead either do not consider it a story or are going through legal checks before reporting on it. The "media" ignoring a scandal about a TD is conspiracy theory stuff- it would be manna for them.

bmc58

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511220#Comment_120511220

Yes tell us more.I've never heard of him too.

tesla_newbie

SF twitter soldiers certainly putting in the work on this one, perhaps it is a scandal ? but the avalanche of activism on social media over the issue is quite something

dontmindme

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511979#Comment_120511979

Yeh right, if there's anyone calling an elected representative out on possible criminal behaviour you can be sure they're a paid up shinner...ffs

JP Liz V1

The president's dead dog is the media priority

Collins needs to answer why no comment from him or his party

If it were SF politician it be everywhere

jackboy

I think Collins is the red line for FFG. The Ditch were well on the way to taking down the government, FFG can’t lose anyone else. There is likely many more politicians that the Ditch have serious dirt on.

Twitter is pretty sure losing Collins will bring down the government and cause an election.

Didn't they win the last confidence vote by about 15 or 20 votes?

Collins himself may be toast alright.

Yurt2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511884#Comment_120511884

This. The Ditch shoot first and ask questions later, but "msm" (how I hate that American twitterism) perform due dilligence legally before electing to publish information that could concievably land them in the High Court. Sooner or later the Ditch will learn that lesson and it will be the end of them. Other media outlets have shareholders and owners to answer to (or in the case of RTE, licence fee payers), so perform legal housekeeping on info.

The Irish media aren't shy about baring their fangs and going after politicians when there's blood in the water. There is no conspiracy of silence here.

Guildenstern

As well as the comments so far, we do also still have a low bar when it comes to what's acceptable and what isn't. 'Id do that meself, if I'd know I could get away with it', mentality.

Who knows, maybe those in the media have made similar. Politians are no different to many others in pulling a stroke.

The Ditch have now produced a number of examples of politicians and their forgetfulness in properly declaring assets, to the point that you'd think many of them are just not taking these rules and regulations that seriously.

And they cry foul when they get online abuse when they should be placing themselves to the highest standards.

tesla_newbie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512002#Comment_120512002

It might still turn out to be a big scandal

i was just highlighting the clearly orchestrated campaign on Twitter

it’s no secret that SF have a near professional army on social media

Guildenstern

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512140#Comment_120512140

Not just SF. I would say now all the parties are exploiting all areas of social media. Sometimes I really wonder if many conversations are just reps from different camps laying into each other.

igCorcaigh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512072#Comment_120512072

Twitter is not a barometer for the real world though. I think most people are more concerned with the cost of living and the housing crisis tbh.

jackboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512310#Comment_120512310

There is a direct link between these dodgy politicians and the housing crises. These dodgy politicians will need to be ruthlessly rooted out before any attempt can be made to improve the housing crisis.

Annasopra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511350#Comment_120511350

It does seem like there isnt much to the site but they have done a lot of investigative journalism in the last couple of years. Junior Ministers Damien English and Robert Troy resigned because of stories they uncovered. The site seems to be a biased plaything for a twat with a vengeance but it also does appear that it is producing some good quality investigative journalism. Robert Troy and Damien English didnt resign for no reason. That being said, said twat is extremely untrustworthy.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512310#Comment_120512310

Twitter is the platform of choice for the permanently outraged. It attracts a huge amount of malcontents and morons.

Annasopra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120511979#Comment_120511979

I reckon if you dig enough you might find SF funds The Ditch.

Annasopra

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512072#Comment_120512072

Just nobody from Sinn Fein

Guildenstern

The activities of The Ditch remind me that what they are unearthing should be done by our mainstream media.

Is it no wonder RTE was always referred to as Pravda and while it may be bordering on conspiracy theory paranoia to allege that the newspapers are in the pocket of government, it is frustrating that they just don't investigate to this level.

Yurt2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512460#Comment_120512460

Would be odd as the Ditch have published stories on SF councillors and TDs in the exact same manner as they have gone after governing parties. The stories on governing parties have attracted more ink as they have resulted in a couple of high profile ministerial scalps.

igCorcaigh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512452#Comment_120512452

Oh for sure!

Ben D Bus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512002#Comment_120512002

Every single Tweet by Irish media or government today is flooded with references to Collins. This is not normal.

The Ditch doesn't seem reliable in itself. And a blanket suppression of reporting elsewhere seems like wild consipiracy.

2 possibilities. The rest of the media is engaged in due diligance to avoid a crippling libel suit, or the story is bollox.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512521#Comment_120512521

It should be done by the media but who buys papers anymore? It takes money and time to let journalists off to enquire and investigate things.

Most of the print media will be gone in a few years, a large chunk of it is gone already!

Larbre34

The Ditch is nothing but a vehicle for our Narcissist Laureate Paddy Cosgrave and a few lackeys to try and gain revenge on the larger parties in Ireland for the perceived slight on him by not treating him and his speed dating event as the second coming of the Messiah.

The Ditch is not objective, does not follow good journalistic practices and amounts to a glorified episode of Gossip Girl. The next thing I suspect to hear is that Collins is suing them for some aspect of reputational damage.

Its really funny to see the shinnerbots and the paid useful idiots on Twitter trying to gain some traction on social media with this crap and failing badly. Bunch of morons and amateurs.

Yurt2

What I don't get is what the Twitterati want from the story from here on out? The information and 'scoop' is out in the wild. That's what they want correct? Either the opposition will pick it up and make hay of it or they wont.

They're trying to concoct a populist conspiracy theory that there's some black-hand protecting Collins. The reality is Collins' solicitor may be busy firing out letters, and the Ditch may be in receipt of one when the postie comes tommorow bright and early.

I'm not saying that's right or wrong. But media outlets have to cover their backsides. Defending High Court actions and indeed settling High Court actions is an expensive business. A paper or radio station gains nothing from re-reporting the Ditch's output - they stand to lose 6 figures at least if they get it wrong.

jackboy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512628#Comment_120512628

The Ditch have a proven record as evidenced by the dodgy politicians that they have already forced to resign.

gmisk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512628#Comment_120512628

I am no fan of Cosgrave, but I am pretty sure what they have reported is factual? I know other TDs have threatened to sue but yet nothing seems to have happened on that front? Odd that.

It has gained traction massively on social media. Quick check...it is currently number 2 trending, failing badly to gain traction? This is a number of days after the ditch posted the story.

Maybe also look under every open post by FF TDs recently, Niall Collins and a lot of others have comments closed.

Yurt2

I have no objection to the Ditch publishing their story about Collins. That's what a free and open media sector is supposed to do. They'll live and die as an outlet on the accuracy of their reporting, and to keep it between the road markings legally in doing so.

But as for the weird online swell spamming threads, the "msm" owe nothing to the online swarm. There are probably very good reasons they are holding their fire, and most pertinantly, the opposition are holding their fire as well. That should probably give pause for thought.

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512742#Comment_120512742

Aye, but traction that hasn't yet left Irish Twitter, is nay traction at all.

Count Dracula

A long long time ago ... in a rural Limerick town where mick hourigan trained racehorses... there was a bit a land that LCOCO thought might fetch a decent price before the crash. A website alleges they sold it to the wife of one of the co councillors who approved the sale.

Nothing happened for 15 years, until a rent defaulter and a radical republican scribe, were asked by a deluded meddler, who was never battered hard enough at school, by the monks, who did a bad job of learning him how to mind his own business, no matter how successful it was?

Paid fanatics, who have been motivated to believe that their futures are being enabled by a gang of cranks, who reckon they are half way up a mountain they didn't bring a rope to climb with and are getting dizzy thinking about it... now spend their waking lives pretending to be upset about everything the Irish government does. If you listen closely they sound like bored dead wood employees. They actually believe that they are part of a new wave of Ireland, as in waving it down the sink.

The End.

I get that mainstream journalism in Ireland is a cliquey closed shop. I don't particularly like that either. It would be great to see some alternative interesting journalism being created - with respect to all at no 44.

But I really couldn't give a fiddlers phuck about some culchie TD, whose wife might have gotten her paws on a site of land, for the price of an education at Glenstal Abbey, almost 2 decades ago?

Do we really want this country to be run by a gang of cranks, who spend their time running around the schoolyard seeing who is dropping the litter, before running hysterically to the teacher to tell them they saw who did it?

What a gang of spas?

gmisk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512940#Comment_120512940

You literally said it wasn't gaining traction on social media.....I pointed out it has plenty still and it is days after the story was broke. Look at pretty much any Irish media tweet or facebook comments, this is way beyond "paid useful idiots" and "shinnerbots" as you put it.

It feels like death by a thousand cuts on Collins, how many dodgy shady things has he been caught up in now?

GerUpOttaTa

It's very worrying when you see how serious the issue with Collins is that the story can be shut down so easily by our media. We deserve better.

Yurt2

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120513009#Comment_120513009

If it's been shut down, how are you aware of it?

There must be some kind of legal issue that all the media are staying away, even paul murphy not saying much in the tweets.

Will a TD ask questions in the dail? The same restrictions dont apply (I think)

Flaneur OBrien

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120512978#Comment_120512978

I'd really like a country that's governed by people that are not corrupt.

If you're ok with letting those in govt help themselves to whatever, that says an awful lot about you (and nothing good)