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Simon Harris, the TikTok Taoiseach

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,896 ✭✭✭Bobson Dugnutt


    I doubt Skimpy has multiple accounts on this site. Has a very distinct writing style. Would be easy spot.

    Being young is a great advantage, since we see the world from a new perspective and we are not afraid to make radical changes - Greta Thunburg



  • Registered Users Posts: 35 MyUnicornWorld


    Pleased to see he has set up a task force on safety in Dublin. I believe the report will take 6 weeks and then hopefully we will see it implemented and positive changes in the city. This is such a big issue for me and I am glad he seems to be taking it seriously but only time will tell... I was disappointed that he kept Helen McEntee in justice as I feel we need a change there.

    I am pleased that he took such a strong stance on Palestine and is giving it the importance it deserves. I am proud to see Ireland and Spain reported around the world taking leadership on this issue.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,017 ✭✭✭✭_Kaiser_


    Apologies in advance all.. This will be a long one!

    See, this is the sort of thing that personally drives me mad when it comes to politics here.

    This apparent "need" for validation and approval (internationally) that both our politicians and many people seem to have - usually at the expense of our own domestic interests or needs.

    I have sympathy for the victims of the Gaza conflict (on both sides), but neither side involved are innocent. The Palestinians are just as guilty of atrocities as the Israelis, regardless of the reasons or justifications given. This conflict also goes back a lot further than this current installment, and some reading of history would also be useful to understand the causes and issues involved. It's not quite as clear cut as the soundbite/snapshot reporting style of social media and some of the press would make out.

    But it's not our fight. We have no say or influence on the fighting, and we certainly don't have any influence on whatever the eventual outcome and settlement ends up being, and frankly - it's none of our business. We had our own Gaza for decades and likewise atrocities were committed by both sides, and even now there is still that low level resentment of "de Brits" among many here, and the political situation in NI remains unstable even though the violence has at least ended. We're hardly in a position to preach however.

    Harris is clearly just latching on to popular opinion on the issue to grandstand on the EU stage (much as Leo, Enda, and many others before him) for essentially "likes", and the idea that this is something to be proud of genuinely baffles me! Who cares what the political reporters of foreign press think of his stance? I would be very confident in saying that their readers probably don't anyway.

    What possible difference does it make to the victims on both sides of the conflict? "Ireland has our back" is poor consolation when bullets or shells are flying! The Israelis are not likely to stop their part in the violence either because "Ireland and Spain are coming out against us". Now, if the US changed its position, then maybe there might be a shift in the situation, but again, why Harris and Ireland are getting involved is ridiculous. It's certainly not going to help address any problems here!

    He and the Government would be far better dealing with issues like the one you started with above and the rest of the laundry list of serious and worsening domestic issues we face - but given that he and his colleagues have sat back and allowed/encouraged/caused many of these issues over the past decade, I wouldn't hold my breath on much progress in the months he has to do something.

    Indeed, an article in the Independent this morning is suggesting that Budget 25 prep is already underway and the theme (unsurprisingly) will be a mega giveaway to try and distract/con/buy off the electorate before the general election with our own money - never forget that the only money the "Government" has is taxes collected from citizens and companies who work here.

    https://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/fionnan-sheahan-tax-credits-school-books-creche-grants-budget-2025-to-be-mother-of-all-giveaways/a1936660058.html

    But back to pride....

    I'll be proud when people aren't paying over 2 grand a month to a investment fund/landlord, or when adults aren't living in their childhood bedroom and can buy their own home if they wish, and without having to move a county or two away in the process.

    I'll be proud when people can get urgent medical care without maybe 14 hours sitting on a metal bench in A&E and then not simply shunted to a trolley in the hall for the next 2 days (speaking from personal experience here too).

    I'll be proud when the revolving door justice system and pathetically lax sentences are done away with and criminality is actually punished - and I don't just mean more penalty points issued to people on motorways which is where most of the focus seems to be a lot of the time. I mean gangland crime, violence and intimidation in city centres and less prosperous housing estates, white collar crime, and so on.

    I'll be proud when we have an immigration system that supports those genuinely in need, and welcomes those who come here legally with skills to offer, jobs to start, and who are a positive benefit to our community - but which is also tough on chancers, foreign criminals, and which protects our borders and recognises that there's only so much we can do/so many we can support too.

    I'll be proud when those who "get up early in the morning" are actually supported and recognised for their efforts. That working hard actually pays off in opportunities and options to build a better life for a family. When those who don't engage are sanctioned rather than rewarded with discounted housing and supports that the workers can't afford, don't qualify for, and have to compete against with their own taxes used against them.

    I'll be proud when we have a Government that puts Ireland first. Not in an isolationist manner but which represents our interests at international level. That negotiates with our needs and mandate in mind. That essentially negotiates as equals rather than sycophants.

    I'll be proud when we have political accountability and transparency. That does away with the culture of nepotism and waste and corruption, and doesn't treat the electorate as a cash cow to be exploited or talked down to or ignores, but remembers that politicians serve us, not the other way around.

    I'll be proud when we focus on and meaningfully start to resolve all of these issues, rather than pursuing imaginary agendas of hurt feelings, foreign conflicts, or whatever else is currently trending on social media.

    But I fear I'll be a long time waiting for any of these prideful feelings under the current Government or crop of weak, self-serving, apathetic politicians. Big on spin and saying the right things alright - very poor on followup and outcomes.

    We have a lot of fundamental issues that need to be addressed and resolved in this country - basic things (like the examples above) that have only gotten worse in the past 15 years, despite our supposed prosperity and wealth.

    THAT is where the political focus needs to be. Not grandstanding in Europe and internationally on things that have nothing to do with us in a very transparent attempt to deflect from those far more important problems.

    Or, if you prefer - here's the TL;DR version...

    Get back to work Simon! Stop sticking your/our nose into issues that are nothing to do with us and far more complicated anyway, and focus on doing your job here at home by tackling the problems that are making headlines in OUR press every day!

    (to those who stuck with it, thanks for reading this far!)

    Post edited by _Kaiser_ on


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,131 ✭✭✭✭Kermit.de.frog


    This country allows itself to be led around by the nose by a small number of noisy lefty loons with a rather disturbing total obsession with Gaza.

    I agree, whilst it's all a tragedy it is totally irrelevant to running this country and the time devoted to it by some is completely wrong and should be called out.

    It would be refreshing if some of these representatives were stopped mid sentence, told to stop yapping on about the Middle East and focus on the priorities of people in this country.

    Because they are not doing that and I do think people are getting fed up with it.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    To be fair to Leo, this was all done with the Spanish PM a few weeks ago. Simon is only repeating and duplicating. It didn't get as many headlines before.

    Feb 2024

    https://www.breakingnews.ie/israel-hamas/ireland-and-spain-seek-urgent-review-of-eu-israel-trade-deal-amid-concern-over-gaza-1588486.html

    The Taoiseach and Spanish prime minister are calling for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

    March 2024

    https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/6d133-statement-by-the-prime-ministers-of-ireland-malta-slovenia-and-spain/

    We, the Prime Ministers of Ireland, Malta, Slovenia and Spain, met in the margins of the European Council to share views on the situation in Gaza and the Middle East.

    We are agreed that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is through implementation of a two-state solution, with Israeli and Palestinian States living side-by-side, in peace and security.

    We discussed together our readiness to recognise Palestine

    https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41331634.html

    Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez have written to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen expressing deep concern at the deteriorating situation in Gaza.

    =========

    Nothing new with what Simon did. Just more talk. Less duplication of efforts Simon and more focus on Ireland's problems please.

    As for taskforce…a little late for that, Dublin has been deteriorating for a decade. Didn't Helen tell us that Dublin city centre is perfectly safe and none of the FFG ministers disagreed.

    Post edited by Cluedo Monopoly on

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,748 ✭✭✭TokTik


    This should be sent to every sitting TD and every candidate in the upcoming general election.

    Excellent post.



  • Registered Users Posts: 35 MyUnicornWorld


    Yes it is too late, I agree. But do you think that means they should do nothing?

    I am glad Simon is doing something at least. We'll see how it turns out....



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    Edit: Sorry you are talking about the Dublin "taskforce".

    I thought Helen was already doing stuff to tackle Dublin City Centre crime/safety etc. After 4 years in government, they don't know what the problems are? Fine Gael have been there since 2011.

    Can getting kicked down the road until summer recess. Election shortly after giveaway budget.

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



  • Registered Users Posts: 35 MyUnicornWorld




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,017 ✭✭✭✭_Kaiser_


    Cheers. I'm actually considering it (need to stop adding to it first though!)

    I mean, I think that what I've listed in the "I'll be proud" sections of my post is what the vast majority of people actually want and are missing from the current political options and Government.

    There's nothing controversial or unreasonable or unrealistic in there I think - just to actually focus on the real issues that are affecting everyone every day to varying degrees and which are also ultimately stoking the frustration and resentment that the Government are complaining about the longer they drag on. People (even in Ireland) can only take so much, and it does also wear them down after a while which is feeding into it as well.

    So maybe this post should be dedicated to any politician, potential candidate, or staffer who might read it - there's a real and significant gap in the political "market" for a party that will take these points as an actual mandate and agenda and which will, for the first time ever perhaps, actually FOLLOW THROUGH ON IT.

    Sure, there will be complaints and resistance from some quarters but I think from all I've read in the press and on threads and sites like this, that the support for doing these things would overwhelmingly win out.

    We're essentially back where we were in 2011... At a point where the vast majority of people want real change, real reform, and real action on the issues facing our country - not just more words, empty promises, and lack of delivery.

    Enda failed to transform the country back then. Is there ANYONE who could actually do it this time? Because this country is becoming unrecognisable in many respects and most of them are negative.

    It really is (long past) time for a change!



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,066 ✭✭✭dmakc


    Agree with above. It's time they started to focus on this island instead of cheap moral victories on the middle east and their perpetual troubles.

    Thought the referendum result, or Leo leaving might be a wake up call but it's same old sh1te. Equally annoyed at myself for voting FFG last term.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,645 ✭✭✭Hamachi


    Amazing post. Nothing to add except that you are one of the most coherent and erudite posters on this site. I do hope that you send this to all of your public representatives. I wish people as clear thinking as yourself would consider entering public life. The country needs it urgently.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,017 ✭✭✭✭_Kaiser_


    Cheers, appreciate that a lot. It's funny actually - friends of mine have said over the years that I should have been a journalist or politician. Maybe they were right!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,035 ✭✭✭✭Loafing Oaf




  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    The situation in Gaza is absolutely the major issue in Irish politics today for ALL parties, not just FG.

    Theew are major street protests every single day of the week.

    https://www.ipsc.ie/

    https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0413/1443359-gaza-protest-dublin/



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,374 ✭✭✭combat14


    yes lets pour all our energy into the intractable iran israel Palestinian problem sure renters, would be home owners, patients in hospitals, the homeless people in tents, irish citizens etc. can wait another 14 years while simon solves all the rest of the world's number 1 problems

    someone else could argue that there are major protests about illegal immigration here too but hamas terrorists and palestine are top priority over everything else

    there will be a general election here in less than 12 months and palestine won't save FG at the ballot box



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,035 ✭✭✭✭Loafing Oaf


    But do you guys not see how pointless these kind of plaintive appeals to the established political parties are? They are going to do whatever they believe is in their political interests regardless. Some of that may coincide with the kind of things kaiser is calling for bit that's a judgment they will make for themselves. If you're looking for any kind of certainty that those sorts of policies will be pursued you need to start voting for candidates outside the current establishment who are sincerely committed to such policies and are not just maybe taking them up for a while out of political expediency.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭corkie


    https://www.reddit.com/r/ireland/comments/14ckrpx/is_there_any_point_in_writing_tdsministers_and/

    They're always read, if not by the minister/TD, by secretaries who have a good understanding of the minister's priorities and responsibilities. If you're arguing for/against a position, it will get added to the tally, and if you're requesting help they'll either take it on, or you'll get told who might be better to contact.

    Came across above when making a query about TD's reading anonymous Twitters tagged at them.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,780 ✭✭✭Floppybits


    Didn't Enda do the same thing when there was a gangland shooting in the carpark of Avondale House flats? Remember Enda going on a walkabout similar to Helens as well. Just the usual crap repackaged and put out as being new.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,741 ✭✭✭suvigirl


    Im not a fan of the justice minister, but maybe I'm missing something here? How is this her fault?



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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    The idea that Ireland and it's leaders are sycophants going around the world looking for approval is an entirely made up fiction in some people's heads.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    It really isn't. As much as I detest what the Israelis are doing since the Hamas terrorist attack, most people don't see it as a major issue. It will have no impact whatsoever on the voting preferences in June.

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,032 ✭✭✭Tenzor07


    I agree with Cluedo, it's definitely not the major issue in Irish Politics today, not by a long shot.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,860 ✭✭✭✭Brendan Bendar


    very few people posting here care about how many accounts you have.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 88,244 ✭✭✭✭JP Liz V1


    I am surprised he hasn't been a Late Late Show guest yet or is he afraid Paddy K might ask him some difficult questions



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,537 ✭✭✭Dick phelan


    Personally, when it comes to Gaza I don't really care. Yes, it's sad but so is what is happening in Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti etc. This is not our fight, we will have zero influence over how it will end. I'd appreciate it if our politicians would get back to doing the job they are supposed to do and deal with the many issues that affect the people of this country. It's also a braindead move, we rely heavily on US multinationals for employment. A very pro-Israel country, We should not damage that relationship just so we can grandstand and pretend we are making a difference.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,220 ✭✭✭✭Wanderer78


    …do you really think the mnc's will up sticks over this! think again, our current agreements are mutually beneficial, they aint going anywhere, relax…..



  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    A serious lack of how it all works going on here I'm sure Irish people and the Irish state have empathy for Palastine.

    On the international stage Ireland is a proxy voice to say things others don't want to say its how it works.

    What the Irish goverment says about Palastine has zero effect on our relationship with the US.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,860 ✭✭✭✭Brendan Bendar




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,860 ✭✭✭✭Brendan Bendar




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,355 ✭✭✭howiya


    Working towards the recognition of a Palestine state is in the Programme for Government. If Harris/Martin etc weren't doing anything on this they'd be subject to criticism for not doing anything. They can't win.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,860 ✭✭✭✭Brendan Bendar


    The important bit is to evaluate the status and outlook of those promulgating these views.

    You’ll probably find they are part of the ‘agin everything’ brigade.

    Windbags in other words.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 88,244 ✭✭✭✭JP Liz V1


    Simon Harris TD

    @SimonHarrisTD

    Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland), Leader of Fine Gael & Wicklow TD

    From his Twitter

    😆

    Well I find it funny



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 88,244 ✭✭✭✭JP Liz V1


    The scum bag had 133 previous convictions, he deserved a full life sentence, castrated in a dark hole imho

    Nolan should not be a judge

    The justice system needs over hauling, tougher punishments and sentencing



  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Nolan should not be a judge

    While I wholeheartedly agree, this is not something the Justice Minister can do anything about.



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,865 ✭✭✭Clo-Clo


    It is simple, no matter what government does people will moan

    Go to St Patrick Day event, complain it's a waste of money. DOn't go and it's breaking US relationships

    "flip flop" has to be the best term to explain a lot of what is going on in politics these days.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭corkie


    https://extra.ie/2024/04/15/news/politics/simon-harris-tds-election

    • So far, 12 of the 35 Fine Gael TDs elected in 2020 – including former Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy, who quit in 2021 – have announced their decision to stand down after the next election.

    I thought it was reported a third where leaving, so the exodus of party TDs may continue.

    https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/national-security-concerns-raised-over-tiktok-taoiseach-broadcasting-from-government-buildings/a642304601.html

    • People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said: “I do think it is ironic that only a while ago the Irish Government was saying TikTok was a security risk because of Chinese state involvement, and now the Taoiseach is broadcasting on it from the Cabinet room.

    Where is the proof he was broadcasting from Cabinet Room, he may have recorded the video and posted latter.

    From a reply on twitter to MM Rant on social media apps, what is the age profile of his followers on Tiktok?

    #TheTiktokseach



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,951 ✭✭✭✭zell12


    Some media commentator mentioned a lettuce countdown for Harris. Any chance?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70,172 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    12/35 is already over a third

    Lettuce would rot first. His first major challenge is in 2 months and he'll likely stay on after that regardless.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,330 ✭✭✭✭markodaly


    The government going back to basics it seems.

    Talking about Tax Cuts, Child Benefits, Pensions and stuff like that.

    Stuff like the below is a great bit of policy.

    https://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2024/0415/1443507-school-meals-programme/



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭corkie


    @L1011 I was referring to the link that had 'of losing Half his'?

    Simon Harris facing nightmare scenario of losing half his TDs before election



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 70,172 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    Link title didn't show for me

    I can see two more going even though they say they won't - Ring and Durkan - which would be tilting towards half



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    It's a pity they won't tackle basic public services. Adding a tenner here and there will not sway the electorate who are fuming over the housing/rental crisis, the health services, children's hospital, immigration, crime etc etc. In fact I smiled when I saw these 1980s style attempts at buying votes. I think this level of rhetoric will anger the electorate even further. The perception is that after many many years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail mismanagement, corruption and inaction, the FF party think they can fool the electorate into voting for them with a few shiny trinkets. Fine Gael think they can throw out nonsense promises like 250k houses over 5 years and that will fool the electorate. Just wait and see, the elections over the next 6 months will show FFG exactly what people think. Never patronise the electorate. FFG will get a rude awakening. Worth waiting for…

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    @L1011 Ring is 70 and Durkan 79. I doubt either will go again. The local elections will help them decide.

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,330 ✭✭✭✭markodaly


    Yea, everything is crap, rinse repeat, blah blah…

    But you are wrong on several counts. Stuff like this is tried and trusted and does work. That is why politicians do it.
    It's why SF for example want to abolish property taxes. (madness but there you go)

    Just today, while on the school run a number of parents acknowledged the fact that all kids in the school have started with hot meals. "A game changer" one parent quipped to me. Certainly seems to be positive and going down very well with parents under are under time and money pressure. Studies show that measures like these give great bang for buck and makes a real difference for the actual child.

    As to your quip about tackling basic services, well yea, perhaps, but Utopia doesn't exist and while we have problems and all, we are still one of the most successful nations on this earth. You wouldn't think it if you live in a negative cynical bubble, buts it's a fact.

    The problems you mentioned are similar problems every country in the western world has. Changing and reforming these services are monumental tasks. Not one party can do it, and if you think a SF lead government can, then I have magic beans to sell you.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    Yes yes, the electorate are stupid and will fall for the giveaway budget.

    It has worked so well for FG. In 2011 they won 76 seats as largest party by far. In 2020 they won 35 seats and were 3rd largest party. Have patience and I'll provide the 2024 numbers to disprove your theory.

    A school run "game changer"...yeah right 😂

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,865 ✭✭✭Clo-Clo


    Yes because the population is so stupid they don't understand what a give away budget is, which every budget at the moment is classed as a "give away budget"🙄

    Or maybe the voters look at the opposition and see a bag of spanners in terms of policies

    And Independents, well no policies but they do "unseen work"

    Or maybe they look at policies and see what they want from different parties and vote on that.

    Of course, we could all vote for someone who doesnt have any policies and doesn't actually deliver what you want, hard sell that one….best of luck with the youtube videos



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,932 ✭✭✭Cluedo Monopoly


    You need to get me out of your head Clo. I haven't posted any YouTube videos? Thanks for the advice on voting. Hope Twitter isn't stressing you out this week.

    What are they doing in the Hyacinth House?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,330 ✭✭✭✭markodaly


    A school run "game changer"...yeah right 😂

    I can take it you don't have children going to school.

    So what exactly is wrong in your own life that you want the government to fix? Or are you just parroting what others are saying.

    Saw this headline and thought of you are others on this thread.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/12/29/stephen-collins-a-swathe-of-the-population-believes-they-live-in-a-hellhole-but-the-evidence-suggests-otherwise/




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭corkie


    @markodaly

    Did you only read the headline as it is behind a paywall, and I'm to lazy to use a method to get around it?

    Edit: No need reply, you seem to only read headlines based on your reply!
    

    Did you read my reply to you on the other thread?

    Also opened a new thread to discuss things brought up in them posts.

    The Digital Services Act 2024 [EU] in Politics

    Post edited by corkie on


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