Proud to be a Gerry Adams republican

This week I re-read The Politics of Irish Freedom. Published in 1986 it was the first detailed account by Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin’s radical republicanism.

Fianna Fáil cave in to Fine Gael on water charges

After a ten hour marathon session of the Oireachtas Water Committee last Tuesday, Fianna Fáil finally caved into Fine Gael on water charges.

In a series of votes, Barry Cowen and his team opposed proposals which only days before they enthusiastically supported.

Martin McGuinness – the beating heart of Irish republicanism

It is hard to put into words the deep sense of loss that Irish republicans are feeling today.

The untimely passing of Martin McGuinness has left a hole in our political world.

Fake FF/FG water wars distract from real issues

The Irish government is about to be hauled to the European Court of Justice for breach of EU water law.

This legal action has nothing to do with water charges or the Water Framework Directive.

Government, coalition & delivering real change

When it comes to Government there are two kinds of political parties.

There are those who accept the status quo. Their policy agenda may involve some proposals for change. But these can be accommodated within the existing order of things.

Then there are those committed to something more profound. Their agenda can not be satisfied within the status quo. They want to replace the existing order of things with something radically different.

Behind the scenes at the Dáil Housing & Homelessness Committee

After 70 hours of meetings over seven weeks, involving 41 hearings and 90 written submission the Dáil Housing and Homelessness Committee has published its report on time.

Teaching Vincent Browne the difference between SF & FF/FG

Love him or loath him you have to admit that Vincent Browne has done the state some service. He is one of the few presenters who can unnerve even the most seasoned media performer.

Like a cranky, scruffy old dog with a well chewed bone he just won’t let go – even when the rest of the pack has drifted off in search of more meaty morsels.

Where now for the European Left?

What a difference a year makes. Early 2015 was a moment of enormous optimism for the Left in the eurozone periphery.

Syriza had swept to power in Greece on 36% of the popular vote. Sinn Féin and Podemos were riding high in the Irish and Spanish polls and looking like potential leaders of left led governments.

Elections are all about choices

General election 2016 presents voters with a straight choice – a Fine Gael or a Sinn Féin led government.

The idea that the outcome has all but been decided is not only insulting to voters but runs contrary to the facts.

Sinn Féin & the Army Council

So here’s how it works. At 5am my army council issue alarm clock abruptly wakes me. I jump out of bed and take a 4 minute military style cold shower.

I then eagerly stand to attention beside the army council issue telex machine. At 5.25am my orders arrive telling me where to go, who to meet and what to say.

Duly instructed, I go about my business as a Sinn Féin activist and South Dublin County Councillor.