Quick note to say that I will be canvassing with Enda Kenny TD at Phibsborough shopping centre today at 3 this afternoon. Please join us if you have any questions to put to Enda or I.
February 28, 2009
Sign of the Times
While walking home from Leinster House yesterday I saw a sign for a bookfair. I checked it out more closely as I am a huge book lover. I discovered it was a sign for the 4th Anarchist Book Fair. The holding of the first, second and third Anarchist book sales had passed me by. But you could not miss the signs for this. Read More…
February 28, 2009
What we would do differently
A constant demand is the need for politics to change to deal with the circumstances that the country is now in. An essential part of this is developing what Fine Gael would do differently to lead our country and economy to better days. This is laid out very clearly by Enda Kenny in today’s Irish Times, available here. He lays out our proposals to get government borrowing under control, examine new taxation measures (such as a carbon tax and a new rate of income tax), reform the Oireachtas and a tougher evaluation of capital spending. It is detailed, specific and clear. This is what Fine Gael would do differently.
Yesterday, we made a proposal for an All Party Committee on Banking Regulation. The objective is to develop principles, regulations and institutions that will deliver a healthy banking system for our country. Harness the best minds in the Oireachtas, let the politicians take the right decisions in public. The answer from the Government to this was No.
We are up for changing politics, up for saying what would we would do differently, up for getting the country back on it’s feet. The question is now whether the Government will heed our offer of help. I hope that they do.
February 27, 2009
Order of Business
Excellent order of business today. This is where Senators bring up any matter of topical interest. It is always the best attended and most interesting part of the day. Several Senators made excellent contributions.
February 26, 2009
10 Lessons
Just came across a remarkable document. It is called ‘10 Lessons About Budget Consolidation’ by Jens Henriksson. It is published by the Brugel Institute and is available here. It is written by one of the chief economic architects responsible for Sweden emerging from a financial disaster in the 1990s to the sound successful economy of today. This is an inspirational read. It shows how public policy can make the decisive difference to turning a country around. As I have said many times before our country has a fine future ahead of it. We just need to make the right decisions to get there. This work offers a guide as to how this can be done.
February 26, 2009
