Babies

8,674 babies were delivered in National Maternity Hospital, Hollis street Dublin. This hospital is over 100 years old and looks stunning from the out side. But inside it is bulging at the seems. It is out of date, that it simple, not fit for purpose. One lift in middle with rubbish bins out side and used to move bins, the public and new born babies. It has to be seen to be believed. The staff are world class but have to work in cramped conditions. There are plans to move to St Vincents University hospital which has a site but the politicians will wait years to say yes. Why ?

Lisbon Treaty

Ireland voted NO. is IT THE END OF THE WORLD ? NO. They will have to find a solution, the UK did not join the Euro and they are still part of the European Union. But it was more a vote against 'being told what was good for you' by a everything is good government. But the public is suffering in there pockets with petrol at record prices and the grocery bill increasing every week while the politicians pay themselves handsomely and are always on holidays.

euro 2008

Today sees the start of Euro 2008 soccer tournament. Professional footballers representing their Countries. There clubs pay them very well, some over 100,000 euro a week, but their Countries just pay a nominal fee with bonuses if they win How long will this system last. A young player could boost future earnings by playing well but old pros ? will they risk that tackle when they might get injured, will they give 110per cent. Time will tell.

Economists

Are Economists the most overpaid profession ? In fact are economists of any use at all. There predictions are truly inaccurate in most cases or at least completely useless. Yet large organisations use there information as FACT instead as a guide. They behave like sheep, individuals acting as a herd. In these uncertain times you are better using your own judgement and common sense then listening and reading there reports.

Mars or War

The United States tax payers paid nearly 500 million dollars sending a space ship to mars. Eight years work for the project team and sharing knowledge around the world. This was great value for money considering the week before they agreed a budget of 189 billion to continue the Iraq and Afghanistan wars for one year.

South Africa backlash

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa stood by for years letting Zimbabwe fall apart under president Mugabe. He let over 3 million refuges cross the border from Zimbabwe. Over the years he did nothing while Government of Robert Mugabe let the once rich country, the bread basket of Africa, with the most fertile agriculture land, turn into a poverty stricken country. With hungry people of Zimbabwe taking the lowest paid jobs in South Africa, it is the poor of the townships who are now uprising against the refugees. President Mbeki has made a serious error with Mugabe and is not suffering the consequences. Having to sent his own troops into the townships to restore order may end in a bloodbath. It is easy to send in troops but another question tying to get them out. It took the British a long time to take troops out of Northern Ireland (over thirty years) and the Americans are stuck in Iraq.

They look like winners

Dima Bilan runner up in 2006, winner 2008, he also co wrote the lyrics with Jin Beanz

Eurovision song contest

Yet again Ireland and the UK complain that they did not get votes from Eastern European countries. Ireland did not qualify with the puppet Dustin the Turkey slagging off the event with a rap type song. The UK was represented by a former winner of a talent show singing a poor song. Russia won with a song sung by there top pop star with top class production by an American expert. Ireland's puppet was in a shopping trolley. If the UK entered one of there top stars like Robbie Williams or Elton John and Ireland with Westlife or u2 they might get a few more votes with a chance of winning. They need to stop complaining of the voting system and get a high class act and song.

China earthquake

It must be one of the worst natural disasters this last decade, the earthquake which hit Sichuan province in China this May. For the individuals who lost there lives and homes it is a sad affair. The government on the other hand it has a double edge, on the one hand it has lost lives of its citizens and much of the infrastructure in the Province of Sichuan. But with its quick action and opening up to the world for help it has won a propaganda coup. No more news of human right abuses in Tibet or treats of a boycott of their Olympics.

Forgotten

The world has forgotten Aung San Suu Kyi. A cyclone has devastated Burma and killed 10's of thousands. This was reported world wide and the General's in charge gave the free world shoulder and did not let in experts to help with emergency relief. Yet the world press ignored Aung San Suu Kyi (the democratic elected, under house arrest for over 10 years ) plight. Her house no electricity and she no fresh food or water. Why has she been forgotten ?

Dynasty

The government party changed seats in Ireland Wednesday. The three top posts went to Dynasty's. Brian Cowan, now Taoiseach got his relatives seat and has worked his way up to the top job. The new Finance minister Conor Lenihan is from one of the biggest political dynasties in Ireland with his Aunt still in the Seanad Eireann. Mary Coughlan is made the Tanaiste inherited her seat in Donegal from the Family. So if you want a high political office you will be up against family interests, yet it;s still the public that vote them in.

Bertie's last day

Its Bertie's last day as Taoiseach, hes up at Oldcastle with his new friend Ian. Now he will have time to spend his pension of 169,000 euro a year.

A problem for China

Smokers

Last week I noticed hundreads out side the Wicked Wolf pub in Blackrock, it was a disgrace. So when I saw today that they are goingt to crack down on pubs to keep clean the pavemennt up to 50 metere from their premises I was trilled. But it should be the dirty smokers who should be fined.

Hospitals

They have admitted removing the wrong kidney belonging to a child. I'M DISGUSTED/.Yet Romanian girls tell me it is not uncommon for this type of problem in there country. I hope we don't hear anymore such stories.

China - Tibet

The Chinese must be very unhappy with the Olympic torch being attacked in London and Paris. But who ever came up with this idea in the first place must not have been listening to the critics of the Chinese government. It was always going to be a media event to be targeted and it is a very easy way of getting exposure for your cause, never mind the cranks who want to be seen on TV.

I'TS GOOD

iT'S Good to see Bush and Putin talking. Its a pity more leaders would not talk instead of fighting.

Democracy

What ever happened to democracy in FIANNA FAIL. Mr 'BIFFO' Cowen got the top job without a vote. He will now run the Country with out a democratic mandate.

Gone

Bertie has gone, well in May. Our Taoiseach, prime minister, man of the people, one of the lads. But wait till you see the pension he will be on, indexed for life and he is only 56 years old. He was short a few bob, he said in the early 1990's. Oh yes he will have a state car and driver for life, lets hope it has low emmisions.

Holidays

In Ireland our Parliament is closed for 3 weeks holiday. 10 million was spent on TRANSPORTING patients needing blood dialyses around the country, while some bed stations in hospitals remain empty as the taxi's pass by going to the next hospital. Questions cannot be asked in Parliament about this waste. This is only one subject that could be discussed never, mind legislation which needs to be passed.

President of France's wife

There were Nude pictures in the British press of the FRENCH President's wife on the day she arrived for a State visit. What dose this tell us about the British. Were the French offended ? Could this happen the USA, or a Muslim country ?

The Church

There are only just over 3000 Roman Catholic Priests left in Ireland, most are over 60 years old. The future looks bleak yet they will not let them marry unless they are married and join from a protestant faith. Will it be in another ten years or more before they change the rules.

Men ?

Politions on holidays

Yes they are on holidays again for 3 weeks. There is a world financial crisis, jobs are being lost, violence on our streets, and the legislators on paid holidays. The courts are finding loop holes in our laws but the politicians will not have enough time to change the laws. They need to modernise the system by cutting their own numbers and take there jobs more seriously.

trouble Ahead

Hillary is in trouble losing states to Obama, so what out Obama. His middle name is now a problem. His house purchase has clouds over it. The attacks are just starting.

Resign

They are again calling for Mary Harney to resign as Minister of Health, but who could do the job better at this point in time. She might have made a few mistakes but she cannot be blamed for everything. When the consultants contract is signed they we might get more change in the health system.

Equality for the Disabled

US Election

The USA did not like the result of the Pakistan, Armenia, Serbian, Kenya elections. Yet how democratic is the US Presidential election. You have to be a millionaire, you have to raise 10;s of millions just to run. The Democrats will spend more than 500 million dollars. What a waste of money.

Elections

Pakistan, Armenia, Kenya, Serbia are country's who have had elections but the results are not so good for the USA. Yet there election system leaves a lot to be desired. You have to have millions to get into the 'race'. The democrats will have spent half a billion dollars to choose a candidate yet super delegates could swing the result. The election wastes millions and takes to many people away from doing proper work.

Court Case

In the House of Lords a couple were granted an annulment, they were born twins but separated only to marry not knowing they were brother and sister. The decision will make big changes to information at birth and the rights of people to know there birth parents. This should be BIG news but the implications have not caught the public notice yet.

Newspapers blunder

I told you yesterday that they were writing off Hillery to soon. The 3 major newspapers headlined giving Obama victory. What a disgrace. The papers were printed before the result came.

Clinton

Hillery is getting a backlash from the media. She 'cried' to boost her campaign. Yet there was no tears, but that did not stop the papers and TV headlining about her crying. Tomorrow will be another day.