We were told that the backdrop audience for Obama’s speech today in Dublin was to be composed of people from the 32 counties of Ireland. So how did Sean Kelly MEP get up on the stage and position himself almost perfectly behind President Obama.
Kelly is interested in a Arás election run and over the past few years has mastered the art of the donut – being in the picture with Enda or whomever (Rose of Tralee winner 2010) so that his noggin is seen on television and it looks like he’s doing something.
Anyone else from the 32 counties happen to be in picture that has lived a life less ordinary?
I remember being at counts in the RDS over the last twenty years and being stunned by his presence there with his clipboard adding up the numbers. Later he’d be on the radio into the small hours analysing away, an election must. See Alexia for her Garrett story and videos from Lisbon 2.
This year I was in studio when he arrived and Norin Hegarty has recalled what happened when he wanted a computer to see what was going on with counts. I met Garret first when I was 25, an ‘activist’ and we were both on a panel for a Plaid Cymru summer school which was held in Dublin. (No I don’t know how I ended up on the panel either). We were there there to talk about social issues in Ireland. I was the angry young feminist dyke and Garrett was the former Taoiseach who tried to reform divorce laws and modernise Ireland. He tolerated me and I was enthralled bylistening to him. It was 1995 before divorce, equality legislation and after the X case.
He was a crusader and we have not had many since like him in their wish to reform or in their understanding of social justice from the blue side of the Dáil – yes he got it wrong on the shoes and was played into a corner by the Pro Life movement but he supported women’s participation in politics and not just by lip service and wanted widespread constitutional reform.
Garret’s successors do not have such a cross party admiration or legacy of public service and contribution to public debate after their time in office and I doubt any other will be mourned as widely or as deeply.
Location: Dublin 2
Deadline: 25 May 2011
Company: Fine Gael
Fine Gael is seeking to recruit a Director of Media and Research to develop and implement the Party’s communication strategy and programme. The successful candidate will head up its Media and Research team located in Leinster House and will have:
A track record in media or in political research; and
Strong communication and management skills coupled with in-depth knowledge and understanding of new media.
The job involves leading a team in an often highly pressurised environment. Strong interpersonal skills and adaptability are absolutely essential for this position.
Salary will be commensurate with ability and experience.
Please write in strictest confidence, enclosing curriculum vitae, by 5pm on Wednesday 25 May to: General Secretary, Fine Gael National Office, 51 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2, or e-mail tom@finegael.com.
To understand what Fine Gael might mean by ‘in depth knowledge and understanding of new media’ those interested in applying for the post might have a look through some of the posts on this blog. Search for Ravi Singh, Twolicy, @FineGaelToday, blueshirt hamsters etc.
LGBT Minds is a research project that aims to explore the experiences of LGBT people within mainstream mental health services in Ireland. This study is supported by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) and the HSE. The study is being led by Dr. Eddie McCann, a lecturer in Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with Professor Agnes Higgins.
Why are we doing this study?
There remains a lack of relevant research on the mental health needs of LGBT people, particularly in relation to mainstream mental health services. To address this gap, this study will collect data through both anonymous surveys and then interviews. The findings from this study will be used to highlight areas of good practice that encourage social inclusion at all
levels. Also, recommendations will be made on how to respond to the key issues identified in the research as they relate to LGBT people in an Irish context.
You can find out more about the study and what is involved on LGBT Minds – the survey can be completed online, by post or over the phone. They are seeking LGBT participants over 18 years of age who have been in contact with mainsteam mental health services in the past five years.
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backdrop audience for Obama’s speech today in Dublin was to be composed of people from the 32 counties of Ireland. So how did Sean Kelly MEP get up on the stage and position himself almost perfectly behind President Obama.
