Ireland's political and cultural magazine
By Mannix Flynn There has been criticism of Aosdána since its inception. Most of it is trivia and resentment, ill-informed and personalised. I’m very proud to be a member. I’m entirely supportive of the idea of Aosdána. I have absolute respect for all members and their work and most importantly I am very grateful to […]
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By Niall Crowley Political reform is yet another Irish oxymoron. Certainly not something to be serious about: it is a field for making promises rather than taking action. Political reform that advances equality and human rights is more elusive still. The establishment of a new Oireachtas Sub-Committee on “Human Rights Relevant to Justice and Equality […]
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By Donna Mullen I’ve recently joined a running group, and think a lot about air pollution as I gasp my way around Bailieboro, Co Cavan. Having trained as a cardiac technician (many years ago) I worked in the Mater Hospital in Dublin when Mary Harney first brought in the smoky-coal ban, and the effect – […]
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By Constantin Gurdgiev In recent weeks publication of three related sets of data have confirmed the extraordinary nature of the ongoing changes in the economy and the broader social fabric of modern Ireland. Taken together, the latest Quarterly National Accounts, retail-sales and consumer-prices data; and the 2015 Edelman Trust Barometer paint a picture of a […]
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By Sinéad Pentony The rights of women have improved greatly, but the goal of full equality remains a work in progress. Addressing the gender inequality challenges that remain is more difficult than previously, because fundamental change is required in economic policy-making and planning. We have to identify ways of incorporating a focus on equality into […]
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But confusing, sometimes abortive, changes to payments and ‘disregards’ are holding them back