Predictions for 2007

Well Sam over at Pull out the Pin as asked me to make some predictions for 2007. So here it goes.

1) The Irish General Election will be longest in history

2) It will result in a hung Dáil

3) The situation in Iraq will deteriorate, increasing the support for the Democrats in the US

4) In the UK, Tony Blair will finally resign and Gordon Brown will take over

5) Talks will be fully suspended in Turkeys negotiations to join the EU

6) Japan will develop nuclear weapons as a Defensive deterrant against North Korea.

7) The Socialists will sweep to power in France.

8) Civil Unions will be brought into Ireland

9) Their will be a confusing referendum in Ireland on Childrens Rights.

Okay thats it, now its your turn.

Sams Predictions

EU Split on Turkey, Surpised? I'm not

Via BreakingNews.ie


Well, I thought the EU was always spilt on this. I think we should suspend all negioations with Turkey until it recognises all 25 member states of the Union and fully complies with its obligations under the pacts and treaties it has signed with the EU. No other couintry would be shown so much leinancy on negioations but turkey, so why is it recieving special treatment. Thats what the EU Governments need to be explaining to us the Citizens of Europe.

On the same I disagree with the idea of France holding a referendum on Turkish membership, I know their precedent with them holding a referendum on the UK, Ireland and Denmarks entry to the EU, but I dont think its fair population should be given a veto over it.

Interesting Stuff

Morning all,

Red Cardinal have a Report out on eGovernment Accessibility Analysis

The Green Party are launching their transport policy today for Cork today in the Clarion (via BreakingNews.ie) I cant find any details on the time of it on the Green Party's Website or Dan Boyle's Website

I also got mentioned on the Cross of St. George Forums for my post 'If Scotland, NI and Wales have their own Legislatures Why Dosen't England?'

The Transport Minister, Seamus Brennan, has said their will not be a referendum before the next election (via RTÉ). So does that mean it will be on the same day as the Election or will be after it? If it is held on the day of the election it might increase voter turnout, just like at the last Local and European Elections in 2004.

Euronews aired a very interesting piece this morning on 'What do Europeans think of their neighbours'. It raised a few interesting questions on forming identities and a privilged partnership arrangement for some applicant states like Turkey.

Commission presents its recommendation on the continuation of Turkey’s accession negotiations

Following the announcement by the Finnish Presidency that diplomatic efforts to ensure that Turkey meets its obligations under the Ankara Protocol have not bear fruit, the Commission today decided to put forward its recommendation on the continuation of Turkey’s accession negotiations.

“There is a unanimous decision by the Member States to conduct accession negotiations with Turkey. These negotiations need to be credible. Turkey has undoubtedly made progress. But it has still not implemented all obligations it has agreed to. The Commission’s recommendation is both clear and measured. The overall progress of negotiations depends on the overall progress of the respect of the obligations agreed to.” – said after the decision Commission President José Manuel Barroso.

Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn added: “Europe needs a stable, democratic and increasingly prosperous Turkey. This is why we started accession negotiations a year ago. In the light of the strategic importance of EU-Turkey relations today we confirm that these negotiations continue, although with a slower pace. We will be able to return to normal speed as soon as Turkey has fulfilled its obligations related to the Ankara Protocol.”

The Commission recommends, as follows:

1) The Commission notes that Turkey has not fully implemented the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement, and that restrictions to the free movement of goods, including restrictions on means of transport, remain in force.

2) In these circumstances and with reference to the declaration of 21 September 2005 of the European Community and its Members States, the Commission recommends that the Intergovernmental Conference on Accession with Turkey should not open negotiations on chapters covering policy areas relevant to Turkey's restrictions as regards the Republic of Cyprus until the Commission confirms that Turkey has fulfilled its commitments. These chapters are: Chapter 1 free movement of goods, Chapter 3 Right of establishment and freedom to provide services, Chapter 9 Financial services, Chapter 11 agriculture and rural development, Chapter 13 fisheries, Chapter 14 transport policy, Chapter 29 customs union, and Chapter 30 external relations .

3) Moreover, the Commission recommends that no chapter be provisionally closed until the Commission has confirmed that Turkey has fully implemented its commitments with respect to the Additional Protocol.

4) The Commission will inform the Council on any progress on the issues covered by the declaration of 21 September 2005 in its annual progress reports.

5) Given the progress achieved, work should now focus on completing the screening process. Such chapters for which the technical preparations have been completed should continue to be opened, in line with the Negotiating Framework.

6) The Commission underlines the importance of the resumption of a process leading rapidly to fully-fledged negotiations in 2007 under UN auspices on a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.

okay i could ramble all day about why Im against turkish entry to the EU, but if why should they be allowed join if they fully recognise a member state of the EU. It makes no sense to me.