Morning Briefing, 7th March

Dia Duit!

Rinne mé dearmad ar Seachtain na Gaeilge atá ar suil an seachatin seo! Tá dhá bebo agus myspace amhain or an idirlion!

SnaG - SeachtainNaGaeilge.bebo.com

Ceol - SnaGCeol.bebo.com

- www.myspace.com/snagceol

An nuacht ar an maidin seo!

Northern Ireland goes goes to the polls today in a very decisive election. (CNN, Breakingnews, RTÉ, BBC, France 24) The Polls are open until 10pm tonight with the counting begining tomorrow. 250 candidates are contesting 108 seats. The election is by PRSTV, so transfers are critical for the last seats in each constituency, just like down here in the south!

Trocaire is to challenge the ban on its advertising (Breakingnews). This will be an interesting challenge, first time id say a charity has been forced to pull its ads!

Commonwealth troops serving in the Britsih Armed Forces are to form their own union. (BBC) They seam to be very dissatisfied with their treatment in the army.

The Dáil has passed rushed legislation to outlaw the soliciting children for sex. (RTÉ, Breakingnews). The Bill will go through the Seanad today and then onto the President of signature.

UK MP's will have a free vote today on house of Lord's Reform after two days of debate (BBC). There is a range of option on the table. The choices before MPs are: all elected; 80% elected and 20% appointed; 60% elected and 40% appointed; half and half; 40% elected and 60% appointed; 20% elected and 80% appointed; all appointed. Its is expected that a mixture will be the preffered option.

bhuel sinn é!

Slán!

Morning Briefing, 5th March

Good Morning,I hope no one is suffering from ill effects of superstitions linked to lunar eclipses!!! (or still suffering from hangovers from the Irish Blog Awards or whatever they got up to at the weekend!!)

An Nuachtr ar an maidin seo!

Fine Gael are to introduce a bill into the Dáil this week to outlaw the sexual "grooming" of children on the Internet. (Breakingnews) This is well overdue having been on the order paper since 2004!

A new poll out today shows 68% of those surveyed would support a ban on hare coursing with 72% agreeing its a cruel practice (RTÉ). I am against hunting in Ireland, and actually spoke against it at my very first YFG Conference way back when.

A leading psychiatrist, Professor Patricia Casey, has branded Irish psychiatric services a 'third world country' (Irish Examiner). From my own experiences shes right. I have a appointment on Thursday in the CUH, and I will be waiting a long time to be seen!

The Cherokee Nation has voted out descendants of freed slaves from the Tribe. (CNN) This has led to accusations of racism. Well in my opinion, its not exactly fair like!

That's all for now!

Slán!

Morning Briefing, 26th February

Well I'm back in Cork after USI LGBT Standing Conference, where I was re-elected to Working Group on the 3rd count! Also congrats to Ms. Sonya Donneally who was elected unanimously as the new LGBTRO! woo! (P.S. If anyone wants to know what motions where passed email me!)

In the news today!

The International Court of Justice, is due to deliver its verdict today on whether ot not Serbia is responsible for Genocide 'through the killing, torture, rape and expulsion of Bosnian Muslims' (CNN, RTÉ, Breakingnews) If passed, it will be the first time that a state, rather than an individual or group, has been held responsible for genocide.

Nurses begin there industrial action today with a protest outside CUH (Breakingnews, RTÉ) The INO and PNA are seeking a 10% pay increase for their members and a reduction in their working week to 35 hours.

Israel is after performing a raid on the West Bank, it has now entered its second day (RTÉ, Breakingnews)

Jean-Marie Le Pen has laucned his latest bid for the french presidency (France 24, CNN) He has put forward an anti-immigration, ultranationalist stance, pledging to cut off social benefits for foreigners and deporting those who are unable to fend for themselves. He is having difficulty getting 500 mayors to back him.

Talks begin today in London on Iran's Nuclear program. (CNN, France 24). The P5 and Germany are meeting to discuss the next course of action. Israel is denying that its has plans to attack Iran's Nuclear facilities (France 24) and the USA have plans to bomb Iran according to Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh (CNN)

Thats its for now!

Morning Briefing, 21st February

Dia Duit!

Well between the Govt. delaying the Civil Union Bill 2006 and the Polish President making homophobic remarks in Ireland (RTÉ) I'm really pissed off!

The UK are to make an announcement on withdrawal of troops from Iraq (RTÉ) It is thought likely that Mr Blair will make any announcement in an oral statement to the House of Commons following his regular weekly appearance at Prime Minister's Questions. I hope he does pull 'em out

At 5:00pm this evening the Seanad will debate the Mental Capacity and Guardianship Bill 2007, please if you know a senator ask them to vote for it.

The Civil Unions Bill 2006 also goes to a vote this evening after the continuation of the debate at 7:00p, tonight.

Trocaire has launched an online neworking site called 'Just World'

Thats all i can find for now!

Slán

Morning Briefing, 17th January

Cork City is to get a new Central Library (Cork City Council) Wooo!

RTÉ viewers choose our song for the Eurovision last night. Its a John Waters/ Tommy Moran composition called 'They can't stop the Spring'.

The PD's continue their conference today (Breakingnews, RTÉ) Among the guest speakers are Liam Doran of the Irish Nurses Organisation and Anne-mie Neyts, President of the European Liberal Democrats.

A Bosnian Court has sentenced a former Serb soldier to 34 years in jail for killing, enslaving and raping Muslim civilians during the country's 1992-1995 war (France 24)

Proposed reforms of the Irish Criminal System are to be discussed by experts at an ICCL Forum (Breakingnews)

Lesotho goes to the polls today in a tight race for power (CNN)

$10 billion has been squandered by the U.S. government on Iraq reconstruction aid because of contractor overcharges and unsupported expenses (CNN) What a waste of money! All the people that it could be helping

Morning Briefing, 16th February

Dia Duit

An nuacht ar an maidin seo.

The row over the cost of the Mahon Tribunal continues today (Breakingnews) with Judge Mahon saying the tribunal will only cost €300m, maybe less. Also Labour are getting in on the act (RTÉ) saying that the government are trying to delay the tribunal. Well d'uh

Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed a former rebel as President of Chechnya (France 24) Pity he wasn't elected.

Serbia has rejected the UN plan for Kosovo (CNN). Surprise surprise. I can't see any Serbian parliament accepting independence, virtual or not, for Kosovo.

North Koreans are celebrating Kim Jong-Il 65th birthday (France 24). Though state media in north korea seam to warning about a military threat from the US. I don't see how they can invade as the armed forces are stretched to the limit Iraq and Afghanistan.

The US House of Representatives is due to vote on a resolution against the troop surge in Iraq today. (CNN)Also House speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that "Bush lacks authority to invade Iran"

The European Parliament has adopted a report which implicates 13 member states in cooperating with CIA rendition flights (France 24) The national governments specifically criticised for their unwillingness to cooperate with Parliament's investigations were those of Austria, Italy, Poland, Portugal and the UK. The report also gives detailed evidence of investigations of illegal rendition or CIA flight cases involving Germany, Sweden, Spain, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark, Turkey, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Bosnia and Romania (EU Parliament Website)

Thats it for now!

Slán!

Morning Briefing, 1st February

Dia Duit!!!

First one in awhile I know, but have been busy with campaign stuff!

Dáil seats for NI MP's (Breakingnews) I personnally disagree with them having anything to do with the Dáil as they were elected to Westminster not Dáil Eireann.

France implements its smoking ban (Breakingnews). Woooo! There are now calls for a European wide ban, which i believe would be a goo idea.

Ad causes caos in Boston (BBC)Jaysus, some people take things too far in their reaction! they look harmless like!!

Herouxville, Canada has posted on its website what immigrants are not too do (BBC)

"We consider it completely outside norms to... kill women by stoning them in public, burning them alive, burning them with acid, circumcising them etc."

It points out that women are allowed to drive, vote, dance and own their own homes

You got to love the Canadians!

Israel had developed a Flying car!!! (CNN)Excellent idea!!!!!!

Thats all for now, have a good day!!!

Morning Briefing, 26th January

Dia Duit ar an maidin fuar!

An nuacht ar an lá seo.

A conference is taking place in Spain on the EU Constitution (BBC). Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain are sending ministers and Germany, Ireland and Portugal are sending observers. Im not sure what outcome it will have as only 17 member states are attending.

The UN will announce its plan for Kosovo today (BBC). Hopefully it will safe gaurd

In a historic step the Prime Minister of Vietnam has met with the Pope (CNN)

Kofi Annan has returned home to Ghana (CNN) after his ten year stint as head of the United Nations. He is thinking of entering agriculture

No more .um sites (CNN)awww, but there are talks of getting rid of .su sites also.

The US has unveiled an non-lethal ray gun!(CNN) i thinks its a cool idea. It makes u think ur going to catch fire, wo wont run from that!

And finally in UCC RAG week is over and nominations for the Student Union Elections open next wednesday. I am intending to seek a nomination to run for Welfare officer in the SU. check out my website its still under construction so check back. But i do have a Bebo, MySpace and Facebook profiles

Morning Briefing, 22nd January

Dia Duit!

Tá sé ag cur sneachta!!!!

An nuacht ar an maidin seo!

Well the north's PSNI is ser to be racked by accusations today with a new repoprt due to be launched by the Police Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan (Breakingnews) This could undo alot of hard work that the PSNI has undertaken under the Patten report!

Well Hilary is 'in this to win' (Breakingnews). I hope to put up a post shortly about presidential hopefuls!

A radical nationalist party seams to have won elections in Serbia, that France 24 has termed a 'hollow' victory as it is unlikely that they will find a coalition partner.

Sin é ar an maidin seo!

Slán!

Morning Briefing, 18th January

Good morning (Im too tired to think as gaeilge let alone type it!)

The news this morning!

Shilpa has spoken out about being the victim of racism on Celeb Big Brother (BBC). I think racism is an abhorrent disease in todays society and the likes of Jade Goody should be treated with distain for their carry on!

Senators, both Republican and Democratic parties, have opposed the increase of US troops in Iraq (BBC)

Heres an article on my previous post (Entertainment Weekly)

Labour seam to love confusing the electorate and the media! (Breakingnews)

The European Parliament have elected the former leader of the EPP-ED grouping, Hans-Gert Poettering, as President of the Parliament (Al Jazeera)

Morning Briefing, 16th January

Earliest Morning Briefing yet, Thinking of shortening it down to MB but i might be infringing on trademarks :P

An nuacht ar an maidin seo!

Feic ar mo dheireadh post le nuacht agus na bhuaiteora ag an Golden Globes areir!

(Wow look at my Irish!! Tell me if im wrong please

Looks like we'll be a having a referendum in March (BreakingNews) I could have sworn someone had said no referendum before the election! eh typical government!

Castro could be on is way out (BreakingNews) 3 failed operations and an intenstinal infection ouch!

Bird Flu has hit Japan (BBC) That aint good! Will it be our version of the Spanish Flu?

Criticism has been growing over more executions in Iraq (BBC). Well im against Capital Punishment anyway so y'all know where i stand on this!

New plans for the Greencore site in Mallow (RTÉ) Should be an interesting development and a great boost for the town!

Morning Briefing, 15th January

Maidin Maith againn!!!

An nuacht ar an maidin seo!

Well the bastards (Bus Eireann) put up their fairs today and i didnt even know! really pissed off!!! Had the exact change ready and it had gone up. I last got a bus on firday and they had no signs up!

Any back on the news

Breakingnews reports on the confusion been made by Pat Rabbitte on wheather or not he would enter a coalition with FF.

RTÉ reports on more hangings in Iraq. When will they learn that will only make things worse.

EU Parliament now have 785 MEP's with Bulgaria and Romania MEP's attending for the first time! (BBC)

Some interesting debates are taking place on Right Wing World (hat tip: Sam) on various issues including the United Nations, the EU Constitution and others

Slán!

Morning Briefing, 11th January

Cisco Systems are sueing apple over the use of the word iPhone which Cisco claim they have trademeakeed it. (BBC)

Debris has been found belonging to the missing Indonesian airlibne, which has been missing since January 1st (BBC)

The Oil crisis between Belarus and Russia has been sorted! phew! (BBC)

Cocaine has been found on 100% of Irish banknotes! wooo! we're all drugusers!!!! :P (BBC)

Vietnam has become the 150th member of the World Trade Organisation, showing its commitment to world trade. (CNN)

Britain will send no more troops to Iraq (CNN), unlikeAmerica who plans to send even more as bush says there are 'not enough' troops (CNN)

Monring Breifing, January 9th

Maidin maith!

An nuacht ar an maidin seo!

Foot and Mouth scare in Antrim! (BreakingNews.ie) Oh god not again!

Irish Nurses and Midwives are been balloted from today on possible strike action (Breakingnews.ie). Well they normally get huge support from the general public when they do go on strike!

New Jersey may remove one word from their constitution (CNN) And the word is 'Idiot'. Currently this stops some people with mental disabilities from voting.

Hugo Chavez lloks set to nationalise more industries to made Venezula a 'full socialist state (BBC). As if the country needs more state owned companies. The majority of countries world wide are privitising and Venezula does the opposite typical.

Russia has cut oil supplies to Europe cause the price of oil to rise (France 24). This really shows the EU's dependancy on Russia which aint a good thing!

Morning Breifing, January 8th

An Nuacht ar an maidin seo

Well im never trusting RTÉ again. Thanks for everyone who commented, and yes its David Irvine, I was very tired last night!

FG launch into FF over saying they will go into power with Sinn Fein (Breakingnews.ie) Maybe one of my predictions for the Government may come true.

NASA killed life on Mars (CNN). Wow thats a strange one. Didnt see that coming.

Sky News have launched a Green Britain yoke thats showing all week. one of this links is for a game from the Science Museum

Israel is reportedly ready to attack Iran, now theres a warn for them (France 24)

Morning Briefing, 31st December

Well its the last day of 2006 and my final Morning briefing of the year :( not that I've been doing them for very long, but I'd like to take this moment to wish all the readers of this blog the Best for 2007! Have a great night and be careful!!!!

An nuacht ar an maidin seo!

CNN reports on Kofi Annan's Legacy saying he left a 'mixed legacy'

BreakingNews.ie reports on the destruction of prisoner files in the North before the Freedom of Information Act came in. I'm surprised that didn't happen down here. Reminds me of an episode of Yes, Minister, the one where Sir Humphrey's mistake is hushed up by saying the files were destroyed in a flood!

McDowell is spouting off again, saying the PD's will be successful in the next election according to breakingnews.ie. Who do you think will win the next election? Vote on Cllr Seamus Ryan's Blog

Now its time for year 2006 round ups!

France 24: Retrospective 2006

BBC: Stories of 2006

Thats all i can find for the moment! so enjoy what is left of 2006!
Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit.

Morning Briefing, 29th December

Maidin Maith!

An nuacht ar an maidin seo.

The Irish Blog Awards have announced a bebo profile competition! Check out the bebo page for more info! Pandering to the masses eh?

Today is the day that documents from 30 years ago are declassified and breakingnews.ie have a few interesting ones.

Such as the UK wanting to make the North independent to avoid bloodshed. For some reason i think that wouldnt have worked.

They also report on death threats made to JFK when he was going to visit Ireland! My god man! i thought he was loved here. One of our own who went to the US and made it big.

RTÉ reports on Sinn Fein's National Exec meeting on policing today on weather or not to call an ard fheis to decide on it. Just get on with it like

CNN reports on the breaking up of the Canadian ice shelf. We're buggered!

Neways thats all i have time for at the mo! Time to get up and do some work!

Slán!!!

Morning Briefing, December 28th

Dia Duit!

Conas atá sibh? An nuacht ar an maidin seo! (Thats the end of the Gaeilge!)

Breakingnews.ie reports on the IDA and ESB warnings on power cuts. There is also a good post over on Irish Election on this

It also reports that the Vatican is against giving Saddam the death penalty

CNN reports on a 'significant' earthquake in Scotland!

CNN also is running a report on predictions for future Tsunami's in Asia

France 24 reports on the fighting in Somalia

Al-Jazeera has a report showing the difficulties faced by immigrants attempting to enter Spain

Thats it for now!

Slán!

Morning Briefing, December 21st

Well, im in a festive spirit today! Im cuurently wearing my santa hat (with added plats) and red flashing nose. The bus driver of the number 14 did better than me though this morining dressed in a full santa suit!!!

BreakingNews.ie reports on crticisim for Transport 21 from the ERSI and Fine Gael.

It also reports that traditional psychiatric hospitals will be closed by 2010.

BreakingNews also reports that election results in Iran have been won by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's opponents.

France 24 reports on the death of Turkmenistein's President, Saparmurat Niyazov.

CNN reports on uproar in Italy over a 'gay navity, scene.

RTÉ reports that the General Election will be a summer election after comments by Bertie Ahern.

Merry Christmas! as im not sure if ill be onlinbe over the next few days!!

Happy Christmas & a prosperous new year

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit.

Morning Briefing, December 20th

argh 8 minutes to do the morning briefing ahhhhhhhh!

BreakingNews.ie reports on the opening of the new Port Tunnel in Dublin.

BreakingNews.ie also reports that the Irish Government will be raising the Minimum Wage! wooo!

RTÉ reports that Bupa are going to appeal the high court verdict on risk equalisation


RTÉ also reports that the EU Commission is to rule on Ryanairs take over bid for Aer Lingus today

argh 1 min left hence the shortness