Rip off Republic? Dodgy democracy??

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Tue Aug 30, 2005 21:54

I also agree with your wisdom point regarding a light shining and the possibility that certain people will try to extinguish it, if given a chance.

The Economist recently published an article that people's attitude to travel may change in favour of train journey's again (and away from air travel). This in the light of Eddie's Rip Off Ireland programme last night means no more Minister Mentality of figures 'on the back of the envelope' scenario regarding the Luas .

We have the consulting engineers, we have tender procedures, all we need is to avoid corruption practices and engage in the tender process and construct what is adequate, with an individual design. and cost efficient to those who pay i.e. the tax-payer and in line with the funds received through the NDP)

It works in the European capitals so why not Ireland (particulary given the funds are also provided by the EU).

What about Transparency factor? What about accountability? It is time to 'grow up' as a Nation and play a reasonably 'straight' game. We owe it to the PAYE work-force in particular.

Then we have Cars. Let us really ask the question are we in our deepest of hearts aware that it is probable that cartel situations that exist?

Realistically, I have to say yes, otherwise we would consider our environment and look to change our attiudes. Fortunately, I now live in D4 and don't have to consider trading in my car. In fact, it is working quite a different way on me and I am saying what about our beautiful parks, sea, rivers, lacks and human beings - is there a better way to handle the transport question. Lets give some reality to the Work Life Quality concept and find alternatives.

I note from an article recently that this matter is current addressed in Switzerland. They introduced the psychological component and aimed at Henry James's concept of 'changing the person's attitude' to the situation. There has been change in Switzerland. People have organised themselves to share cars. Makes sense and no doubt would impact on other cartels say of insurance, legal profession feels, petrol sales, car servicing etc.

The Environment is valuable. Herbert Park provides pleasure to many people including tourists. There is a pond with its own little island. This summer, the two swans produced a litter of three signets. The locals became attached and involved. Alas, the three signets died aged approx. 6 weeks.
Do we really want this pollution factor in our City?

Do people realise that 50 trees in Dublin were cut down this year? Do people know that the trees at the Parnell Square end of O'Connell Street were also chopped down (the letters and protestations of the people did not save these trees - trees that are supposed to have had indentations from the bullets used in the 1916 Rising).

I think Eddie Hobbs is giving the public an opportunity to review their situations and thereby allow them to consider being different from the 'Status Quo' Corporatist approach presently endorsed.

One more point. Eircom may be allowed to buyout Meteor. The matter is presently with the Competition Authority.

The privatisation of Eircom somehow moved in favour of the minority sharerholders at the expense of the majority shareholders i.e. the general public.

Have I got it right or is it that competition enhances service provision?

Definitelty not for me.

In November 2003 I received a bill in excess of 400 euros. I am phone phobic and just use the internet re. communications. This means I know my bill must be low so I complained to Eircom and then to ComReg. The matter is still without satisfaction. The common denominator with my problem of the bill was my request for Broadband. Shortly now I will be complaining for two years.

Then you lose your mobile and the insurance policy expires after of month.

Has anybody experience similar problems. If so they are worth venting before the takeover.

I cannot wait to hear next weeks topic. Comedy is such a gift and Eddie has the added advantage to being able to combine with Finance and a concern for people who are vulnerable.....


Michelle Clarke

Quote
Martin Luther King (1928-1968)
Means and Ends
'Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal'


Let us not forget how important the Peace Process is to the Island of Ireland.

by Amused Tue Aug 30, 2005 17:23

Toyota Ireland and NTR were supposed to sposoring it..!

by 5 minute ad breaks - TV3News Tue Aug 30, 2005 17:11

there was no ad breaks during the programme?

by Mary Hand Tue Aug 30, 2005 13:31

I watched last night's Rip Off Republic and would like to congratulate Eddie Hobbs for presenting his show is such an accessible manner.

He makes numerous points in his programme, and I wonder if some issues get lost as a result. On the LUAS project, it seems millions are being poured into the RPA to enable them come up with various formulations for a metro, which, while it sounds very sexy, is likely never to be realiised. Is there a need for such an organisation at all and how much is it costing the public to keep it running?

What point was he trying to make about Irish Rail? He mentioned that his first class train ticket to Cork cost ovver €100, which is outrageous, considering you could fly there for €25, but I wasn't sure if that was what he was complaining about.

In my view, serious money is wasted by politicians playing games with the public and the media - pushing forward worthless projects and incurring huge consultancy fees where there is no realistic opportunity of that project coming to fruition, interfering in projects which are none of their concern and causing delays, encouraging projects to run through areas of historical interest and then blaming members of the public who protest against the destruction of our heritage, while fighting every step of the way in the courts, instead of just reaching a sensible compromise at an early stage of proceedings. Do politicians appreciate the responsibility they have, not only to govern the current generation but protect the country for the future? As if! Phew! I see Eddie's problem. Once you start, where do you stop?

Full marks on getting the public exercised about the laissez faire attitude of the Government and shame on all those yahoo backbenchers who, instead of recognising a problem with government, want to shoot the messenger. But beware! Attack Eddie at your peril - a light has now been shone on your activities and trying to turn it off will only look worse for you.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Mon Aug 29, 2005 00:49

But the way they propose to take up the challenge is not the way, we the people of Ireland expect - no, they propose a Dail Enquiry into the Rip-Off facts produced by Eddie Hobbs and therefore directly accuse Eddie Hobbs of some no doubt ambivalence.

Time to say Stop. Wait. Give the people of Ireland the opportunity to see the next two shows and deliberate for themselves as to the accuracy of the facts provided.

Joe Duffy's article in Ireland makes interesting reading.

The headline goes. 'The rip-off republic? It suits people fine'

It sure does and it is a click of people and not those who pay the prices for living on a day to day, week to week basis.

It applies to those who profit from association with the Drinks industry; it applies to the cost of produce with a huge element of hidden profit. It applies to professions and in particular the privatisation factor that ensures that a small amount will have adequate cover while others will not have the necessary service, by virtue of a system endorsed by a Government that applies mainly corporatist policies.

Back to Joe Duffy's comment. 'You would think that Government Minister Tim O'Malley would have more to do than attack Eddie Hobbs for pointing out the obvious fact that we live in a rip off republic. After all, as well as being a junior minister at the Department of Health, Mr. O'Malley is also a pharmacist - and they know more about inflated prices than most'

What about the Vested Interest? What about Democracy and Checks and Balances? Where does the Bill of Rights stand for individuals?

We need someone like Eddie Hobbs to take up the initiative and waken people back up to a silent exploitation that is endorsed by the word that we pay such low tax without mention of Stealth taxes and the increasing number of commodities and services taxed.

Smokescreen perhaps!!!!

The reasons are:
Attack Eddie Hobbs and get the peoples' attention away from the creeping costs Mary Harney introduced for the elderly in case and for those with disabilities.

On a more sinister smokescreen, what did McDowell sign the Irish peoples' name on, sometime ago, with the Bush administration in relation to suspects of terrorism residing in Ireland. Some Dail experts say - he went beyond his realm and has given the Bush Administration a lot of leeway in Ireland. This is unconstitutional. He has no mandate. Will people wake up?

Eddie Hobbs is telling the truth and he is getting attacked on all fronts by it. Now where is the opposition parties including Sinn Fein to defend the Truth.

Another point: Over 500 people in Dundalk and over 150 in Dundalk have lost their manufacturing jobs? These people worked in the manufacturing sector and for overseas investment companies from the US?

What about these people? We have move to the Knowledge Economy so those in the manufacturing sector of employment find themselves vulnerable to job loss based on lower wage costs in other countries.

The Sunday Post last week had an article that proposed Third Level College packages for staff made redundant. What an excellent idea. I had the marvellous experience of being a mature student.

The government ought to negotiate with companies leaving Ireland to fund the re-education of their staff so that they are equipped to join the Knowledge Economy.

Also, mature students add a different dimension and set of experience at third level. This is fostered in the US.

I am looking forward to Eddie Hobbs tomorrow, Tomorrow is about the car industry.....this is interesting. Same car in Ireland costs lots more than in Europe.....Why......A lot is do with taxes......So many hidden sources of tax....we need to note.


Michelle


Gandhi 'You have got to be the change you want to see'

by mr anthony hopkins Sun Aug 28, 2005 15:50 ahphoto at hotmail dot com oslo norway

How I wish I was back in Ireland to see these TV programs, rip off republic, that are whipping up such a storm. I presently live in one of the worlds most expensive countries and yet when I come back to Dublin to see the folks I am shocked at how expensive it has become in relation to what people are earning, tax that they pay on every single item and service and the level of corruption in government (just look over our short history for the evidence), national and local.
It frustrates me so much that I wish I could just move back to Ireland and get into politics independently and start fighting for a system that would rid us off all this corruption in government and business in our country. We the Irish people have become too complacent and we are partly to blame for our present predicament.
I feel however that if this proposed national boycott of bars and pubs in Ireland was to take place and be effective then it would be a great step for us in proving to ourselves how strong we can be if we stand together. One day is not a lot to ask for. I love my Friday night out but I could easily wait until the following day for a drink out in a bar. I am getting all of my friends here in Oslo to do the same as a mark of support. Please tell everyone you know to make a stand on this date.

National Pub Boycott Day - Fri 9th Sept '05

With our politicians failing is it is time for Positive Action. The first of hopefully many national boycott and positive action days against those institutions and companies that are ripping us off. Since our democratically elected representatives seem unwilling or unable to help those us. It is time to help ourselves.

• Do not go to a public house on 9th of September 2005

One day! Make a stand. I promise you that if this is a success it would be reported around the world on every news service. We gave the world the term ‘Boycott’ now lets show them how it works.

by James Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:37

Funny how I didn't hear them complain about the rip off television licences in this country. Where we are forced to pay for television stations we don't necessarily want while those television stations also earn revenue from commercial advertising.

Guess what? Most countries don't even have a concept of a television licence. You get commercial network stations that pay for themselves through adversising revenue. Then if you want more channels you can pay for them yourself.

RTE is far from independant. It isn't independant from the gov. or independant from it's commercial clients.

by Mike O'Carroll Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:48 alutrich at iol dot ie Newtown Heights, Tramore, Co.Waterford. 051-381929

Eddie Hobbs omitted the prices charged for soup and desserts in hotels and restaurants. For a spoonful of powder be it chicken, onion or something brown taken from a tin and with water added the punter is charged from €3-50 upwards. The same can be said for desserts but quadrupled.

by Ali H. Thu Aug 18, 2005 17:12

According to the Centre for Economic Performance in London

"If you are born into poverty in the US you are actually more likely to remain in poverty than in other countries in Europe, the Nordic countries, even Canada, which you would think would not be that different."

In a low-ceilinged eating hall, maybe 100 men sat side by side along trestle tables.

They had queued up since five, registered in case there was any work, then ate while security guards watched over them in case there was trouble.

In Europe or just across the border in Canada, they would get social security, but this was America, where society is starkly divided into winners and losers.

Strangely, though, there seemed to be little resentment or blame of government. American culture is about self-reliance and the individual fighting a way through.

"The American dream," said one of the men, his eyes dartingly alive, his nose so skewed it must have been broken many times in different fights.

by temperance Thu Aug 18, 2005 01:24

the winners will be the ones who sober up and ditch the right wing who are to a party sold out to merry hell and back (and worried about the price of their unoccupied holiday homes)

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Wed Aug 17, 2005 21:55

Time we the public benefit from the psychology introduced to consumer activities post World War II. Ernest Goffman, nephew of Freud excelled in this pursuit and while consumers have benefited, we have also lost that individuality that stimulates creative existence.

Apathy prevails at every level in Ireland. People don't want to be seen to complain or if they are like me with acquired disabilities in later life , they are just beaten down to low esteem and the outcome is submission.

I could chronicle the last 10 years of my life since the horse fall but it would be from the diaries the neurologist told me to keep (excluding all that I lost along the way), it would not be from memory. My yesterday is just gone away....now.

Indymedia; the net; the TV (post 8 years) has been my resource and interaction with the world and there are many others like me!!!!

Well done Bethan Collins and her team with the radio programme Outside the Box and the weekly TV programmes; their work is about removing mystery and making acceptable that which was deemed abnormal.

The Disabilities Bill flounders because people like me are deemed not to be deserving of rights. As a person with acquired disabilities let me just say that this is not acceptable and is due to ignorance. I now refer to people with the academic power to influence legislation as the 'Ignorant Educated'. There is always an exception out there. Fear is the barrier but then they won't admit to fear.......

I feel I know what I am talking about.

Today, provided the last straw and the letter hereunder will explain the pettiness involved.

I throw out a question for people to think about. Times are deemed financially buoyant now. Apartment blocks are positioned all over Dublin and throughout the country. Tax breaks have assisted this but do people realise that there are a large number of 'vacant' properties in Ireland. These belong to the privileged.

The next point I raise is the management of these blocks. The common areas are supposed to be managed by yearly appointed representatives to the committee and a management company. Then there are the legal issues where the blocks are built by construction companies who go into liquidation and then there are minimal legal provisions for those who run the building.

Are people aware? Next time you are driving down the Quays, just ask the question about the condition of some of these apartment blocks and then ask will they become the 'slums' of the future and battlegrounds for hostilities between neighbours. All ask is there any control over the number of migrant workers using an apartment?

More control is required to ensure no corruptive practices take place; this is not a notional thought; it is a reality given the apathetic approach that exists in Ireland.

Well done Eddie Hobbs?


Michelle Clarke
Quotation
'There is no wealth but life'
John Ruskin (1819-1900) British Artist and Thinker


To Environment Office and others.

I have been to your office many times in Suffolk Street and have your brochure on dog and noise pollution.

I sustained brain damage in a horse riding accident in 1993 while living in Zimbabwe. This is complicated by Bipolar and Anxiety problems. I have endeavored to live as independent a life as a possible but am unable to work i.e. apart from writing the odd article on indymedia.

Last year a friend of my mine persuaded me to get a dog. A rescue dog became available unexpectedly and in September I have him one year.

The Disabilities Act is not yet in place so I have not had the benefit of an assessor of needs. I am receiving hassle about my dog Jack but in an indirect way through the management company, who write to my mother (I am 46 and refuse to correspond with me because I am only the minority shareholder).

What is going on? ..... I understand based on pre-accident experience a lot about life but it is the momentum and no short-term memory that makes things different!!!!

The irony about this is the apartment is in Wellington Road and I walk the dog many times a day. He is in fact similar to a provided for people with sight difficulties; or Emily dogs for brain related matters; or those provided by Peata for the elderly or people with disabilities. Surely people grasp the affection animals have and the benefits they provide. Other cultures do.

Can you advise me as to what I can do in the mean time. My apartment is 1100 sq ft with a balcony. People disabilities need and deserve rights to develop the spectrum that John Hume's 'Diversity in Unity' is about.

Regards



Michelle Clarke



Amnesty 2001 - Mental Illness the Neglected Quarter
'Amnesty is a worldwide voluntary activist movement working with human rights. It is independent of any government, political persuasion or religious creed......Amnesty's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other International Human Rights Standards'
'One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives.

Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental health disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. Treatments are available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. Stigma discrimination and neglect prevent care and treatment from reaching people with M. Disorder....Where there is neglect, there is little or no understanding. Where there is no understanding = NEGLECT

by James D Wed Aug 17, 2005 09:35 jjd at unforgettable dot com

"Take one day..." out of what will be many in most peoples lives and don't go to the pub!

Grab a few mates and head to the nearest local sporting event. Have a DVD marathon. If it's your birthday, move it one day!!!

The main thing is to pass the message on.

by ciaran Tue Aug 16, 2005 23:08

not 9th of september thats my birthday

by Pol Tue Aug 16, 2005 19:52

This is a terrific idea.
If things like this go according to plan, it would be better than voting in terms of getting politicians to listen.
However, a campaign of this sort takes planning and needs to look appealing in order to ensure that people go with it.
How can that be done?
Matbe those with knowledge of large scale demos etc can put their expertese to work.

(Wasn't the original Boycott an Irish land agent or something?)

by Ripped Off Republican Tue Aug 16, 2005 18:10

If the PD's are complaining to the RTE Authority then Hobbs must be doing something right. And taking on the Vintners. Sure even McDowell was afraid to do that. Loved the shot of Moloney's pub beside his constituency and he had the gall to play the public health card during the debate.

Keep it up Eddie.

by Ali H. Tue Aug 16, 2005 17:48

"it was merely another example of people only giving a shit about inequality and poverty when the themselves were being ripped off"

I think you're wrong Starstruck because we are all being ripped off and the poorest among us disproportinnately so.

Imagine what and extra €500 a year gained by lifting the groceries order would mean to a pensioner or single mother?

These people have typically no voice in Irish society and even have to take abuse from moronic facist yobs like Kevin Myers, so it's about someone spoke up for them and for us.

Fair play to RTE for having the courage to say what our political masters deny!

by James D Tue Aug 16, 2005 14:36 jjd at unforgettable dot com

Hi,

Watched Rip Off Ireland last night for the first time. Like many of the comments I thought it wasn't telling is something new but when you hear it all at once, out-loud, so to speak, it really does hit home.

So on a related note I received an email today that is definately connected and I would definately reccommend passing it on. It makes sense. Here's the text...

National Pub Boycott Day – Fri 9th Sept ‘05

With our politicians failing is it is time for Positive Action. The first of hopefully many national boycott and positive action days against those institutions and companies that are ripping us off. Since our democratically elected representatives seem unwilling or unable to help those us. It is time to help ourselves.

· Do not go to a public house on 9th of September 2005
· Stay at home and have friends for dinner
· Go to the cinema
· Go to a local non-alcoholic event

Take one day and help yourself and others, hit them where it hurts them most, their pockets.

National Pub Boycott Day – Fri 9th Sept ‘05

by Dublin Exile Tue Aug 16, 2005 13:34

Saw Rip Off Republic for the first time last night and overall I thought it was excellent. Like the previous poster I thought some of the production was a bit iffy but in terms of presenting an argument and being allowed to hammer it home again and again for over an hour on national television, i've never encountered a show like it.

Highlighting the actions of the publicans via the FF backbenchers was far more useful than acres of newscoverage in the broadsheet papers. Showing up John O Donoghue for the twit he really is was very valuable also. The other aspect of this story that i felt was useful was that regarding the price of drink in pubs it showed up the urban myth that its the level of taxation that has rocketed up the price of the pint. The greed of the publicans has priced people out of the pubs not tax.

The price of a bottle of vino on the other hand has a lot to do with excise duty, over €2 per bottle. If you're like me and quite like the wine costing around 4.99 or 5.99 then the govt is taking a big whack of it.

Finally the show pointed out that the licencing system has promoted the growth of the 'superpubs' at the expense of our traditional drinking habitat. The show pointed out that if the pub licences were spread evenly throughout the country there'd be an extra 2600 in the Dublin area. I'd love to visit my old home town with an extra couple of thousand pubs in it, and it would certainly force down the price of a pint.

Finally, if we want to do somthing about the crazy licencing laws then what about the old Irish tactic of the Boycott? Nominate a friday night in September and campaign for everyone to stay out of the pubs that night. Then take a night in October and boycott the restaurants.

We may not have much power as citizens in this republic, but collectively we could flex our economic muscles to change the rip off in the entertainment/ socialising industry.

by Deb - Private Tue Aug 16, 2005 12:48 none

My husband and I think this programme is a great idea but we have noticed an extremely annoying fact. Throughout the broadcast, there seems to be a falsified, "canned audience" dub which gives the impression that the audience are responding to something positively by either murmuring in agreement or laughing at what is being said, when a group shot indicates that they are, in fact, sitting passively often with blank expressions on their faces. Of course there ARE occasions where the audience is genuinely reacting to what Eddie says but we have noticed several occasions where they sound as though they are agreeing with him but are in fact not saying anything when the camera pans to an overall shot! Has anyone else noticed this? It's extremely annoying! Either the dubbing is not in sync with the broadcast or the programme is exaggerating the participation of the people present to make it seem as though they are more enthusiastic than they are.

Sincerely hope this doesn't continue throughout as it's very off-putting.

by Walter Campbell - None Mon Aug 15, 2005 23:33 waltercampbell at esatclear dot ie Idlewood, Tullynisk, Birr, Co Offaly 0509 21775

You are doing in a financial way what Gay Byrne did for bringing awareness of moral issues etc in his early Programmes.

These issues of self-interest and protectionism should be brought to the surface, exposed and discussed so that the people can decide.

I’m Scottish born by the way!

Please keep up the good work.

Walter

by fair enough Mon Aug 15, 2005 18:13

Some restrictions on the building of massive out-of-town stores are still needed. Look at what happened in England where town centres had nothing but pubs left in them.
And where Tesco's deliberately targeted and destroyed hundreds of small grocers and supermarkets, allowing then to jack up the prices again when the competition was gone.

by Michael Hennigan - Finfacts.com Mon Aug 15, 2005 00:22

M. Byrne Friday asked: Why doesn’t Eddie run for Taoiseach?

Hobbs may well have the skills to be a politician given his ability to be both a consumer advocate and a finance industry player.

Consumers' "champion" Eddie Hobbs leads the charge as Irish consumer policy remains hostage of vested interests:

Events in the past week sum up the lamentable position of the Irish Consumer. The big employers' lobby group IBEC teamed up with the trade unions' umbrella body ICTU in opposing the ending of the ban on below cost selling commonly known as the Groceries Order and a born-again consumers' "champion" Eddie Hobbs fronted a new television series on RTE1 called Rip-off Republic. Last June, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Micheál Martin TD termed Hobbs a "consumer advocate" when he announced the membership of the Interim National Consumer Agency, a new body he said would make the Irish consumer "king." The National Consumer Agency itself terms Hobbs "Financial Consultant, FDM." There is no error because Hobbs is another example of an Irish solution to an Irish problem. He in fact rides two horses at the same time. A month after Martin's announcement, the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) added further ballast to the new consumer body headed by an insurance industry veteran, with the addition of his ex-girlfriend Celia Larkin.

by No To Nice Fri Aug 12, 2005 19:03

One of the most amazing examples of RTE imbalance in th last couple of years was the Late Late show's pre Nice (II) coverage. They invited Justin Barrett on as the person chosen to debate Nice treaty and advance the NO argument.

Considering the man had recently been photographed at a facist rally in Germany and his many links to the right in Europe this was a deliberate attempt to damage the NO argument.

Despite the fact that many activists and groups were opposed to treaty RTE chose this man. One wonders what effect this debate gave to the YES camp but it certainly showed bias on RTE's behalf.

It shows up the lie that RTE are somehow left wing or anti establishment. They are the establishment. No matter what the Sunday Independent and some of the right claim

by Maria Fri Aug 12, 2005 17:28

Well Said. I agree.

Eddie for Taoiseach.

by M. Byrne Fri Aug 12, 2005 17:01 positano at eircom dot net

The programme was extremely entertaining and all one could really do was laugh. Eddie wasn’t telling us anything that we didn’t know already it was just how he presented the programme. It was straight from the hip. Well done to Eddie Hobbs in articulating in such a short programme how the government are masters at not only extracting a huge percentage of our wages in tax and PRSI but how they also manage to extract the remainder of our take home pay in indirect taxes. They are continuously dreaming up ways of removing that last euro from our pockets. It’s done so painlessly it is hardly noticeable. It’s a pity they are not such masters at spending it wisely and so much of it is wasted.

Why doesn’t Eddie run for Taoiseach.

by Al Thu Aug 11, 2005 12:21

Just a short comment on the nappies. The posts above compare prices in Ireland to Germany, well compare childrens products in Ireland to Germany and the picture is different.

Germany and Ireland clashed over EU wide standard taxes a few years back as in Germany all products are taxed whereas in Ireland childrens products (Including nappies) are tax free.

Its only a small point but I thought I would let you know before you send a tax free item to the minister. Send him an essential item that is taxed instead.

by Mumsy Wed Aug 10, 2005 15:04

Don't forget to fill it first before you send it.

by Mrs Fitz Wed Aug 10, 2005 13:38

Hi there,

The address to send it to is

Minister Michael Martin
Dept of Enterprise Trade and Employment
23 Kildare Street
D2

Good woman. We will all stick together

by Babs Wed Aug 10, 2005 12:38 babsio01@yahoo.co.uk

Does anybody know the name and address of where we have to send the nappy to ........ as said by Eddie Hobbs in Rip off ireland??

by Maria Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:43

I cannot believe there is not a bigger response to this programme on tuesday night.

I am outraged The government have a take in everything you own, wear, eat etc. If I was a strong enough person I would organise everyone in the country to take to the streets and march. They have got away with it for far too long and typical Irish attitude is ' ah sure we will leave some one else take care of it' that is including myself.

Of course i am sending a nappy to that martin fella. I know what it is like to have to buy nappies every week. Of course the attitude of the government is to over look it as of course it does not effect them. Why wouldn't it on their big salaries which I am paying. I am just furious and it is about time we found out just how much the government weans out of us FOR EVERYTHING. Most of the country except the government and developers are up to their eyes in it trying to make ends meet. Enough is enough and something has to be done. ONCE AND FOR ALL

by Lurker Wed Aug 10, 2005 03:56

This whole story is so obvious it hurts. You do not need to be politically progressive to have concocted it. I could be wrong, but it even looks like "Toneore" might be the author. Purely so he could start trolling and then have a go at indymedia for cleaning up his mess.

by Pol Tue Aug 09, 2005 20:04

For the first time in ages I wish I had a TV. Perhaps some sort of list of exploitative companies could be created for the purposes of a national boycott?

by Indymedia Ireland Editorial Group - Indymedia Ireland Tue Aug 09, 2005 18:11

Several comments have been removed on this thread. Please read the Editorial Guidelines in order to learn how to contribute fully to Indymedia.ie. A record of editorial actions is viewable on the newswire list. Our objective is to be a news site and to preserve civil discourse in which information is exchanged and amended. Thank you - 1 of IMC Editorial

by bias myass Tue Aug 09, 2005 16:14

Loony left RTE... yes... with it's board of governors including former PD press secretaries, who give out stink to Joe Duffy for daring to give equal time to a bin tax protestor on Liveline.... who would have put these loony lefties in RTE then?

RTE is fairly whipped, and it is the exception rather than the rule when they go further than the agreed line.

When did RTE get heavy with any minister about anything? the small print of the Nice Treaty relating to Art 133, the passage of weapons and prisoners through Shannon, about giving away our oil and gas for nothing, about the state of health care and education and policing? The Minister is never challenged beyond being asked to parrot the party line.

We don't all participate in parliamentary democracy, but we participate in the economy, by working and purchasing, and seeing as big business interests have bought our politicians, we don't have to wait four years to participate. It takes a lot of people to make economic impact, but less than the number it would take to make an impact in the ballot box.

Don't like Eircom's prices... but you buy the Indo? Aren't you just giving money to "Sir" Tony O'Reilly, who owns the Indo group of papers and is chairman of Eircom? There's a load of other examples of course.

Don't give them your money. Learn to live without their products, get them locally, make your own or do without... in the long term it's the only thing that makes sense.

by Starstruck Tue Aug 09, 2005 15:21

I watched the programme last night and ,while it was a reasonably accurate porttrayl of the price levels in Ireland relative to other countries,I couldnt help but get the feeling that it was merely another example of people only giving a shit about inequality and poverty when the themselves were being ripped off.
Consumer goods are mostly wants not needs and I got the impression most audience members were pissed off with the government not because of the terrible economic and social decisions they have made,but rather because their wallets were lighter and they could buy less stuff!
So really they were pissed off with the big businesses who are creaming off huge profits at our expense and the Government are merely facilitating this environment by their open-door,free-trade.policies.

by John Tue Aug 09, 2005 14:58

If this is true, its a scandal. Although not having seen it, I can't confirm that its true. The bias of RTE is legendary. Would a 'right-wing' commentator be given a series to expound on what a crap system socialism is? But, par for the course for RTE. Half the RTE presenters now write on the loony left Village Idiot magazine. And one of their main presenters, Vincent Browne, is Ireland's looniest leftist. Even their main rugby presenter is a long-time republican supporter of Sinn Fein from N. Ireland, the only rugby fan with republican sympathies in the whole of Ireland. People who support FF or the PDs don't get a look-in with RTE. There were more republicans/nationalists working in BBC Northen Ireland in 1955 than there are supporters of the present Government in RTE today. Time a campaign was mounted to scrap the tv license. Let market forces reign in broadcasting as elsewhere.

by CCCP Tue Aug 09, 2005 11:45

The driver pleaded guilty to dangerous driving but the (insult deleted -ed) judge on the bench actually told him he was guilty of only careless driving and reduced his plea (first time I ever heard of that).

The bewigged (insult deleted -ed) fined him €200 and proceeded to launch into an ignorant political rant against bin tax protestors.