Calls from Leinster House for RTE talent competition

The program was Celebrities Go Wild, some celebrity talent competition that was run in 2007

Well, apparently, it has emerged that 3,636 calls (worth €2,639) were made to support Michael Healy Rae, son of Jackie Healy Rae, from inside Leinster House.

I don't mind a father or a colleague supporting a son or a friend, but I strongly object to the use of an employer's money to do so. And who is the employer? The State, in other words the tax payers. It really feels like someone put his hand in MY pocket. Whoever did it should own up and pay back. That's all I'll say.

What I thought was even more shocking was that Tubridy didn't find anything wrong with this. Is it a case that RTE staff commonly use their office phones to make personal calls to family and friends in America and Australia? Wouldn't you like to know?

And you know the best thing I've just read in the article? There you go: "TDs and Senators are allowed to make calls free of charge so no rules were broken". In the current economic crisis, don't you think it's time the rules were changed?

The Black Economy

According to ISME, the black economy accounts for up to 16% of the country's total economic output. And in the meantime, those of us who pay taxes end up paying even more. Surely Revenue can do something to track down all these mobile-phone and cash-only businesses and fine them!

Oh? Do I really need to take my laptop out of my bag?

You're standing at the queue at airport security. It's busy. There are signs everywhere telling people to take laptops out of bags and put them on the tray. Well, the Businessman ahead of us must have been on a different planet. He put his bag on the conveyor belt, and it was only when the security guy asked him "Any liquids or laptops?" that the penny finally dropped and he took his laptop out, slowing down an already busy queue!

It would help if Dublin Airport had some desks at a staging area where you could get your bits and pieces organised before you join the queue.

AIB - how can we trust these guys with our money?

It has been reported that AIB has just sold a Bulgarian business it bought a few years ago.
The purchase price then was 200 Million Euro.
The Sale price?
One hundred Thousand Euro!
How can I trust them with my money?

Chewing gum on a machine in the gym

How gross. This is the first time that it's happened in Westwood - chewing gum abandonned in the tray of a machine on the gym floor. Let's hope that management at Westwood will take action, or the place will end up like Total Fitness!

Croke Park Agreement

Is the Croke Park Agreement a success? The top civil servants/union guys claim it's saved the country 300K in wages alone, as over 5000 civil servants have left. But, apparently, the majority of those departures are retirees, and we still have to pay their pensions! Zero sum is the word that comes to mind.

On the phone while driving

Holding the phone up to your ear while driving is bad enough, but doing so while negotiating a busy roundabout is criminal, in my view. But the young man I saw today probably really wanted to show off his new iPhone and a car kit wouldn't do the job! Recession? What Recession?

Cyclists going through pedestrian lights

OK, I'm going to put cyclists in the Other Drivers category. Cyclist goes through red light and when you step on the road in front of him with a pedestrian green light, he shouts abuse at you. We just smiled back!

Moaning politicians

Can't stand politicians and government representatives who moan on the radio that they inherited a mess and that's why they haven't done anything. Just grow up. And cancel the Dail summer holidays. There is a lot to be done - we can't afford for our politicians to take 3 months off!

What Solid White Line?

Irish drivers don't seem to understand the meaning of a solid white line. And they make things awkward for any other car going by. Two points in case: Military Road just off Ballybrack Village & Vico Road on a sunny Saturday morning.

Backsliding away

Apparently, the country is at risk of backsliding on its commitment to EU/IMF to reduce the public sector wage burden. And we're surprised because?

Weather

8.1 degrees this morning at 8. It's getting worse... No summer. And then it'll be Christmas before you know it.

Parking on Double-Yellow Lines

5 cars parked on the double-yellow lines across from the Stillorgan shopping centre this afternoon.
Three of them with their flashers, so that makes it all right!
And within less than 100 metres from the overflow carpark.
Sooo annoying.

Cronyism

Elected politicians who give jobs to their wives and other members of their families.

Going through red lights

When a driver goes through a red light at a pedestrian crossing... Then waves at you to thank you for your patience! As if I had a choice!

Signposts

 Here is one from John Kelly, via Twitter:

John Kelly tweets (@johnkellytweets)

Posted at 16:45 June 6, 2011

 on Twitter

"We win Nobel Prizes for everything but we can't do signposts."

Airfield

We love Airfield. No doubt about that. But there are certain things that they seem to be completely blind about:
The two picnic benches at the entrance haven't seen a lick of paint in at least a year, and they look dreadful! If you saw those on your way in, would you pay the  €6 entrance fee?

10 degree drop in 2 days

Friday: 23 degrees
This morning: 12.6 degrees

When someone skips the queue

When the lady skips the queue in Spar, then says to her child "go and ask Daddy for Mummy's wallet", and doesn't even turn back to apologise!

Motorway driving

Drivers who stick to the middle lane on the motorway, at 80 Km/H!

Hot Day

Where's the breeze when you want it?

Drivers

Drivers who ignore the one-way systems in shopping centre car parks. Most annoying!

The Weather

You plan a bbq for the weekend, and, all of a sudden, the weather forecast is not so good any more.

Gripe of the Day

Property Tax - the same for everybody - small house, big house