I’ve been distracted by other things, but I continue to mull over the idea of a blogger newspaper. Two responses in particular to my last word on the topic deserve a reply. First, An Spailpín Fánach points out that good writing is not the same as journalism. That’s true. Indeed, it’s why subeditors exist. Yes, …
Monthly Archive: March 2010
Mar 19
Open the books
A Garda who investigated one of the most notorious clerical child abusers in Ireland has called on the Catholic church to “open its books” about child sexual abuse. Retired Garda Martin Ridge was a key player in the investigation which led to the conviction and jailing of Fr Eugene Greene for twelve years in April …
Mar 16
Tomorrow’s News
With the Blog Awards approaching, it’s time to revist an idea I’ve been toying with for some time. Blogs are fine, but even the finest blog in Ireland has a limited readership. Unless yuou’re lucky, you may never stumble across some of the best writers out there. The result? many well written articles are overlooked. …
Mar 15
Basic Law
In a attempt to appear radical, Fine Gael are pitching a series of constitutional amendments if elected into government. Some are cosmetic. Reducing the president’s term of office from seven to five years, the right to petition the Oireachtas. Some are welcome. More powers to (some) Oireachtas committees. Some are sheer populism. Cut the number …
Mar 12
Free Speech or Worthy Speech?
There’s a meme going round, and I’m not sure what to make of it. One recent example forms the lead in to an article in Forth, and goes as follows: “We have to defend Lars Vilks because free speech matters but he’s a fool and his alleged would-be assassins arrested in Ireland are bumbling idiots, …
Mar 10
Chinese whispers
Sometimes, we’re not very good at getting our story straight. Seven people were arrested today. But what do we know? The initial Garda press release was to the point. Four men and three women arrested. There was a press briefing at 4.30pm. Anything above and beyond what the release said presumably came from there. RTE …
Mar 07
Going Up
Mark Coughlan does a good job outlining the events of the past week, with reports in the papers apparently confirming grade inflation. Coincidentally, I was googling on the topic around the same time Mark was writing his article. My working theory was that this was not a new problem (few things are in Ireland) only …
Mar 01
Your Country?
In the ten days since its launch, ‘Your Country, Your Call‘ has attracted over 1600 suggestions. Not all are winners. Unorthodox proposals include privatising the army as an international mercenary force and “building a leprechaun theme park”. Other suggestions include converting unoccupied homes into tourist accommodation, a fundraising All Ireland 25 Card Drive to increase …