Category Archives: politics

Food Security

It’s a grey day in the Burren and the birds are busy flittering around the pond in our Hares Corner. Great success was celebrated recently as over 7,000 trees were planted around Clare to make more space for nature; mini habitats to support wildlife in the Hares Corner project. Throughout Ireland work to restore habitats, hedgerowsContinue reading “Food Security”

Can “Just Transition” fail to be a transition that is just?

Can “Just Transition” fail to be a transition that is just? Definitely. What is needed is a national transition strategy that is just, in compliance with the Aarhus convention, respects everybody equally and supports everyone affected. That must begin immediately. Ultimately this lack of a coordinated, whole of society action is a gross injustice to the young people of Ireland, the world and future generations.

Imagine Science

Over the past 3 weeks we have had daily briefings about the pandemic, by the government. The nation has come to recognise the Chief Medical Officer over everyone else in these past weeks. We have an emergency. We have the scientist qualified in that field advising. We are being briefed by the experts in that area. RightlyContinue reading “Imagine Science”

Imagine Meetings

Things have changed with meetings. The formal boardroom has learned to adapt or gone into retirement. Casual group meetings are now a more structured activity. A visit to the grandparents means wiping fingerprints off the screens. People are sharing a cup of tea or glass of wine and a chat with friends via their laptops.Continue reading “Imagine Meetings”

Imagine Healthcare

Imagine Irish emigrants returning home because there are jobs here for them. All those medical professionals who had studied for years in Irish universities and colleges finally able to return to practice their trade at home. Imagine nurses and frontline staff, who had been on strike over conditions and pay a year earlier, being celebratedContinue reading “Imagine Healthcare”

Imagine Valuing Everyone

Now that the government has realised the importance of ensuring everyone losing their source of income has their basic financial needs met in this Covid19 crisis, perhaps the recent rush to reassess and legislate for a minimum payment could have been avoided, had government heeded the call for a basic income. Imagine a basic financialContinue reading “Imagine Valuing Everyone”

Imagine the Working Week

Now that many of us have learned to work from home could we continue that trend to unlock the numerous benefits it holds? Less time commuting. Lower emissions. More time with loved ones. More time for hobbies. Greater work life balance. Less stress and more. If we can get all our work done and liveContinue reading “Imagine the Working Week”

2020 – Vision

As we enter a new year and new decade everybody appears to be taking stock. Setting my priorities is something I tend to do at the start of every year because I tend to get pulled in many directions which just dilutes my effectiveness. Towards the end of 2019 I started two significant life projects.Continue reading “2020 – Vision”

National Lottery Funding for the Environment

In 2013 there was a campaign to have national lottery funds allocated to the natural environment. The list of beneficiaries eligible for funding was under review and as environmental matters are grossly under funded this seemed like an ideal opportunity to have some much needed funds go towards the environment. I remember it as aContinue reading “National Lottery Funding for the Environment”