Were the government responsible for bubble?

There is a line of argument along these lines coming from some of the Euro-sceptic economic commentators and others who are facing up to the reality of current circumstances.

It is that following our entry into the Euro, Ireland was constrained by interest rates so low that they were not in Ireland’s national interest.  This is given as a key reason for the expansion of Ireland’s property bubble.  This rationale presents the issue of our property bubble as if it was out of government control.

What is to be done?

Lenin asked this question in 1902 in his pamphlet which aimed to address the issues of political organisation, form and programme.  Fifteen years later after war, revolution and attempt at counter revolution he was at the leadership of the Bolshevik revolution. 

It is worth comparing the period we live in now to the early 20th century.  There is a strong argument that with the collapse of the communist regimes, it is only now that we are continuing on the path prepared for globalisation at the end of the 19th century.  Only now, we can see capitalism at work without boundaries.

Our diverse population is a resource to engine recovery

Our diverse population is a resource to engine recovery

As the IMF closes in on Ireland, the government and opposition have surrendered economic sovereignty almost but not quite.  One non-negotiable in terms of economic policy they have asserted is the 12.5% corporate tax rate.   Ireland’s corporate tax rate is the equivalent to the hookers tricks and it is on display as if there nothing else of worth on offer in Ireland.

Farmers Market Proposal

Balbriggan Town Council have called for submissions in regard to a proposed Farmers Fish Market.    These markets have developed and expanded in various towns and seem to have a degree of support and I think they are good for areas such as Malahide, Howth and Skerries. 

Immigrants experience of Balbriggan

A major new research study has revealed that there are now over 100 languages spoken in Fingal.  Ipsos Mori was commission to conduct a quantitative study of minority ethnic communities in County Fingal, based on a representative sample from the census. 1200 took part in the study. 

“The Sack of Balbriggan”- recommended read

On a Monday night in September 1920, Black and Tan forces based at Gormanston’s military camp entered Balbriggan and embarked on an orgy of widespread burning and looting that ended with the killing of two of the town’s inhabitants.

Submission on Cardy Rock Mini-pitch proposal

Further to the proposal for a Mini-pitch facility to be placed on the open space Cardy Rock, this is a submision based on a survey of the estate.

Community Centre needed in Balbriggan

Campaign for
Community
Facilities NOW!
Tuesday 15th July 2008, Milestone Inn
(upstairs) 8pm

Cardy Rock Mini-pitch on display

minipitch

The development of a Minipitch, co-funded by the FAI and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, at Cardy Rock is a very welcome development for the estate. It represents a €100,000 investment in the estate. According to the statement sent out by Senan Turnbull of Fingal Council, there are indications that this features as part of an overall development of the open space in Cardy Rock indicating other development possibly a playground in the area.

Balbriggan Community Centre Campaign

In April 2006, Fingal County Council publish a report on Community Facilities in Balbriggan. The report which cost €20,000 and would have cost a lot more if residents had not done the great part of work involved in collating surveys from households in Balbriggan.