Shock at Aviva Job Losses

This week saw the decision of Aviva to cut 950 jobs in Ireland over the next 2 years. Needless to say this was a huge blow to a country struggling to emerge from a economic recession. Sadly job losses have been a recurring theme in the nation's story and there is no sign of this abiding anytime soon. Taoiseach Enda Kenny spoke of his disappointment at the news saying it "is a huge shock to those directly involved'.

Aviva maintains this decision is necessary in order to make "a stronger leaner business". It is estimated that there will be 770 redundancies from the Irish bases involving Dublin, Cork and Galway. 180 job loses are expected to hit Aviva Europe. It has been described as a "cost saving exercise" which is planned for next March. This is all very well and good for the fat cats at the top but these cost efficient measures are people's livelihoods. 

Aviva staff who are members of the UNITE trade union have expressed interest in industrial action and who can blame them? They are eager to have their say and make their voices known. It is a great shock especially as people were beginning to hope we were starting to make progress. Things have been bleak on the economy front for a long long time and this is a further setback.


Aviva- home of imminent joblosses



 Is it any wonder people are losing faith in our country? Emigration is continually rising. There are little or no jobs available, ask all of the newly graduated teachers. The jobs that do exist are crumbling before our eyes. The new government formed this year, that promised hope, prosperity and an improved Ireland are failing with a capital F. Enda Kenny needs to raise his game and soon before comparisons with a certain Mr. Cowen began to fall fast and furious...

To read more click on this lick which will bring you to the Irish Times article

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/1018/breaking62.html

Presidency Race against time!

Like it or not, it is fair to say that the Presidential Election of 2011 is one of the main topics of discussion in recent weeks. From your local supermarket to pub, school to work it tends to crop up in conversation time and time again. Many will say "ah politics" or" sure what does the President do for me?" but they will nonetheless want their say on polling day.

Another important thing to note is that this topic tends to unite people as essentially we all want the same thing. A candidate who will represent Ireland as a democratic independent country and who will work to restore Ireland to its former strengths politically, economically and culturally. A person who wishes to foster Ireland's links with other nations and act for the people, rather than posing as a figurehead.


Traditionally the President of Ireland is viewed as a somewhat airy-fairy position with little or no input into topical issues. What the majority of people really want is someone who will fight for our rights, stand up for what they believe in and most importantly challenge the bureaucracy evident in politics today. This may sound slightly ambitious but there is no harm in aiming high and at least looking for hunger and passion in the eyes of our prospective President.



Presidential candidates in all their glory



There are seven prospective candidates in the running, ranging from considerably different backgrounds. As always with a highly publicised and competitive situation, controversy is the name of the game. From the letters involving David Norris's former lover to the accusations flung at Martin McGuinness for his presumed involvement with the IRA, the dirt has well and truly been flung.

There have been quite a few radio and television debates in recent days as the campaign race hots up. Nervy Ryan Tubridy and cantankerous Vincent Browne, two strikingly different television hosts both had a go at haranguing the canidiates. Both found it exceedingly difficult to control their guests who were only too eager to attack each other! 

So it remains to be seen... is Gay Mitchell of the perpetually self satisfied expression the winner of our vote? Or is it David Norris, perhaps the best man ever to evade a question considering the pratcice he has had of late or even Dana for whom the Constitution is almost a lifeline at this stage. Or maybe Micheal D Higgins will emerge victorious, for keeping schtum and avoiding trouble is a tried and tested method. He might be the dark horse who emerges as the one to reap the reward. It is a good as an idea as any and for those who disagree,it must be said in a quintessentially Irish fashion... feck the begrudgers! To read more from The Independent click on this link.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/presidential-election/michael-d-for-president-but-david-norris-for-dinner-2898011.html




Tragedy strikes Tiny Town

Boyle in Co. Roscommon is a peaceful area, an idyllic spot for many holidaymakers. Several Irish figures of note including Mary McAleese, President of Ireland and actor Brendan Gleeson own holiday homes there. It is a delightful area situated near the Curlew mountains and a number of fishing lakes making it a very picturesque location. This peaceful dreamy world was shattered this week by a fatal house fire.
A 5 year old girl died in the blaze which broke out in the early hours of the morning on 3rd October 2011.Mari Connolly's body was found in an upstairs room, the stairs had been badly damaged by the fire which made if difficult for fire fighters to access the building.
Her father suffered a punctured lung and a broken back from jumping out of the top floor window with Mari's two younger sisters, Naomi (6) and Lauren (8). His actions undoubtedly saved their lives. Their mother was in hospital after having twin baby girls and the three girls had been staying with their father.
This alone is a horrifyingly sad incident, the loss of a child is a nightmare.However further evidence has emerged since Monday and the fire is currently being treated by Gardai as suspicious.Forensic tests are currently underway after reports emerged that a fire accelerant may have been thrown in through the letterbox.
The blaze was so intense that twenty firefighters were needed to combat the blaze and extra units came to assist from Carrick on Shannon and Elphin in addition to the local fire brigade in Boyle. It has been confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested in connection with the fatal fire.
House fires have claimed many lives, often the result of a tragic accident. Hearing that an innocent child was the victim of a malicious crime is shocking and beyond sad. For many of us we shake our heads and say 'what a tragedy' but a new incident takes precedent the following day. For the parents and siblings of Mari Connolly however, life will never be the same again.