Lucinda's Dáil Diary: Retired Finnish Prime Minister, Withdrawal of Services by DCC, Launch of Ireland for Europe

Sunday, June 21st 2009

During the week I was invited to attend a round table meeting with Geir Haarde, the Finnish Prime Minister from 2006 – 2009. The meeting took place in European Union House and was attended by some academics, business people, financial experts, as well as myself and Ruairi Quinn. A lot of knowing glances were shared across the table as the former PM described the circumstances which led to the economic calamity in Iceland last autumn. The parallels with Ireland really are remarkable.

The economic collapse in Iceland, like Ireland, was sharp and painful. Iceland’s GDP is down 10% this year and unemployment has rocketed from 1% last September to 9% today. With Ireland heading for an unemployment figure of 500,000 by the end of the year, we can certainly relate to the situation. While Mr. Haarde was the Icelandic Premier at the time of the collapse, he does not seem to suffer from the denial syndrome which afflicts Taoiseach Cowen et al. He openly admitted that light-touch regulation was a problem and that he and his Cabinet made mistakes. How nice it would be to see similar acceptance of responsibility here in Ireland.

On the issue of Iceland potentially applying to join the EU, the situation is less than clear. Mr. Haarde explained that the Government parties are split on the issue, but public opinion in favour of membership seems to be growing. Mr. Haarde’s own party, The Independence Party (now the main Opposition Party), which was once implacably opposed to EU membership is now more open to the idea and has suggested a commission to investigate the options.

I spent Saturday afternoon in the Bride Street area, where residents had received letters from Dublin City Council, informing them that many of the housing maintenance services which have been standard for many years will no longer apply. I realise that funding is severely restricted, but this is going to become a serious problem. How are elderly people, living on low incomes, be expected to clean gullies and unblock drains in flat complexes, or pay to have it done professionally? This is an issue that concerns me greatly, and I will be pursuing it with the city manager.

The launch of Ireland for Europe took place in the Button Factory, Temple Bar this morning. It is to be headed up by Pat Cox and Brigid Laffan, amongst others. Seamus Heany, Robbie Keane, The Edge and other luminaries are throwing their weight behind the project. I think that this organisation could play an important role in the Lisbon campaign, mobilising civic society to support a YES vote. There was a great atmosphere there today, which bodes well for the campaign. I wish them the very best of luck. This is a hugely important project for Ireland and every effort will be essential to secure a YES vote in October.

Lucinda’s Dáil Diary: Post Election Blues, Motion of No Confidence, George, Ryan Report, Paddy McCartan

13th June 09

There is an inevitable feeling of anti-climax after an election, which I suppose comes after any high. This week in Leinster House has been surreal. Most of the TDs and Senators were walking around in a sense of dazed exhaustion. This was clear during the debate on the motion of no confidence, where the contribution of Government members could only be described as lacklustre, and the contribution of most Opposition members was bland.

The debate on the Ryan report was more engaging, for all the right reasons. The report is sickening to the core and I think the debate reflected a genuine anger and sorrow amongst the political establishment. Former Lord Mayor Catherine Byrne, whose house is right beside Goldenbridge, had the most impact, when she used part of her short timeslot for a minute long silence. This was an unusual but poignant mark of respect in the Dáil Chamber.

I wasn’t present for George Lee’s ascendance into Heaven (aka the Dáil!), but did hear him make his maiden speech. It was characteristically sincere and thoughtful. I think he will have a rich contribution to make in the Dáil, but it will take him a few months to settle into this most unusual working environment.

Michael Martin and Dick Roche proved this week that humility does not come easily to Fianna Failers. Minister Martin came before the Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs and claimed that he has engaged in dialogue with the Opposition in relation to the Lisbon Treaty since December ‘08. News to Enda Kenny, Billy Timmins and myself! I was pleased that my criticisms were covered on the RTE 9 o clock news on Thursday. Needless to say Dick Roche couldn’t resist a counter attack in today’s papers!

Surprising was the announcement that Enda Kenny would not be inviting Frank Flannery to stay on as Director of Elections for Fine Gael in the lead up to the next general election. While Frank made a major mistake in taking it upon himself to make advances to the Sinn Fein party, I would have thought that his relationship with Enda was such that this blunder would be forgiven. While I was outraged by his remarks two weeks ago, I am very fond of Frank. He is a decent man, who always does what he feels is best for Fine Gael.

We had our constituency celebration after the Local Elections on Tuesday evening in O’Briens of Leeson St. Our newly elected councillors, Catherine Noone, Eoghan Murphy and re-elected Councillor Edie Wynne all made warm speeches. The speech that stole the show was that of Paddy McCartan, my former running mate and great friend, who unfortunately lost his Council seat last Saturday. He was humorous, gracious and humble in his generous remarks. His early retirement from Dublin City Council is the city’s loss and a major loss to the people of Pembroke. I for one am very sorry.