@davidmcw You remember how Dan Ariely told you why Irish people have an aversion to flats (you were wondering why on EP16)? It's the association with tenements and poverty, then social flats from the 20th century onwards. One of the tidbits he learned on my tour. 😉
@davidmcw Ireland is like Uber. The numbers look great, there's great awareness of it, but you're actually in it, it's a much worse existence than people realise. (episode ref. S2025E40)
Politicians - statistically, those under 50 are the most innovative. Should we limit ministerial positions to member of parliament under 50yrs of age? There'd likely be not only more innovation, but more creativity in general and more long-term thinking.
Direct democracy Ireland: As in Switzerland, Ireland should embrace direct democracy, especially to facilitate a united Ireland. There would be 5 districts, like in the 5 provinces of old, but Dublin would replace Meath, so it'd be Ulster, Connacht, Munster, Leinster & Dublin.
@davidmcw E15 - Swiss direct democracy. This is actually what we had in Ireland naturally before the Norman invasion. It's what we should have implemented in 1922 if there hadn't been tremendous instability due to the Civil War.
President Higgins today hosted a credential ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin for the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. Nicola Faganello, and Ambassador of the State of Palestine, H.E. Jilan Abdaljamid
A simple solution to keep our streets clean ♻️
Instead of bottles and cans ending up in the wrong place, you now can leave them on these new bin surrounds, making it easy anyone to pick them up, recycle, and get the deposit back.
I’ve seen these bin surrounds working well across Europe so pitched the idea to @DubCityCouncil and worked closely with the North Inner City task force and council officials to make it happen.
Let's get these in Dún Laoghaire next!
We are delighted that Rory’s guitar is destined for the national collection. He is one of Ireland’s most iconic musicians, and his talent is legendary and celebrated globally. We are very grateful to the donor and @cathmartingreen@tcagsm who have enabled the purchase.
@RTE2 Why did you not mention Gojira? France's biggest metal band and you completely ignore them. Disgraceful and typical of RTE's discrimination against a complete genre.
Future may be local @davidmcw but the past was also local. Pre-Norman Ireland was a political system that worked much more effectively (except in issues of defence, as we know!). The chieftain/king was voted for (he did have to be from the royal lineage, though).
Damp day in Dublin!
What's the point in changing the captain if the system is broken? Could a New Irish Republic look a bit more like Switzerland, direct democracy, fiscal federalism and inverted power structure, where the local trumps the national?
https://t.co/wMvihbLSE6
"It does represent a new dawn".
Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill is the first nationalist First Minister of Northern Ireland as power-sharing is restored at Stormont | Read more: https://t.co/wMpFgWVLmX
Get a free bottle of quality wine @brasseriesixty6
I often recommend it to our groups, especially if they're on the bigger side, and it's a busy night.
It's reliably good, never disappoints.