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Garda Commissioner Noirin O Sullivan with the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald. RollingNews.ie/Photocall Ireland

Tánaiste to discuss 'critical' garda vacancies with Garda Commissioner

Enda Kenny has said the independent Policing Authority will appoint senior gardaí early next year.

OPPOSITION PARTIES HAVE had to walk a balanced line when calling out the government on vacancies in senior garda positions.

Pressure is mounting on the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald due to calls for the vacancies to be filled before the Policing Authority assumes responsibility for appointing senior garda roles.

However, there has been a reluctance in government to do so as the independent authority has been tasked with making appointments from early next year, removing the power from both the Garda Commissioner and Cabinet in giving promotions.

The controversy arose when it was reported that there are a significant number of senior level appointments left vacant.

It was reported this week by RTÉ some senior garda figures are set to take legal action against the government over their failure to fill the current vacancies.

Speaking on Today with Sean O’Rourke, Noel Cunningham of the AGS said there is now a “possibility” that gardaí who were promised promotions, but who have not yet been appointed to the roles, may have to re-apply for the jobs.

Today, Fitzgerald said she would be “examining” the vacancies and will be having discussions with the Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan, as well as consultations with the Policing Authority.

The minister conceded there are eight positions at the top levels.

“Of course I will be examing those critical vacancies and making a decision in relation to them,” she told reporters.

“We’ve always agreed that critical vacancies need to be filled,” said Fitzgerald, stating the Policing Authority also held this view.

She denied there was reluctance to fill critical vacancies stating that she couldn’t be accused of not wanting to move ahead with them.

Job vacancies

Cunningham said a number of positions, identified by the Garda Commissioner Noirin O’Sullivan, were advertised at the end of last year.

In the middle of the year a list of names were drawn up for approval – and since then some members on the list have been promoted, while others have not.

From 31st December, the Policing Authority will assume responsibility for all senior garda roles. Currently, the government is responsible for the filling of senior appointments.

While Cunningham would not go so far as calling it a “crisis”, he said those identified as being suitable for the roles should be appointed as soon as possible.

Policing Authority 

Enda Kenny was pressed by Micheál Martin on the issue during Leaders’ Questions yesterday. Martin criticised the government’s delay in transferring the responsibility for these appointments to the Policing Authority, as well as its unwillingness to make fill further roles now.

He said that this delay meant that there was “paralysis and indecision” from the Government when it came to appointing senior gardaí.

“Why write out to eighteen people telling them they were successful but only appoint ten of them? That is the bottom line. There is one law. The 2005 Act is currently in situ in terms of promotions of superintendents and chief superintendents.

“The Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 is a new Act and one that we support. We support the idea that the authority would be responsible for promotion to the senior ranks of An Garda Síochána, but the section has not yet been commenced. Why has it not been commenced?” asked Martin.

The delay is also something frustrating the Chairperson of the Policing Authority, Josephine Feehily.

She told the Joint Committee on Justice and Equality she was “disappointed” about delays of changing the appointments process.

Martin pointed out that as it currently stands, it is the Taoiseach’s responsibility. Martin said for Kenny to “resile from his duty and responsibility” is wrong.

The responsibility to commence legislation resides with the Government. In the interim, the existing law of the land applies.

Kenny responded by calling the transfer of these responsibilities to the Policing Authority “the major significant change” to policing since the foundation of the State.

He added that the Government had filled 38 senior roles within the Gardaí so far this year, with only three remaining unfilled.

This figure of three unfilled vacancies was mentioned by Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, David Stanton, in the Dáil yesterday in response to a question from Fiánna Fáil’s Jim O’Callaghan.

Labour and Sinn Féin have also called for the vacancies to be filled.

Read: As it happened: ”You’re both incompetent and unfit to be in Government” – Enda faces tough questions in the Dáil

Read: Public sector unions are not happy about garda pay increases

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16 Comments
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    Mute Eamon Mac Gowan
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    People like him are the worst kind of exhibitionist freaks.
    Cringe inducing.

    719
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    Mute Patrick Hurley
    Favourite Patrick Hurley
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:46 AM

    More preparation went in to making it about him than her.

    339
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    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:03 PM

    Awww

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    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:07 PM

    Aww

    11
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    Mute Cosmo Kramer
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:14 PM

    And Today FM just happened to have a reporter on the ready for the big question.. Did he get in touch with Today FM before hand and let them know what he was planning? Absolute Clown!

    278
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    Mute Teddington
    Favourite Teddington
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:23 PM

    Sure leave them off, it’s not my cup of milk but that’s what makes life so interesting is the differences!

    118
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
    Favourite Shawn Rahoon
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:26 PM

    I believe they ran towards each other in slow motion. So romantic!

    109
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    Mute Allister
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:40 PM

    Hope he kept the receipt for the fake tan….!

    108
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    Mute John Brendan Mullen
    Favourite John Brendan Mullen
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    Dec 18th 2015, 1:48 PM

    I’d

    3
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    Mute Phil O' Meara
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:43 AM

    I wonder if he declared the diamond ring when arriving or strode through the green channel?

    312
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    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:44 AM

    Will it be on that God awful programme on Sky One?

    106
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    Mute Keelan O'neill
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:30 PM

    Those shows are great.

    “You do realise this is a live turtle”

    “No not turtle. Herbal medicine, herbal medicine”

    128
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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:43 PM

    Ah sure I’m guilty of watching them myself ha ha.

    34
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    Mute Robert Madden
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    Dec 18th 2015, 9:24 PM

    Your man on that sky programme… “Don’t call me “Man” buddy..” Ridiculous.

    6
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    Mute Supernova
    Favourite Supernova
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    More shite.. Look at me! Look look were getting married.. Aren’t I special. Give me attention now

    235
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    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
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    Dec 18th 2015, 1:45 PM

    I’ve got to agree with you Nova, it’s screaming for attention, turning an already busy place even more busy with crowds of gawkers in force. In saying that goodluck to the two of them, just seems very contrived.

    42
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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:41 AM

    Cringe

    162
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    Mute TrudyFeltz
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    Well his tan looks great anyway

    150
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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:11 PM

    just makes him more full of it, I’m good at this sort of thing. trust me ; )

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    Mute The Green Monkey
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Cringeworthy…….

    111
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    Mute John
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:01 PM

    Ehy?

    4
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    Mute Conor Graham
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Puke.

    95
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    Mute CABK
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:54 AM

    Absolute state of them both.

    82
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    Mute The Green Monkey
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Cringeworthy……

    62
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    Mute cp
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:59 AM

    So good you say it twice

    31
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    Mute John
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:01 PM

    Ha?

    1
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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Sorry Martin, Louse has been seeing Mark while you were away… oopss!

    48
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    Mute CABK
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:05 PM

    She lives over there with him which just makes it more cringe! Waiting for an audience at arrivals!!! Public proposals are the worst!

    80
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    Mute CABK
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:06 PM

    She lives over there with him which just makes it more cringe! Waiting for an audience at arrivals!!! Public proposals are the worst!

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    Mute Al-Right
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:21 PM

    Wot? Where does it say that?

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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:12 PM

    probably with loads of women over he months prior to the flight. ya’d feel sorry for her but nah not really.

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    Mute Donna Moss
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:46 AM

    Good luck to them.

    43
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    Mute Chief
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:55 AM

    You are not allowed say nice stuff here Donna. The two people that just got engaged and spread a little happiness around are just too happy for peoples liking. This does not go down well with the miserable ba#$rds commenting above. So be warned. No more of that nice comment shite!

    53
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    Mute Slim Browne
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:42 PM

    What if she said no ?? Big embarrassed head on him then

    41
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    Mute Paul Wallace
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:43 PM

    What a Mangina

    36
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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:46 PM

    Brennan has a margina, Brennan has a margina.

    15
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    Mute Andy Gibson
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:41 PM

    The Today FM reporter is called Juliette GASH?! Oh my days!!!

    36
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    Mute Live Long
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:09 PM

    Tantastic!

    35
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    Mute seanie
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:52 AM

    Haha miserable ba*t*rds here in comments.

    29
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    Mute Malachi Shanks
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    Dec 18th 2015, 2:08 PM

    You’d be raging if you were behind yer man in the queue and we’re going to do the same thing !

    27
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    Mute seanie
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Haha miserable bass%ards on the comments .

    23
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    Mute Chief
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Great minds think alike

    11
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    Mute SandyfordAl
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    Dec 18th 2015, 2:51 PM

    Oh please, it’s all about me, everyone look at me. Attention seekers are so annoying

    21
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    Mute Slim Browne
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:34 PM

    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then

    19
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    Mute Slim Browne
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then
    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then

    12
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    Mute Michelle Wallace
    Favourite Michelle Wallace
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    Dec 18th 2015, 1:25 PM

    Good god, you’re a right lot of begrudgers. Can’t we all just get along? You don’t even have to be happy for them, but do you have to be so mean? It’s Christmas, let’s spread a bit of Christmas cheer…. No?

    11
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    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
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    Dec 18th 2015, 1:57 PM

    Bah humbug.

    14
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    Mute seanie
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:53 AM

    Haha miserable Scrooges here in the comments.

    9
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    Mute Conor Graham
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    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    You can say that again!

    48
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    Mute cp
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:00 PM

    And again

    37
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    Mute John
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:00 PM

    Could you repeat that please?

    40
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    Mute Slim Browne
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:32 PM

    What if she said no ?? Some head on him then

    9
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    Mute Joey Gee
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:26 PM

    This is the way the poor gaisun wanted to do it, must mean something to him (them).

    9
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    Mute Craig Barry
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    Dec 18th 2015, 6:31 PM

    W$nker

    8
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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:13 PM

    totally

    2
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    Mute Maurice Slater
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    Dec 18th 2015, 5:29 PM

    not my cup of tea kinda shows insecurity are just a show of,to me its a private matter between two people and not for public consumption for me first spoil your lady all day tell her about all the things why you fell in love with her, then take yourself and your intended to a place you both have never been before.

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    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
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    Dec 18th 2015, 1:43 PM

    Juliette Gash?

    7
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    Mute TheGateFlorist
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    He has made her happy that’s all that counts. But could have had a big bunch of flowers in hand.

    7
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    Mute Karl Monaghan
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    Dec 18th 2015, 5:14 PM

    or even a ring!

    1
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    Mute Alan
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    Dec 18th 2015, 6:24 PM

    Must have a serious guilty conscience coming back from the holiday.

    7
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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:13 PM

    i bet he does i bet he does. a proper player.

    1
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    Mute John Reese
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    Dec 18th 2015, 4:35 PM

    Shaking head….the plonker has just given TV3 a new idea for an airport proposal show.

    6
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    Mute Slim Browne
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    Luvly

    5
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    Mute TheGateFlorist
    Favourite TheGateFlorist
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    Dec 18th 2015, 12:37 PM

    He has made her happy, and that’s all we should care about.

    5
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    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
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    Dec 18th 2015, 1:49 PM

    Well we don’t know that for sure.

    13
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    Mute Kirsha Sova
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:56 PM

    Jayess everyone wants to put their life on show with the world watching ,get a life somethings should be private .

    4
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    Mute Sean MacGabhann
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    Dec 18th 2015, 3:45 PM

    ‘Til never last.

    3
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    Mute Kirsha Sova
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:57 PM

    I give it a year .

    2
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    Mute Karl Monaghan
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    Dec 18th 2015, 5:10 PM
    1
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    Mute Karl Monaghan
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    Dec 18th 2015, 5:11 PM

    why is his head half shaved??

    1
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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Dec 18th 2015, 8:14 PM

    cos he’s a w@anker

    2
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    Mute niall fitzgerald
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    Dec 19th 2015, 8:05 AM

    Juliette’s Gash, what.

    1
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