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Taoiseach Enda Kenny Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Government launches plan to get 75,000 unemployed back to work

The Taoiseach said that there is “no magic bullet” to solving the problem of long-term unemployment.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS unveiled its updated Pathways to Work strategy, which contains a 50-point plan to fight against long-term unemployment.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said today that the government held a special cabinet meeting to advance new proposals to create and support Irish jobs, where they approved the ambitious plan.

The announcement today said that a range of Government Departments and State Agencies will work in tandem to “tackle the scourge of long-term unemployment”.

One of the aims of the plan is to move 75,000 long-term unemployed people into employment by the end of 2015. Another is to increase by 50 per cent the exit rate of people who have been on the Live Register for two years or more.

It aims to make a range of FAS, further education and higher education programmes available to the meet the needs of the long-term unemployed, involving 51,000 places in total.

There will be 185,000 one-to-one guidance interviews with jobseekers taking place this year.

Kenny said that there are “unacceptably high numbers of people who are now long term unemployed”. He added that the private sector is adding 2,000 jobs per month, while Live Register numbers are beginning to come down slowly.

No magic bullet

Kenny said “there is no magic bullet to solving the problem of long term unemployment”.

But I and my Government have declared one ultimate principle that guides all our work in this area: that work must always pay.

The government approved today the latest design of a new housing assistance payment to replace rent supplement for the long-term unemployed.

It will be based on a household’s means rather than their employment status and will support the transition from unemployment into work, said Kenny.

Unemployment fell to 292,000 in the first quarter of 2013, a decrease of 29,900 over the previous 12 months. The unemployment rate in Ireland is currently 13.7 per cent – this is down from 14.9 per cent in April 2012.

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86 Comments
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    Mute david garland
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:04 PM

    It’s like when the principal came into your classroom when you were in primary school and started having a conversation in Irish with the teacher because they didn’t want the kids to know what they were saying…

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    Mute Chris Mcdonnell
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:51 PM

    Tax evader’s should be in prison

    289
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    Mute Ann Reddin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:43 PM

    Agree and tax avoidance should not be legal! Same with dodgey banking practices – but we cant get it all our own way!!!!!

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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:58 PM

    I doubt if the whole Fine Gael Party could be locked up for tax evasion……..it was just the finance department of FG that was involved in the actual tax evasion.

    73
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    Mute Verge harry
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:02 PM

    Martin Byrne making up stupid shit like clockwork.

    46
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    Mute Were Jammin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:14 PM

    Martin, are you referring to FG having to settle with revenue with regards to 9 years worth of illegal payments to staff?

    http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/fear-of-expos-forced-noonans-tax-admission-26248623.html

    98
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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:20 PM

    What have I made up..Verge???? nothing but facts here: check it out .

    http://www.rte.ie/news/2001/0511/15055-finegael/

    Who’s stupid now Verge?? Fine Gaelers hah …not a brain between any of you.

    80
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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:25 PM

    That’s the one Were Jammin…..strange how some FG supporters seemed not to get the memo on being quite on calling people tax evaders.

    65
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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:05 PM

    i thought that RTE/the independent were blueshirt mouthpieces?

    28
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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Mar 11th 2015, 7:10 PM

    Tomas Denver is YFG’s David Higgins!

    Good Lord, the level of troll these days is astonishing. Ye’re not even trying anymore dude, what gives? Need a hug?

    Here is the Irish Times’s Michael O’Regan’s take on it and he’s dead right; disgraceful behavior from someone whose meant to be our Taoiseach, a grown adult can see what he’s at : https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1050281874987369&set=o.279741635509093&type=2&theater

    34
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    Mute Wexford pikeman
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:04 PM

    Its sickening to see ignorance in action, Kenny is under a great illusion if he thinks his pranks in the Dail are not detested by the vast majority of ordinary citizens.

    64
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    Mute Shane O Malley
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:45 PM

    how low can kenny and co go ? as low as a snakes belly it seems,,they respect nothing or nobody,, and to witness the cackling chickens around him says more about them than anybody can,, shameful

    45
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    Mute Paul Circle
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:03 PM

    HSBC ????

    13
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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Mar 11th 2015, 10:04 PM

    Shane O’, the incident has made it on to the Daily Express website but have a look in the clip at the face of the Min for Justice, Frances FitzGerald, sitting beside Eithne:

    http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/563297/Enda-Kenny-Mick-Wallace-Irish-Gaelic

    She’s not laughing, she nods her head a couple of times but by her body language and how she looks at Eithne she shows that she’s disgusted with Kenny’s actions and rightly so. He’s made himself out to be a right mug today and an embarrassment to us, again!

    25
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    Mute John Clarke
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    Mar 12th 2015, 11:15 AM

    It’s Seachtain na Gaeilge. It’s the one day of the year leaders questions is taken in Irish. It’s well advertised, all Oireachtas members are well aware of it. There is a live interpretation service provided in the chamber via headphones provided to each deputy. The question was answered and Deputy Wallace had access to headphones providing him with a translation.

    How can he say the Taoiseach was hiding behind the Irish language?

    I don’t speak Irish, but I support the promotion and encouragement of our National language. I’m not a supporter of EK or FG, but I support this one day of the year being dedicated to Irish and the Taoiseach was correct to answer in Irish as he had done for all other questions that day.

    I’m pretty sick of Wallaces incessant moaning and complaining about being hard done by. Get over yourself. You don’t speak Irish, that’s fine, so stop whinging, put on the headphones, and get the answer to the question you asked. End of.

    25
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    Mute Thomas Mac
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    Mar 11th 2015, 12:52 PM

    Taoiseach being a total di(khead

    399
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    Mute Sam Beckett
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    Mar 11th 2015, 12:55 PM

    Snobbery,I may not like Wallace but Kenny just showed what he thinks of the normal man on the street,
    Disgrace

    393
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 12:55 PM

    The debate was scheduled to be held in Irish, Wallaces ignorance & stupidity can not be blamed on Enda

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:02 PM

    Enda is constitutionally obliged to recognise English – even though it is the second language of the republic – His refusal to do so proves him a simpleton incapable of being a legislator – This makes all of Fine gael look very stupid especially when Enda left Dick Bruton to answer questions in English last year …..
    Double-standards again from the Mayo Muppet !

    233
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    Mute Peter Grimes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:04 PM

    I agree Thomas
    If a person was to ask you a question, and you could answer them in the same language, you could at least have the decency to answer in that language.

    175
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    Mute William Willis
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:06 PM

    Fair deuce to Enda. He was quite entitled to “as gailge” and how would people be if the brogue was on the other foot.

    231
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    Mute David Murphey
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:07 PM

    Wallace is a fool.

    297
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:09 PM

    Today’s session was held in Irish to celebrate our national language, if Wallace wants to waste time asking stupid questions, so be it, if he does not understand the response he can get a translation after the session.

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    Mute J
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:10 PM

    Wallace is a normal man on the street now is he.

    146
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    Mute Michael Farrelly
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:10 PM

    @Wayne nobody should be forced to speak Irish. Enda Kenny showed contempt for an elected representative by refusing to answer him in the language he asked the question. This superior type of behavior really puts me off the Irish language.

    121
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    Mute deerhounddog
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:16 PM

    Wayne, it can be blamed on the morons tasked wiggle teaching it you idiot.

    21
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:18 PM

    Did Richard Bruton use the translation service Wayne –
    NO HE DIDN’T – You’re post suggests a poor capability on you behalf to compare and contrast like thing while at the same time having a large overview thus enabling a correct and objective understanding ….
    THIS IS USUALLY THE PRESERVE OF THE SIMPLE or the blindly loyal ….
    there is little difference in the two regardless of intelligence quotient !

    42
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    Mute deerhounddog
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:19 PM

    With

    4
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:27 PM

    Hermes, I am one of Enda’s biggest critics and have said before and will say it again, “probably the worst Taoiseach we have ever had” and considering his competition that is some achievement. Today’s debate was scheduled to be in Irish and Mick can hardly moan if he is not answered in English. The translation and text of today’s debate will be available to him, He talks of responsibly and rights but does not uphold his own to pay his tax and his contractors

    However Mick’s sudden obsession with Shannon to impress a lady is laughable!

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    Mute CMac59
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:32 PM

    A long dead language, propped up by taxpayer money.

    64
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:47 PM

    Perhaps Mr. Wallace takes his duty very seriously having seen the bankers and politicians up close in his previous capacity as a developer ..
    I consider the Shannon campaign given various government lies from several governments and the fact that the C.I.A are spying on all Irish people – including politicians – laudable .
    With regard paying contractors etc. – the story of Bord Gais and 54,000 being written off is hollow until the facts come out – and the role of a serious labour politician’s role in same !

    29
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:48 PM

    C59 – that would be your name if you actually believed what you wrote about the language being dead -
    Fins a mirror if you want to see a fool …

    16
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:08 PM

    Hermes, Russia’s most advanced spy plane a variation of the Beriav a 50 was parked on the apron at Dublin airport for a week. In Clare Daly’s own constituency! She didn’t bother asking any questions about it or didn’t attempt to scale the fence.

    All US weapons and munitions are transported through Fairford UK as part of the US army’s logistical arrangements normally on c5 Galaxy transports, not in the hold of passenger aircraft carrying troops. Mr Wallace has been quite clear that he is protesting against the transport of weapons and munitions, he should probably go to Fairford on the UK if he wants to do that.

    43
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    Mute Audge Ratt Fergus
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:14 PM

    hold on there mark,, wallace didn’t steal tax money,,, he made a choice between paying money to revenue or paying his workers wages,,,, and for the record,, i overheard two men talking about him in lidl not long ago,, an elderly man and a man in his 40′s,,, elderly man was saying how he liked the likes of ming and wallace as they seemed to stand up for the working and ordinary man on the street,,, the other younger man said he had worked for a couple of years for wallace,, and he gave fair terms of employment,,, paid a fair wage, and would get on the site beside you and get the job done,, pitching in whenever needed,,,, this happened in dundalk where i’m from,,,, and though i don’t know wallace personally,,, my gut tells me he’s a good one,,,

    45
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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:22 PM

    I’d like to have the choice between paying my taxes or spending the money on a holiday in Brazil for the world cup.

    66
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:23 PM

    Audge, nope he left a lot of his employees out of pocket, failed to pay contractors and suppliers.

    But I am sure he worried about them while sitting in the Italian villa he arm gifted to his brother!

    53
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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:23 PM

    FG supporters !!! you were told by your own PR dept shortly after the Wallace tax issue arose to stop mentioning tax evasion due to your own party being caught for avoiding tax for 9 whole years.

    What would Enda have done here if it was his own FG Minister for the Gaeltacht that was asking a question he can’t speak Irish either.

    42
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    Mute Jim Butler
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:25 PM

    @audge If he’s such a decent guy who chose to pay his workers rather than the tax man as you say, then why did he and his son double their ‘directors fees’ in the last year of business…hmmmmm…

    44
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:32 PM

    Wayne – your post is misleading and therefore very dangerous – We have ample evidence of the American Air Force bringing weapons through Shannon …
    With regard the russian plane – have they ever parked in any other country in Europe – including other constitutionally neutral countries like Eire .
    The irish voted by referendum in the Lisbon Treaty for Ireland to be neutral – that is the constitutional reference you are missing – there are others but you have to be Irish to understand them !

    10
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    Mute sean
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:32 PM

    I presume you are just trolling if not comment is an absolute disgrace and only goes to show your own ignorance of the language. This is the mentality of the oppressed that turns against their own culture in favour of their masters. I grew up in the Gaeltacht where I assure you Irish is alive and well and the culture is a lot richer because of it. I didn’t have a word of English until I started in school nor do my relatives speak a word of English from day to day. Irish is more than just a language it ties in closely to our sense of who we are as a people. Lose this at your own and your children’s expense. Try spending some time around people familiar with their own culture and you might see there are other ways to happiness than the superficial chase for money that you seem to be after. And if you think that the government will give you a big tax rebate if they decide to stop supporting the language. I think you need to think again. As far as I am concerned any support the Government gives to promote learning in any capacity enriches us as a nation and they could be spending it a lot more foolishly.

    46
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:50 PM

    Hermes, please feel free to post all of this evidence?? About mass weapons transport?

    Also can you show where Ireland is a neutral country? We are not, consecutive governments pursue a policy of neutrality or more appropriately strategic military non alignment Ireland is not and never has been a neutral state

    29
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:09 PM

    I have explained it to with regard the Lisbon Treaty – Lisbon 2 was very, very clear on the issue and it was written into the Lisbon Treaty that sits on our constitution -
    Don’t try and re-write history Wayne or I will have to call you a Nazi !

    8
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:10 PM

    Wayne – which side did Ireland officially supply sodliers to during the last World War ?
    Answer none because we were neutral !
    Your post claims we were never neutral – that sir is a lie !

    10
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:14 PM

    http://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCwQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iiea.com%2Fdocuments%2Flisbon-the-irish-guarantees-explained&ei=CFsAVfmVLa6U7QbTzoH4BQ&usg=AFQjCNHwwrI5fhjuXvbpFfedYRJnIheejQ&sig2=Rt1L3kIv5TeRwjJr3S_mhw

    The above explains in full detail that Ireland is and was a neutral state Wayne – so stop spreading either the ignorance or lies that you have been for some time on this site – good lad !

    8
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    Mute Wayne O'Fathaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:15 PM

    again please reference the specific section of the Lisbon treaty or the constitution that enshrines Irish neutrality, you may find it difficult. Our military neutrality is a Gov policy that is not covered by any law, the wording of the exemption for Ireland, NOTE THE WORD POLICY.

    Section C is a clarification that Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality will remain unchanged and unaffected by the Lisbon Treaty, and a reiteration of Irish sovereignty in relation to other areas of EU security and defence policy.

    13
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    Mute Brian O'Regan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:11 PM

    No he was being astute in his job by following the guidelines for irish only to be used. By rights Wallace’ question shouldn’t have been allowed. And fair play to enda for being able to answer in irish, I wouldn’t be able to!

    26
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:16 PM

    You can’t read can you Wyane – the document is compiled by the Irish Institute of European Affairs …
    The E.U. and Ireland both agreed that Ireland is a neutral country …
    One suspects you have nefarious reasons for changing our very traditions of peace – Blessed are the peacemakers Wayne – what does that make you ?
    No matter how many times you present the weakest of arguments you cannot change the fact that Ireland re-affirmed its neutrality during Lisbon 2 and it was signed and agreed by the E.U. – Tough luck you LOOSE !
    LOOSER !

    4
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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:07 PM

    yeah Wayne. Looser. Nah nah nah nah nah.

    4
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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:07 PM

    Article 1 of the Irish constitution – constitutionally protected – you have admitted that neutrality is a tradition …now go away and CIA elsewhere …
    did you hear that the young lad that hacked the NSA is working for the American security services now – America employing people it deems criminals – and you lecture us ?

    3
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    Mute steve white
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:50 PM

    its not sudden he been compaining about it since the early 2000′s

    1
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    Mute steve white
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:50 PM

    Kenny spoke in english when criticising Adams Dáil Éireann – 11/Mar/2015 Leaders’ Questions (Continued) and speaking to Broughan

    3
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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:38 PM

    The arrogance , cynicism and gross ignorance on the part of An Taoiseach was palpable .
    I was truly embarrassed also for the way An Dáil Éireann has been dragged through the mire, by the misbehaviour of An Taoiseach , who seems to be under an illusion that he is in someway superior to every Citizen in our small Country – but he is not , you know !

    We need an Election so badly , in this Country , to rid ourselves of these blemishes of ignoramus’ !

    9
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    Mute An Ciarraioch
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:40 PM

    The arrogance , cynicism and gross ignorance on the part of An Taoiseach was palpable .
    I was truly embarrassed also, for the way An Dáil Éireann, has been dragged through the muck, by the misbehaviour of An Taoiseach , who seems to be under an illusion that he is in someway superior to every Citizen, in our small Country – but he is not , you know !

    We need a General Election so badly , in this Country , to rid ourselves of these blemishes of ignoramus’ !

    5
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    Mute Lao Tzu
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    Mar 12th 2015, 1:16 AM

    Kerryman, You, can Barely, Manage, – English, – And You, Call Enda, Kenny, An Ignoramus? who’s, under An, Illusion, Now? ??!!!

    2
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    Mute steve white
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    Mar 12th 2015, 1:49 AM
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    Mute Rock Stoneballs
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:20 PM

    I cannot be the only person to have thought this was quite funny?

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    Mute Michael Farrelly
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:38 PM

    Didn’t fun it funny at all rock

    59
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    Mute littleone
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:40 PM

    Disgraceful by enda Kenny. Whatever people think of mick Wallace. The taoiseach behaving like this in the dail was horrendous.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:48 PM

    So there’s a day dedicated to Irish. Everyone knows this. There’s a translation service available.

    Wallace wants to ignore these facts, and have everything suit him. All he had to do was wear some headphones. He doesn’t even have to make the most basic effort at understanding Irish. Not a huge ask.

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    Mute Kevin Higgins
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:50 PM

    So our leader wasted valuable time, said in Irish he refused to speak English then speaks English. bullied Mick Wallace by giving him instructions in Irish when he does not speak Irish.

    I would actually fear for whatever kids would have had to attend Mr Kenny’s class is he stuck with the teaching.

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    Mute Kevin Higgins
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:52 PM

    What’s the point wearing headphones when the pal across the room been asked the question speaks perfect English? The dail should be used for running the country and just that not throwing away practicalities for symbolism.

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    Mute littleone
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:02 PM

    Was it compulsory today that only Irish could and would be spoken. Or was it a day dedicated to irish . the taoiseach maybe fluent but Mick Wallace is not and the taoiseach should have had bit of decency in him and not smirk and mock someone who is not fluent.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:07 PM

    i think he was mocking him because Wallace couldn’t be bothered going to the huge trouble of putting on headphones

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    Mute littleone
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:13 PM

    So it was not compulsory to speak in Irish. So Mick Wallace asked a question in English and the taoiseach knows he is not fluent refused to answer in English and preferred to Mock someone not fluent.

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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:14 PM

    A Taoiseach that is so proud of the Irish Language he appoints a non Irish speaker as minister for the gaeltacht . He was behaving like the petty little child on this occasion trying to use his Irish to shame Wallace where a better man would see that would only expose his own complete lack of character and utter pettiness. .This man is no leader,

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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:28 PM

    It was International Women’s Day recently – did Eithne Wear a dress for the day so? An impudent little child with that behavior. Embarrassed us once again. Well done Án Taoiseach!

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:28 PM

    Seo ceist gaeilge don Thaoiseach
    “Ar mhaith leat gunai ort ? “

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    Mute Cowenwatch
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:17 PM

    Protect, he may not have addressed ISIS or Boko Haram in name but he did make the point that America’s actions are swelling the ranks of extremist groups. Just because the commentator on RTE stated the same as you did doesn’t make it true either.

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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:19 PM

    PD so its not hypocritical at all for the Taoiseach to attempt to shame Wallace simply because he couldn’t reply in Irish when the FG Minister for the Gaeltacht appointed by Enda himself would also not be able to reply either as he also disgracefully cannot speak Irish. Kenny’s party are as guilty as Wallace for their tax evasion and had to be forced to pay up. Seems every stone you guys throw break one of your own windows.

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    Mute Ann Reddin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:49 PM

    The Fine Gaelers like to forget that their party was found to paying cash in hand to people doing nixers for them. I guess when you have more than one face its hard to keep track of which one should be on show.

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    Mute Tony Skillington
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    Mar 11th 2015, 7:37 PM

    Enda really can be a condescending little s h I t when he trys… Doesn’t get him a scintilla extra of respect.

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    Mute OggieThe4th
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:09 PM

    That’s the way that I see the Fine Gael members now #arrogant #snobs #nevergettingmyvote

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    Mute Marion White
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:23 PM

    How does that help people at home who can,t understand him ??

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    Mute Alan Casey
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:04 PM

    That’s about the size of it!

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    Mute Alan Casey
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:05 PM

    A cairde go leir!

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    Mute Kevin Mernagh
    Favourite Kevin Mernagh
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    Mar 12th 2015, 9:09 AM

    Enda appointed the minister for the Gaeltacht that cannot speak Irish. And I’m not a member of any political party.

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    Mute Barry McCormick
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    Mar 12th 2015, 10:58 AM

    This is bullying in it’s lowest form. Using someone’s lack of knowledge as a source for ridicule. Sickening

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    Mute Al Ca
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:02 PM

    Enda’s Irish:- “Wáffle, wáffle agus noís mó wáffle.”

    After translation to English:- “Waffle, waffle and more waffle”

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    Mute Frank Malone
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:02 PM

    Pontificating ponce.

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    Mute Richard Curtis
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    Mar 11th 2015, 12:58 PM

    Deputy being a total di(khead

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    Mute Conor Sweeney
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:05 PM

    Two bell-ends.

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    Mute Mark Lillis
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:35 PM

    dhá foircinn le clog

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    Mute robby rottenest
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:00 PM

    Kenny’s snobbery always bubbles to the surface in situations like this. His sneering derision hammers another nail into the Irish language coffin.

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    Mute Stephen Wall
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:11 PM

    What coffin? The Irish language is in better shape than it’s been for years, thanks in part to the high and ever increasing number of Gaelscoileanna. Surely people are capable of having an opinion on the language robust enough not to be affected by today’s episode.

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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:23 PM

    I went to a Gaelscoil and I agree with Robbie. Snobbery and elitism is killing the Irish Language and has been doing so for a very long time. Kenny claiming that its our national language while choosing to sidestep the cock-up in the referendum wording is pathetic.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:54 PM

    The Attorney general is dangerously useless – consistently !

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    Mute Snorri Sturleson
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    Mar 12th 2015, 12:07 AM

    We want Heather Numpties we want Heather Numpties

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:19 PM

    A simple question. What % of the population of this state are fluent enough to hold a conversation in Irish? 1%, 2%, 5%?

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    Mute Stephen Wall
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:28 PM
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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:49 PM

    I think people misunderstood the census question as did you ever learn Irish in school as opposed to can you speak Irish.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:52 PM

    they’re not able to understand english either Dermot?

    God love us, communicating by grunts and moans.

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    Mute gkrell
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:05 PM

    There are more Polish speakers in Ireland than Irish speakers. In our multicultural utopia which our masters have ordered us to cherish why don’t we have a week of Polish or a Polish national TV service? Why aren’t radio stations forced to dedicate a percentage of their output in the Polish language?

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    Mute Dermot Lane
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:07 PM

    Well there’s no way the numbers on the census who say they can speak Irish actually can, in any meaningful way. I could say I speak Irish, and actually I could put a few sentences together, but could I watch a program on TG4 in Irish and understand it? No.

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    Mute Larry Molloy
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:05 PM

    Jak sie masz gkrell. Why would you say the Polish government allowed the US government to install their missile defence shield right up to the Russian border with the clear intention of it being used against Russias retaliatory strike (It wont work) against the US’s militaries pre-emptive strike against Russia in furtherence of the US’s stated goal of a Satanic New World Order? Would it be because the Polish government , like the Irish Government is posessed by NAZI evil andd are behaving like zonderkommando. I remind you of the Neuremburg principles..

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    Mute Sam McAllister
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    Mar 12th 2015, 2:03 AM

    @gkrell What a stupid & invalid point. Attention is given to Irish as it is our nation’s (first) language.

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    Mute james
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:34 PM

    Where is the person that posts in Irish all the time on the Journal this story should be their JFK moment! His/her hands are probably shaking with excitement

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    Mute Peter M Buchanan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:24 PM

    Maybe if he had paid his VAT ……

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    Mute Martin Byrne
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:18 PM

    Maybe if Enda and Fine Gael had paid their taxes rather than pay their employees under the table for 9 years !! before getting caught red handed like a band of thieves.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:34 PM

    I wonder if Judge Hogan would declare Fine Gael and Fianna Fail illegal organisations – we have the precedent of the Sinn Fein/I.R..A being subjected to same –
    Embezzlement is a criminal offence – if carried out deliberately by an organisation then that organisation is by definition a criminal organisation !

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    Mute captain ireland
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:40 PM

    Kenny is a school teacher who is bilingual, Wallace is a builder .. Kenny just showed us all what a pompous git he is , it was a very ignorant degrading display from our Taoiseach.

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    Mute Jason
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:48 PM

    Wallace is a builder cum tax dodger.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:50 PM

    Does the fact he is a failed property developer mean he doesn’t know how to use headphones?

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:53 PM

    Politicians are potentially tax dodging as well but Dickie Bruton who hasn’t a word of English is keeping schtum !

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    Mute captain ireland
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:56 PM

    I’m not a big fan of Wallace but kenny was out of order , I wonder what he really thinks of most of the population who can’t speak Irish

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    Mute Barbara M
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:43 PM

    Kenny can’t talk when he never engages in any live debates on tv, whether that be in Irish, English or Swahili

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:50 PM

    He can sign off on Uganda buying computers for their schools while Uganda spends billions on fighter jets though ….what kind of language is that ?

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    Mute David Healion
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:25 PM

    Many ordinary working people are fluent speakers of Irish so the arguement that enda was dodging or being snobby doesn’t hold weight. I’m not fluent myself but if I was elected to the Dail I would make it my business to learn our national language.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:50 PM

    Wallace is too busy flying off to watch the world cup in Brazil to bother with something like that

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    Mute Tim
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:13 PM

    Not very nice Enda

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    Mute Proinsias Ó Foghlú
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:29 PM

    Bhi Mick Wallace amaideach! Cén fáth nach bhfuil usáid an cluasáin?

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    Mute CMac59
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:30 PM

    English is our mother tongue, not Irish.

    The Irish language has been rejected by the people and that is why it has failed to be accepted since the late 1890s’.
    Many have made fortunes out of the Irish language but its a dead language and must be optional only, it is not, despite the silly laws, our mother tongue.

    And Kenny is a traitor, he has not a patriotic bone in his body. He betrayed his country and the Irish citizen to the troika and we do not need lectures from a dame like him.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:52 PM

    Irish is our mother tongue – English is the language of those who starved us and took our land …
    In the 1970s a man who spoke and only spoke Gaeilge was living in Connemara – your contention that the language died in the 1890s is incorrect !

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:11 PM

    Hermes, there’s lots of people alive who can only speak Irish, and don’t understand much English (often elderly, but i’ve met people in their 40s who cannot speak English).
    There’s lots of children who only learn English in primary school – and have spoked only Irish up to the age of 5-6

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    Mute Gordon Gekko
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:30 PM

    You’re both wrong. English is our language now and it forever will be. It has given this country more opportunity and success that our native language ever could have.

    For the vast majority of our ancestors it wasn’t forced on them. It made good sense to learn the language of commerce and try make something of yourself. Its equivalent to the argument all the anti-Irish language people make against learning it in school, that children should learn Chinese instead of Irish.

    However Irish is still a language in its own right and should be kept alive.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:36 PM

    Gordon I was fluent in three languages when I left school -
    French , Irish and English
    I have used both Irish and English very often since – but rarely if ever French – based on your logic we should ban the teaching of French because people who don’t use it only learn it to get into college .

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    Mute Gordon Gekko
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:53 PM

    I didn’t say we should ban teaching any language at all?

    I’m more in favour of the idea of giving people a choice. I finished school in 2005 with English, French ( good standard which I eventually got to a fluent level) Irish (primary school level because I just hated it in secondary) and German (broken but like French, I have gotten to a fluent level through work)

    I didn’t want to study Irish and I have never used it in a practical sense since my leaving cert. I could have used that extra couple of classes for other work. However since moving abroad I have developed a keen interest in learning it when I have the time. So I won’t ever write off the cultural value of the language.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:22 PM

    So then muslims and other ethnic minorities can choose not to learn English in Britain by your logic !
    You do realise that legally Irish is the official first language of this State …
    not trying to upset you by the way – but had you not learnt it when you hated it then you would not have had the interest when it spawned later …
    many people come on here and make the same point with regard to history …
    both Irish and History are mistaught in Ireland – cause – protestant civil service and catholic church school management is my guess !
    Keep those numbers churning dude !

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    Mute Gordon Gekko
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:37 PM

    Nonsense again. I never said we shouldn’t have a compulsory first language either. As a nation we speak English better than Irish. It is the language of business. It is one of the main reasons Ireland is attractive to invest in.

    So immigrants should learn the language if they want to live here. There should be no choice in that. That is the UKs problem but it doesn’t have to be in Ireland if its looked after before its too late.

    Give me a valid reason why Ireland would benefit to having Irish as a first language instead of English and I might see where you are coming from. History is history so there is no point crying about it now.

    I agree that Irish history is very poorly taught and from an anti-British angle.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:46 PM

    The reason we speak English better is because it is saturated in our society – that is a decision Gordon -all decisions can be changed or reversed !
    The valid reason is hidden in the language Gordon – it is actually indicative of who and what we are – you have to live and learn it to understand the secret – which cannot be put in words ….
    there is no English word for meitheal for example = and that is all you have to know really in many ways – if you have lived a meitheal that is !

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:48 PM

    No not anti=british ..
    deliberately pro roman and pro Anglo-Irish actually – very subtly but there all the same – and very divisive I must say !

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    Mute Alien8
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:08 PM

    Stop that rubbish about it being a mother tongue, it’s like aer lingus is the national airline, and ff/fg/sf being the ‘true’ Irish party – all sentimental and revisionist nonsense. Get over your hump… The english language we speak has no more to do with the english people than all germanic languages have to do with germany. This is the language that has been spoken by most people in Ireland since the normans, and if you mean mother tongue as a normal definition (as a first language), it has almost fully usurped Irish in most of the Gaeltacht regions (look at the rosses and erris, identified as Gaeltacht, but near 100% English at home) as well. Enda speaking Irish only today, and insulting a non Irish speaker, is about as nationalistic as turning up in a leprechaun outfit next week – all show and serving no real purpose.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 6:29 PM

    I trace my blood from long before the Normans and they are my sworn enemy – so what is your point -
    Lump it or like it – is it ..
    well if it is al the same to you I won’t and I know enough about my right to self-determination to tell you !
    By the way the Normans chose me as their enemy – not the other way around – but you being a champion of the English language couldn’t possibly understand that nuance !

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 6:31 PM

    BTW – The Normans spoke French – see how cretinous your ramblings are !

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    Mute Alien8
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:53 PM

    Yep, that “Normans are my sworn enemy” speech makes my coherent analysis look rambling. Look up your history, the Norman leaders spoke French, but the armies spoke English and from around 1200 onwards, an independent hiberno English has evolved – you’re countries mother tongue. By the way, cretin is a French word, not English, so decide you lingua franca before attempting insults – I would say you would have learned something, but there is a chance you are genuinely the thickest person to contribute to the comments, so there would be no point.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 12th 2015, 2:53 AM

    I’m the one that had to teach you that the Normans spoke French and you criticise me – child of the ego !
    I suppose you will tell me next that their huge warhorses were the reason the normans were so successful ….there is always little or nothing archaelogically found around a ringfort – what does that tell us about the Norman invasion ?
    Oh and you’d want to check out the history if battles – it wasn’t all the Norman’s way from 1200 …
    off to la la land with you now !

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 12th 2015, 2:56 AM

    I called you a cretin because your post suggested it – The normans spoke English – hilarious !
    How could Hiberno-English evolve from 1200 while there was still French kings on the English throne ?
    Bonmjour nous sont francaises , vous parlez anglais comme nous !
    The English are soft – French and german kings since 1066 and they still go out and wave flags !

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    Mute Jerry Kelly
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    Mar 12th 2015, 5:33 PM

    Ar thaobh a aineolas, céiliúrann Alien8 múchadh na Gaeilge agus a pobal. Cineál cinedhíothaithe. A chách i bhfábhar, abair “Sieg Heil!”

    Along with his ignorance, Alien8 celebrates the extinguishing of the Irish Language and its communities. A kind of genocide. All in favor, say “Sieg Heil!”

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    Mute Gordon Gekko
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:54 PM

    I don’t believe I am about to say thing but….Well done Enda Kenny.

    That is how to deal with that crusty muck savage with his ridiculous assertions.

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    Mute Etheric Projection
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    Mar 11th 2015, 12:57 PM

    Enda could have helped….

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    Mute Ben Coughlan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:07 PM

    Same crowd who wanted to crap Irish as a mandatory subject in schools.. w@nk€r

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    Mute fuve
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:10 PM

    Can’t stand Wallace .However enda Kenny should be ashamed of himself. He should have not sneered at Wallace and waited for him yo find working head set. Not Wallace’s fault it wasn’t working. Where is all the money going on expenses for the dail,doesn’t look like it. Probably for the bar. And again I reiterate I can’t stand Wallace. Equal dislike both. But not surprised by ENdas ignorance and rudeness. Ends thanks you’re making me like someone I can’t stand . Good move.

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    Mute Ciaran De Bhal
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:13 PM

    What a petulant patronising w@nk€r Edna is. I’m not a fan of lovely Micks either, but what a display of arrogance by the Taoiseach. Mick was right, he was using the language as a barrier to hide behind. I would always encourage the use of Irish where possible but I’m gob smacked by this clown Enda.

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    Mute Críostóir Ó Faoláin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 7:31 PM

    Tá tú i bhfábhar úsáid na Gaeilge, ach amháin ag Taoiseach na tíre i nDáil Éireann, i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge ar an t-aon lá sa bhlian atá curtha ar leath thaobh don Ghaeilge? Right.

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    Mute Martin Holohan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:18 PM

    Knob head Kenny WAS hiding behind the Irish language, not all of us were lucky enough to attend schools were Irish was given anymore than a cursory nod. In my opinion Kenny had nothing else to hide behind than the language today, no advisors, no pre-scripted questions given days in advance and no lackies that could answer for him.
    He is a disgrace of a man and is not fit to lead a dog for a walk never mind our country.

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    Mute Snorri Sturleson
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:50 PM

    “Put on your translation system,” Kenny said, “This is our national language.”
    RICH from the idiot who appointed a non Irish speaker as minister with resposibility for the language

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    Mute Philip Cooper
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:15 PM

    I don’t like Enda, I’m angry with his policies but these moments are his.

    That’s a professional kicking he’s given Wallace.

    Grudging respect.

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:38 PM

    He didn’t criticise himself for putting Richard Bruton to answer questions in English during tseachtain na gaeilge though – so zero respect – he is nothing but an opportunist ….

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    Mute Noreen Lunney
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:03 PM

    i am all for the irish language but if someone cannot understand the language you should answer them in english it is good manners today was set aside for the dail to be spoke in irish only and to celebrate our national tongue thats a good thing displaying bad manners not so good. i cannot speak irish but would not like to be excluded for this.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:13 PM

    Noreen, i think you would use the translation service provided – if it didn’t work you would find one that did. No one is trying to exlude anyone – hence the translation service.

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    Mute Patricia Duffin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:46 PM

    It’s the Dáil, not the House of Commons, if you can’t speak Irish get out. Its our first language whether you like it or not and its here to stay whether you like it or not. Be proud we have pur own language.

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    Mute Verge harry
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:07 PM

    It’s one day a year.

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    Mute Frances Faller
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:50 PM

    I think Enda was taking the Mick with Mick Wallace, but it back fired on him when he replied to Gerry Adams because he spoke in Irish and Edna looked annoyed with him.

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    Mute Tomas Denver
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:35 PM

    Does anyone else think that Wallace looks like a hairy Johnny Vegas?
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Vegas

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    Mute Richard Burroughs
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:29 PM

    What hypocrisy from Enda Kenny. He criticizes Mick Wallace for his lack of Irish yet has appointed Heather Humphreys as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht – a woman who can speak neither English or Irish and spends her summer holidays attending Orange Marches.

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    Mute Richard Burroughs
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    Mar 11th 2015, 9:32 PM

    Little wonder, she left school to work in Butlins.

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    Mute Suas Síos
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    Mar 12th 2015, 5:16 PM

    This video serves to make me very glad that Kenny is no longer a primary teacher of innocent children. He has a mean streak in him.

    1) The language is not his and his alone. It belongs to all of us Wallace included.

    2) Kenny spends every other day of the year (& FG throughout their history) delivering fatal blows to our beautiful language & Gaeltachtaí.

    Bíodh a chac aige!

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    Mute Joe Kane
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:55 PM

    It just goes to prove what kind of an idiot kenny is the vast majority of people in our country don’t speak irish and mainly due to the education system

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    Mute fuve
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:17 PM

    Imagine him teaching . That nasty ignorant attitude when someone doesn’t understand a teacher or slow to pick up math or Irish. The condescending tone and trying to make the student looks stupid and degrading them in front of whole class. I can picture enda one of those very teachers.

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    Mute Patricia Duffin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:32 PM

    Fair play to him for making the effort, if only the rest of the country did the same thing we’d have a notional language to mirror any EU country. Náire ar dhuine ar bith nach bhfuil a iarracht ar.

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    Mute Suas Síos
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    Mar 12th 2015, 5:41 PM

    Fair play?
    Cá raibh tú le 4 bliana anuas? Tá slad damanta déanta aige uirthi mar teanga beo & scoile. Dúisigh maith ‘bhean!!

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    Mute Michelle O'Brien
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:59 PM

    Having just glanced at the title of the article i initially though the we were looking for a stray dog who was pictured. Turns out the image is of TD Mick Wallace. Look at the state of him. If one of the lads walked into my office as deshevelled looking as that eejit, id expect him to be sent home or to pennies to buy a bobble for his hair. But sure its only Dail Eireann…………

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    Mute Johnnie Sexton
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:22 PM

    Clearly Mick Wallace didn’t learn much of anything while in school. Irish is our first language and should be spoken. Is it any wonder other countries think we’re English.
    Tá sé solair nach dfholaim Mick Wallace aon rud nuair a bhí sé ar scoil. Is Gaeilge ár príomh teanga agas ba chóir dúin í a leabhairt. Í nach ionamh gur gceapann tíreanna eile go bhuailmid sasnach. (Apologies for bad spelling and grammar, out of practice)

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    Mute Jack Dexter
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:52 PM

    Stick to kicking the ball between them posts John Boy

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    Mute Johnnie Sexton
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:03 PM

    I can do both Jack!!!!

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    Mute Lao Tzu
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:08 PM

    Touché, Mr Sexton, and best of luck on Saturday; Grand Slam here we come – hopefully :)

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    Mute Rachel Alan Stafford
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    Mar 11th 2015, 6:18 PM

    What a horrible spineless piece of Sh.t …that arrogant pox bottle from Mayo is …..Just as well he got out of teaching as I have no doubt he would have been battered by his students for being a condescending Prikk

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    Mute Drew
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:28 PM

    Is the fact that they all need headphones and translation not evidence how much of farce and waste of time this is….

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    Mute Alien8
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:13 PM

    You will see most didn’t even bother with the headphones. A quiet day at work, if you will.

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    Mute David Thomas
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:01 PM

    What an arrogant, disrespectful smug pr!ck!

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    Mute Patricia Duffin
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:29 PM

    Cad a leathcheann bumbling Mick Wallace!!!

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    Mute Eamon O Brien
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:07 PM

    What an absolute embarrassment Kenny is and it doesnt matter what language he answers the question in because it will be total bollox anyway.

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    Mute Niall O Dochartaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:47 PM

    And who elects these clowns?

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:49 PM

    Those who will unelect them having seen that they were sold a bed of lies in good faith !-

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    Mute Niall O Dochartaigh
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    Mar 11th 2015, 1:54 PM

    The Dail is circus ring,so unfortunately all we can elect is another bunch of clowns.

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    Mute Castalla Villas
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    Mar 11th 2015, 2:16 PM

    What a clown

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    Mute Mannix Logan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:10 PM

    An idiot and a disgrace..he must be in the running as the lead in Castaway 2

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    Mute Rebecca Connolly
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    Mar 11th 2015, 11:03 PM

    All TDs knew that this was happening, he had over a week to prepare his question in Irish and get the translated answer later on? I believe it’s pure ignorance that Mick Wallace didn’t even try. I’m not a fan of Enda or his government but to see him promote our language and speak so well made me very proud to be Irish.

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    Mute Gary Brennan
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:56 PM

    The more minster for the Gaeltacht had his earphones on today as well, you couldn’t make it up if ya tried.

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    Mute Susan Doherty
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    Mar 11th 2015, 5:08 PM

    Its official not only is enda kenny the worst tioseach trying to discredit other tds and parties hes also crap at speaking our beautiful language listen to gerry Adams enda thats how irish should sound .

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    Mute John Casey
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    Mar 12th 2015, 1:21 AM

    I assume they bin the headphones after his dirty head touching them….

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    Mute john murphy
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    Mar 11th 2015, 8:41 PM

    Wallace can hardly string a few words together in English, don’t confuse the poor creature with Irish!

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    Mute Timber Planks
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    Mar 12th 2015, 12:20 AM

    Cannot believe I am about to side with Kenny on this but it was scheduled for Irish and he spoke Irish! That’s the fact at the end of the day! I still hated that smug smile on Kenny’s face though! But it’s hard to change that!

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    Mute James Kelly
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    Mar 12th 2015, 8:51 AM

    One thing Kenny cannot be caused of is being a “Statesman”. What a patronising display by the leader of the country; so much for diversification and equality . Has KENNY no notion of the demographics of Ireland in 2015 ?
    Yes, it’s the Irish language but it’s not the national language and hasn’t been for some time even long before Partition. It’s probably the teacher in him but he really was enjoying Wallace’s discomfort and acted a bit like a sneering condescending eejit as when met the female Irish water protester in Galway who he accused of “ah sure you’re not from Galway at all” referring to her obvious English accent!
    Turns out the lady was born in Galway then her parents moved . Not an uncommon occurrence in Ireland but it seems not to have occurred the the top man (omadan! Sorry to all purists of as Gelige)

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    Mute Suas Síos
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    Mar 12th 2015, 5:32 PM

    I love the language, its my first language. I do however agree with almost all of your points.

    How ironic for a politician not to understand emigration. Particularly a Mayo Taoiseach.

    What Kenny did yesterday was just mean, childish and prejidduce. He had no right to use the lanuage to do what he did

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    Mute Noel Doyle
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    Mar 12th 2015, 7:25 AM

    Kenny did more harm to the Irish language by his pure ignorance and by trying to belittle Mick Wallace because of his lack fluency. Shame on you Enda, people like you do the Irish language no service.

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    Mute Jerry Kelly
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    Mar 12th 2015, 5:16 PM

    As an American, I’m no fan of Enda Kenny. I’ll be happy to see him go. But what the heck is wrong with independent TD Mick Wallace? Not only can’t he speak Irish after 13 years of it in school, but he can’t even bother to put on his earphones during Seachtain na Gaeilge? Maybe he’d be better off in a London parliament.

    Caithfidh mé a rá go bhfuilim bréan tuirseach den ghearrán “Ó, muise, ní féidir liom Gaeilge a labhairt toisc nach múineadh go maith dom ar scoil í. Mar sin, ní hé mo locht é.” Well, it is your fault, whiner. What were you doing for 13 years, picking your toes in Poughkeepsie? Tá á lán ag foghlaim na Gaeilge gan múinteoir nó gan 13 bliana caithe uirthi thar sáile, agus níl aon leithscéalta á tabhairt amach uathasan.

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    Mute Suas Síos
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    Mar 12th 2015, 5:25 PM

    Togha fir Jerry
    Ná laga Dia thú

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    Mute Cathal O'Donoghue
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    Mar 11th 2015, 6:14 PM

    An eloquent commentary on the state of our “national language”.

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    Mute John Williams
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:00 PM

    What a bunch of fu

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    Mute Stephen Carroll
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    Mar 11th 2015, 3:09 PM

    One of Obama’s lasting impacts will be a Government funded Dronestrike assassination program. I mean yeah special forces were used to perform these kind of thigns before, but now every president from now on will be given a list of targets, pick however many and send them and any collateral damage which is usually anything in thier vicinity.

    The US should also be held accountable for their drone tactics specifically the “Double-tap” tecchnique. For example, if a well known insurgent was hiding out in his family homestead, the US would have the drone first fire on someone tilling the field, either his wife or grandmother, wait a while for help to arrive and begin to help her, and as the targets all merge on one point, the second shot is fired taking out the whole group. I believe the UN should hold a conference on what constitutes fair use of a drone strike so everyone but the US Russia and China can sign it and have it all official like

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    Mute Hermes
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    Mar 11th 2015, 4:50 PM

    There is no such concept as “fair” drone strikes – excellent post just adding my two cents worth !

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    Mute von
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    Apr 1st 2015, 9:09 AM

    Enda kenny is an ignorant idiot, he thinks by laughing at Mick Wallace he’s a big man, its a pity he’s not as patriotic to his Country.

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