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Members of the Redress for Magdalenes campaign group pickets the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley Centre on Baggot street this summer. Niall Carson/PA Wire/Press Association Images

'Shatter needs to make a public statement on redress delay for Magdalene women'

Mary Lou McDonald said time was ticking and that at least two women have passed away without receiving compensation.

SINN FÉIN’S MARY Lou McDonald is calling on the Minister for Justice and Equality to make a public statement on the delay in issuing redress payments and promised supports to the surviving women of the Magdalene Laundries.

She said that over eight months have now passed since the Taoiseach apologised to the surviving women of the Magdalene Laundries, but that not a single redress payment has been made.

Supports

“In fact none of the vital supports provided for in Mr Justice Quirke’s report have been delivered on,” she said, adding, every week she receives receives phone calls from surviving women “desperately upset and confused” by the government’s failure to provide the redress and supports promised months ago.

She stated:

This failure is set against the government’s recent denial of widespread brutality and forced detention in the Laundries in response to very serious concerns raised by the United Nations Committee Against Torture with the state.

Minister Shatter is hiding behind yet another report that he says has yet to be signed off on by cabinet. For these elderly women who were so badly treated under the states watch, as recognised by the Taoiseach earlier this year, time is ticking. We know of at least two women who have since passed away and others who are living in very poor circumstances.

Earlier this month, Magdalene Survivors Together called on the Irish Government to begin the process of paying out the compensation to the Magdalene women immediately and without further delay.

Redress scheme

However, the Department of Justice told TheJournal.ie that after the government approved the compensation scheme, it tasked an interdepartmental group with considering the steps necessary to implement the other recommendations, stating that some of these other recommendations “are complicated and will require legislation”.

Steven O’ Riordan, director of Magdalene Survivors Together, said that since the State apology to the Magdalene women in February of this year, the group has seen two of its members pass away without getting their full entitlement and called it a disgrace.

O’ Riordan described it as “a disgrace” that the Government has not started the process of paying these women compensation.

McDonald was also critical of the report into the Magdelene Laundries, stating that it was not comprehensive enough.

Investigation

“Just this week the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva added its name to the call for an independent investigation into the treatment of women held in the Magdalene laundries,” she said.

She added: “The Minister for Justice and Equality needs to make a public statement on the current delay in progressing the promised redress scheme, and he also needs to give a firm commitment as to when the women will start receiving their payments and supports as provided for in the Quirke recommendations.”

Magdalene protest to take place at Sisters of Mercy office>

Explainer: How can religious orders refuse to pay compensation to Magdalenes?>

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9 Comments
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    Mute David Huston
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:01 AM

    Three stories in a row about Sinn Fein, its almost like someone is trying to control the mindset of the people,Any updates on the pay increases TDs awarded them self’s.

    176
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    Mute David Huston
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:22 AM

    @Fomorian: Your anti sinn fein bias is apparent in your comment,But you lack of facts is deliberate,no sf member shot anybody as you well know, leobots are not great with the truth.

    100
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    Mute David Huston
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:48 AM

    @Fomorian: “not once stated anything suggestive of support for any political party” – Typical Leobot retort, or maybe your a DUPer

    49
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:54 AM

    @frank murphy: Barry, seek some professional help.
    Your state of mind cannot be good for you.

    22
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
    Favourite EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:02 AM

    @frank murphy: Barry, you come across as a hysterical adolescent idiot here at the best of times.
    Then again…….

    21
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    Mute David Huston
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:33 AM

    @Nick Allen: it must be time to take your meds.

    11
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    Mute Shane Molloy
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    Jan 8th 2018, 2:52 PM

    @EdgeOfTheWorld: Remind him of his drinking habit….he does be yapping about it in other articles. Clown blocked me

    4
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    Mute Roger Poles
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:37 PM

    @David Huston: leo was protecting irish interests in the brexit negotiations and good Friday agreement while one of the me fein good for nothing MPs be littles the victims of innocent people killed years ago. Do nothing only give out no solutions. Martin mcguinness was the only one of that crowd had some common sense since his passing sein fein has lost the run of itself out of their debth good for nothing. Mary Lou bag of wind is no better

    1
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    Mute Mark Gearey
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    Jan 10th 2018, 4:42 PM

    @David Huston: Are people not allowed to just hate SF anymore. I hate em. And I’ve never voted for anyone other than, Workers Party, independents, or Labour. I hate FF and FG too. And the DUP don’t exist where I live thank fup.

    1
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Jan 8th 2018, 7:53 AM

    “Nominations” ;)

    86
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    Mute Harry Whitehead
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:22 AM

    @Honeybadger197: “I’ve got no strings /
    To hold me down /
    To make me fret, or make me frown /
    I had strings /
    But now I’m free /
    To do as Jorry tells me”

    58
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    Mute Honeybadger197
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:25 AM

    @Harry Whitehead: lol. Nice one.

    34
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:45 AM

    @frank murphy: Sooooo bitter, Barry.

    20
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    Mute Christy Nolan
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    Jan 8th 2018, 10:57 AM

    @Honeybadger197:
    First time vote for SF. Can’t afford a mortgage and my mother is still on a hospital waiting list.
    It makes perfect sense not to vote for the government of the past decade.

    28
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    Mute John Mc Donagh
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:00 AM

    @Harry Whitehead: Hilarious and factual—Great comment!

    10
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    Mute The Risen
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:02 AM

    @Christy Nolan: SF will be getting my 2nd preference vote. I’ll be ignoring the supporters of the party who wrecked the economy and the party currently wrecking society trying to convince me that voting for left leaning candidates is a bad idea.

    19
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    Mute Paddy
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    Jan 8th 2018, 12:57 PM

    @The Risen: your only fooling yourself.

    9
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    Mute The Risen
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    Jan 8th 2018, 5:14 PM

    @Paddy: * You’re

    2
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    Mute Pascal Coleman
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    Jan 8th 2018, 7:54 AM

    The first 3 “news” items this morning are about Sinn Féin. Just a slow day……. or is this becoming an obsession for Journal writers?

    91
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    Mute Malachi
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:00 AM

    @Pascal Coleman: Well… three significant things involving Sinn Féin did happen/are happening today, were they supposed to refrain from reporting them to spare hurt feelings or something? Defeats the point of news, doesn’t it?

    105
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    Mute Robert Harris
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:15 AM

    @Pascal Coleman: slow start for shinners comments on here ,then it’s 8 o’clock early for shinners to be out of bed

    52
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:48 AM

    @Pascal Coleman: As Oscar Wilde once said, the only thing worse than being talked about was NOT being talked about.
    SF has FFG worried, otherwise they’d be ignored.

    35
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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:36 AM

    @EdgeOfTheWorld: yeah you’re right, it has absolutely nothing to do with what is actually going on with SF at the moment. It’s all a big conspiracy.
    Why won’t the media stop being such big meanies to SF?

    14
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    Mute Shane Molloy
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    Jan 8th 2018, 12:18 PM

    @Pascal Coleman: it’s click bait for Frank & Co.
    It’s like a cartoon at times

    2
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    Mute John Mc Donagh
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    Jan 8th 2018, 2:17 PM

    @Pascal Coleman: AND they’re largely relating to the murders of innocent people!

    1
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 2:39 PM

    @John Mc Donagh: Like Mary Boyle, Fr. Niall Molloy etc etc?

    4
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    Mute Unitedpeople
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:11 AM

    It won’t make a blind bit of difference.
    The Fine Gael newsletter (Irish Independent) will still regular carry more stories on its front pages attacking that parry more so than the rest.
    The head might have changed – the D.O.B. media tactics won’t.

    85
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    Mute Unitedpeople
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:23 AM

    @frank murphy: I’m NOT a SF fan but even if they gave away free money, the Fine Gael newsletter would still try dig up something.

    66
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    Mute Sam Alexander
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:26 AM

    @Unitedpeople:
    SF gets too much media exposure. No matter what other party is involved in the news it is always Adams’s photo that heads the article. Similarly any misfortune that happens in a community the media always go to a SF councillor for comment.

    25
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    Mute Fomorian
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:32 AM

    @Unitedpeople: Isn’t that what Sinn Féin’s whole campaign is based upon? Giving free money to those who do nothing to deserve it….

    36
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:49 AM

    @Fomorian: Not sure anyone in SF is best buddies with Maltese tax evaders.

    29
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    Mute Unitedpeople
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:39 AM

    @Walt Jabsco: Unlike the present lot in government that is writing its own rules and laws, unconstitutionally signing us up to the EU arms – and then will be spending €3,000,000,000+ in 2010 on weapon spending?

    Not defending any illegal robbing by any side – by is the legal side any better by another shower?

    15
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    Mute Unitedpeople
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:40 AM
    10
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 2:40 PM

    @Sam Alexander: That paranoia is getting the better of ya.

    2
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    Mute Marty Gormley
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:01 AM

    Hard to look past Barry Mcelduff for the leadership

    62
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    Mute Robert Harris
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:18 AM

    @Marty Gormley: he has one of the best advantages of being leader,memory loss

    33
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    Mute Willy Malone
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:19 AM

    One can feel the fear from media… Wind of change bringing that odour ;)

    39
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    Mute Christy Nolan
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:06 AM

    @Willy Malone:
    This a orchestrated plan to keep the Trolley Scandal off the agenda.

    19
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    Mute Jane
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:38 AM

    @Christy Nolan: off the agenda? There’s not a person in the country that doesn’t know we have a major crisis with our health service. People are able to process more than one story at a time.

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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:48 AM

    @Willy Malone: A wet fart you mean….

    3
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    Mute EdgeOfTheWorld
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    Jan 8th 2018, 2:20 PM

    @Jane: Is that why you and your ilk run away from all articles about how FFG are failing the people of Ireland?

    5
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    Mute The Dublinist
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    Jan 8th 2018, 7:53 AM

    Arlene foster might put her name down for the craic.

    39
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    Mute James Beattie
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:07 AM

    @frank murphy: you could be right there Frank. It seems it is the same with all parties. The overall majority of members in FG voted for Simon Coveney for FG leader yet Leo got the job. It is hard to know which is worse, give the people a vote and then ignore the voting results or not give them a vote at all.

    1
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    Mute Robert Harris
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:17 AM

    @The Dublinist: why not two cheeks of the same @rse

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    Mute James Beattie
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:27 AM

    @frank murphy: you could be right there Frank. It seems it is the same with all parties. The overall majority of members in FG voted for Simon Coveney for FG leader yet Leo got the job. It is hard to know which is worse, give the people a vote and then ignore the will of the people or not give them a vote at all.

    1
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    Mute Unauthorised Comment
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:29 AM

    @frank murphy: you could be right there Frank. It seems it is the same with all parties. The overall majority of members in FG voted for Simon Coveney for FG leader yet Leo got the job. It is hard to know which is worse, give the people a vote and then ignore the will of the people or not give them a vote at all.

    17
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    Mute Chris Kirk
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:50 AM

    @The Dublinist: Now that really would be funny, and she would probably win hands down….shady lady.

    3
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    Mute Jim Buckley Barrett
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:40 AM

    Why do I get the feeling the Leader has been picked already and this is only a exercise for the public interest….

    29
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    Mute Rob Cahill
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:56 AM

    @Jim Buckley Barrett: Because FG did the same thing a few months ago?? Politics is a filthy business no matter which party.

    12
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    Mute JJ O Riordan
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    Jan 8th 2018, 10:09 AM

    Congratulations to the blessed virgin Mary Lou on being voted the new leader/chief of staff.

    17
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    Mute Donal Carey
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    Jan 8th 2018, 9:52 AM

    Well I have read all the negative comments about Sinn Fein their so stupid not worth my time . So back to reality Fine Gael ,FIANNA Fail , Labour ,Social Democrats ,The Greens , a bunch of Independents we have seen how all those Party’s have performed the state of the HSE ,Social Housing won’t have room on my page to mention them all. Sinn Fein are the party for the future so whoever leads good luck to them .

    32
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    Mute Robert Harris
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    Jan 8th 2018, 10:54 AM

    @Donal Carey: How’s power sharing going up Nord,no problems with the health service ,no one sleeping rough ,or are you too busy putting bread on your head to be doing real work

    21
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    Mute Casper
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    Jan 8th 2018, 11:12 AM

    @Robert Harris:

    North

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    Mute Shane Molloy
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    Jan 8th 2018, 12:41 PM

    @Robert Harris:
    The DUP cannot stick to the good Friday agreement.
    It’s not in their DNA to accommodate a side show like the Irish language act. It’s nothing tangible really but they couldn’t stomach anything different in the orange state for the orange people. AKA bigotry with a slap in the face.
    So how can you deal with them in a government.
    Can only imagine the behind the scenes childishness behaviour

    5
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    Mute Donal Carey
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    Jan 8th 2018, 12:46 PM

    @Robert Harris: who is talking about the North of Ireland we are talking about the South of Ireland come back when there is a United Ireland which is not to far away.

    4
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    Mute joe celtic 1888
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    Jan 8th 2018, 8:18 AM

    West Belfast lol

    11
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    Mute Liberal Larry
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    Jan 8th 2018, 10:05 AM

    It would appear that Cianan just checked the Paddy Power website and didn’t properly research the story, lazy journalism…
    Doherty has not put his name forward.

    13
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    Mute Karl Phillips
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    Jan 8th 2018, 7:52 PM

    Maybe that spacer going around with the bread balanced on his head will put his name in the ring, shocking people who pretend to represent the under privileged, you will be found out in the end as failures as well !!

    3
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    Mute Deano Cracow
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    Jan 9th 2018, 2:04 AM

    There is only one possible choice for leader. Barry McElduff. You know he is the right choice if you know what side your bread is buttered on. Towers above the rest

    1
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    Mute Joe Kemmy
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    Jan 8th 2018, 5:26 PM

    Yes she is a shoe in,they do not seem to do leadership contests in SF

    1
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