We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
http://youtu.be/9DeL188Z8O0
(Thejournalvideo/YouTube)
POLITICS IS A “blame game”, the Minister for Social Protection has said.
In an exclusive interview with TheJournal.ie, Minister Joan Burton was asked if she thought Labour had shouldered some of the blame for decisions made by the coalition.
In reply, she said:
People in the population support… different parties, different politicians. I suppose it’s an adversarial situation. If you like, politics is one of those things that’s a ‘blame game’. People in one party are always pointing at the other crowd.
However, she said that she has travelled the country speaking to people, and that she finds a lot of people saying “look we know you got a difficult job, you’re doing a good job and please, you know, do the job and, if you like, finish the job”.
“A lot of the decisions have been difficult,” said the minister of the job being done by Fine Gael-Labour coalition. She said that people see social welfare in two ways, of its spend being very important in terms of spending in the economy, or those who are fiscally conservative wanting to cut that spend.
On the other hand, all of that €20 billion [spend] breaks down to an individual, to a family, to a community, and then if you say to some of those fiscally conservative people that some of the changes they are proposing are going to affect real people, real communities, then you find a slightly different tune being played.
She said she is very committed to her job, and that it is a great privilege – but also noted that “women are a bit thin on the ground in the cabinet”.
I think we are very conscious that as four women we speak for a lot of other women as best we can in terms of our commitments on issues like childcare.
And I only wish that perhaps in some of the discussions that we’ve had that the kind of understanding that a lot of women have about the practicalities of some of the issues… that these are more reflected in debate; maybe we wouldn’t have had some of the issues we have this week.
Future party leader?
When asked if she saw herself as leader of the Labour Party in the future, Minister Burton said: “I am very interested in the job I’m doing, I have been involved in the Labour party all my life and I am happy to serve in any capacity.”
She described Labour leader Eamon Gilmore has having “a big job to do as Minister for Foreign Affairs” and said he has been working hard on that. She said that people are very supportive of Gilmore, and she is also very supportive of him.
But the answer is – I’m happy with the job I’m doing
Shatter controversy
(thejournalvideo/YouTube)
The minister also gave her thoughts on the recent controversy involving Deputy Mick Wallace and Minister for Justice Alan Shatter.
She said that Minister Shatter has apologised for what happened in relation to the comments that he made about Wallace on Prime Time, and that she accepts his explanation.
Burton said that the no-confidence motion in Shatter that was brought before the Dáil by Fianna Fáil was “rather wrongly” called by the opposition party.
I have to say I look across the Dáil and I see people who have, let’s say, been involved in paramilitary activities and so on. He has apologised. He has apologised now twice and I certainly don’t think it is a resigning matter. I think he has made it clear that he certainly mis-spoke.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Seems to me its an earn as much as you can, as quickly as you can game. A do everything you can to line your own nest before being turfed out at the next election kind of game.
Can I just say
can I just say………………
that shatter did not apologize and that burton is lying when she says he did.
vd…you’re a bigger troll than I thought you were.
Vincent Trollin’
He apologised once. The very first ‘apology’ wasn’t an apology. The second one was an apology in an accurate sense of the word.
Doubt he gives a toss though.
Vincent Dolan is the “King Troll” on this site
Blame game …
Accept responsibility, deal with it instead of copping out by washing hands, passing the buck etc.
That is the problem with our politicians…
Couldnt have said it better…
She is completely institutionalized and incapable of independent thought.
ya Joan, you sure dodged my letter i wrote you. this whole interview right here is a complete farce. you are a farce and you deserve every bit of criticism you get, more even!! see you next tuesday
People around the country are saying they’re doing a good job and to finish the job??? No minister, you’ve taken people up wrong there … What they actually said was .. You’re doing a shite job and are going to finish us off!’
Labour Party=Green party….
… I’m sure that’s what she thought the people of Dundalk were saying to her last year when she fled out the back door of a shopping centre!!
I wonder what portion of the population she is travelling around the country listening to. The working poor surely have less time to meet her and give their views to her. Although you wonder if it would matter anyway. Winning the political game by avoiding bad press, seems to be the objective, rather than making fair changes that make society a healthier place.
Think its the hordes of special advisers she is talking to patok.
Just fix the bucking country ! Fxxked of listening to yis !
Politic is the Game of Deception. It is about smoke and mirrors. I have been involved in trade unions since I was a teen and the labour Party in both the UK and Ireland. And I know from my experience it is self serving. Politic is far removed from the community and people today. It is about self preservation and accumulating wealth.
I look accross at politicians who’ve been involved in paramilitary activities? Nice one joan, when asked a tough question bring up the troubles to divert attention. Yer boss enda has taught ya well.
@ Kevin.. A FFS!! I’m a supporter of Pearse Doherty as our next leader. I was being sarcastic in my comment.. Jesus ill have to read it again..! I’m NOT a blue shirt..
I’m betting it wasn’t Dundalk where she got the pat on the back for doing a great job. Deluded woman or what, every time they open their yaps I cringe. We are so fecked :-(
you must be afraid Joan. that the elections are not going to go so well. you are looking for someone to “blame” in you final comment and take the heat of yourself.
@ Cathy.. What ‘final’ comment? I only had the one..abit weird that eh? But yes I blame FF/FG/LAB/GREENs.. Pick which ever one takes your fancy.. The Celtic tiger never came to my door and I’m personally paying the price .. Same as alot of other households.. Who do you blame Cathy? The little people on the ground ???
Hi Joan, I was referring to Joan Burton, who the article is referring too and The final comment that she made absolutely nothing to do with your comment.
These women keep letting me down, Is the best she can do is make reference to looking across the Dail and seeing people involved in paramilitary activity!!
Look to your left and right Misses and you will see those involved in economic treason! !!!!
Anybody starting to notice that the journal is becoming a FG LAB propaganda bulletin.
Did she really say people are telling her there doing a great job ???? Christ above we’re fu-KED if they really think that. Now Iam off to the beach have a good weekend people.
The buck stops with you joan
Dream on Joan, you are fooling nobody. You may indeed get the party leadership you’ve been angling for – much good may it do you. I will never vote labour again. Shame on you.
The sad thing is, Labour’s mouth is moving but the voice coming out is that of Fine Gael.
So Shatter is misunderstood Joan. No reason for him to be held responsible for his actions? Why disturb the cosy consensus around the cabinet table?
I am sure that it ok for him as Minister for justice to be in possession of a generic Rolex style watch. After all, it could save him thousands.
@ Kerry.. I think you’ve taken my comment up all wrong there.. I was being sarcastic , can’t you tell ?
It’s not a blame game , its about accepting responsibility for your actions- like the 2008 bank bailout , the load of two faced promises made by fine Geal and labour before being elected and then what has happened since- how they have lied to the people- Labour are finished as a party they just don’t know it yet, the way things are going FF and SF will be the two biggest parties and FG third- holy god knows what will happen then- there isn’t one politician in this country that u could say u are proud of, now that says something
This wasn’t an “exclusive interview” this was a platform given to Joan Burton,to talk the same old shite,her and her party have been talking for the last 2 years unchallenged by so called journalists.
They are all to blame.
The whole of society is a blame game. It’s time people acted like adults and accepted responsibility for their actions. Oh, no. Wait. That would mean no compensation.
However, she said that she has travelled the country speaking to people, and that she finds a lot of people saying “look we know you got a difficult job, you’re doing a good job and please, you know, do the job and, if you like, finish the job”……… “and then we will re appear and grant your 3 wishes”, they said
It’s not warm when she’s away
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And she’s always gone too long
Anytime she goes away
Wonder this time where she’s gone
Wonder if she’s gone to stay
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home
Anytime she goes away
And I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know,
Hey, I oughtta leave young thing alone
But ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
Only darkness every day
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And this house just ain’t no home
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
Anytime she goes away
I got some really good smoke tonight
Doesn’t get any better than this, you’re welcome
burton is one of the biggest offenders. blaming the previous government for every lie labour told
”a lot of people saying “look we know you got a difficult job, you’re doing a good job and please, you know, do the job and, if you like, finish the job”.”
She can make up all the garbage she want s -. Fact is that Labour have sided with the Rich -and have attckred the less fortunate .
Hopefully Labour are wiped out as they exist now – and FG get a bad hit – so there is room for a new party .
there is a class war going on – and we know which side Labour /FG/FF are on – so we are left with Ourselves .
This goverment – like FF before it have seved the Rich [ and themselves ]] – so either we have a party that will creat history and serve the people – or get rid of Dail
Always being AGAINST gives the illusion and buzz of being involved and is making governing more difficult. the current, If you are in authority you must be pulled down is a lazy form of politics.
She’s been a really fantastic Minister and I applaud the massive undertaking she’s had to reform the welfare system and reduce fraud. 669 million Euro saved last year by stamping out fraud and the Department of Social Protection is on course to save 710 million this year by reducing even more bogus claiming.
All of that saved whilst the base-line rates of social welfare payments have been maintained. A job well done.
Don’t fall for the spin!! Joan Burton didn’t save 669 million nor will she save 710 million this year. These are figures she released from her department and the figures come from money she “guesstimates” her department would ultimately “overpay” if her department didn’t do it’s job right – it is not fraud!!
Blame is not just for politicians. Lots of people out there who over stretched themselves pointing fingers too. We didn’t all party. That’s true. But many did….
Something odd with the aspect ration in the first video? Minister seems to undergo a fattening once you press play :P
Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development.
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then these services may not function properly.
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not be able to monitor our performance.
Cookies, device or similar online identifiers (e.g. login-based identifiers, randomly assigned identifiers, network based identifiers) together with other information (e.g. browser type and information, language, screen size, supported technologies etc.) can be stored or read on your device to recognise it each time it connects to an app or to a website, for one or several of the purposes presented here.
Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times an ad is presented to you).
Information about your activity on this service (such as forms you submit, content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (for example, information from your previous activity on this service and other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (that might include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present advertising that appears more relevant based on your possible interests by this and other entities.
Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on your advertising profiles, which can reflect your activity on this service or other websites or apps (like the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects.
Information about your activity on this service (for instance, forms you submit, non-advertising content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (such as your previous activity on this service or other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (which might for example include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present content that appears more relevant based on your possible interests, such as by adapting the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find content that matches your interests.
Content presented to you on this service can be based on your content personalisation profiles, which can reflect your activity on this or other services (for instance, the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects. This can for example be used to adapt the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find (non-advertising) content that matches your interests.
Information regarding which advertising is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine how well an advert has worked for you or other users and whether the goals of the advertising were reached. For instance, whether you saw an ad, whether you clicked on it, whether it led you to buy a product or visit a website, etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of advertising campaigns.
Information regarding which content is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine whether the (non-advertising) content e.g. reached its intended audience and matched your interests. For instance, whether you read an article, watch a video, listen to a podcast or look at a product description, how long you spent on this service and the web pages you visit etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of (non-advertising) content that is shown to you.
Reports can be generated based on the combination of data sets (like user profiles, statistics, market research, analytics data) regarding your interactions and those of other users with advertising or (non-advertising) content to identify common characteristics (for instance, to determine which target audiences are more receptive to an ad campaign or to certain contents).
Information about your activity on this service, such as your interaction with ads or content, can be very helpful to improve products and services and to build new products and services based on user interactions, the type of audience, etc. This specific purpose does not include the development or improvement of user profiles and identifiers.
Content presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type, or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times a video or an article is presented to you).
With your acceptance, your precise location (within a radius of less than 500 metres) may be used in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
With your acceptance, certain characteristics specific to your device might be requested and used to distinguish it from other devices (such as the installed fonts or plugins, the resolution of your screen) in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
Your data can be used to monitor for and prevent unusual and possibly fraudulent activity (for example, regarding advertising, ad clicks by bots), and ensure systems and processes work properly and securely. It can also be used to correct any problems you, the publisher or the advertiser may encounter in the delivery of content and ads and in your interaction with them.
Certain information (like an IP address or device capabilities) is used to ensure the technical compatibility of the content or advertising, and to facilitate the transmission of the content or ad to your device.
Information about your activity on this service may be matched and combined with other information relating to you and originating from various sources (for instance your activity on a separate online service, your use of a loyalty card in-store, or your answers to a survey), in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
In support of the purposes explained in this notice, your device might be considered as likely linked to other devices that belong to you or your household (for instance because you are logged in to the same service on both your phone and your computer, or because you may use the same Internet connection on both devices).
Your device might be distinguished from other devices based on information it automatically sends when accessing the Internet (for instance, the IP address of your Internet connection or the type of browser you are using) in support of the purposes exposed in this notice.
The choices you make regarding the purposes and entities listed in this notice are saved and made available to those entities in the form of digital signals (such as a string of characters). This is necessary in order to enable both this service and those entities to respect such choices.
have your say