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From Enda's enforcer and the Irish Water 'bogeyman' to a 'bruiser' in Europe: Phil Hogan's decade in the spotlight

Phil Hogan came to the “reluctant conclusion” yesterday that he should step down from his senior EU job.

irish-water-financing-minister-for-th A smiling Hogan holding a glass of water aloft back in 2014. Laura Hutton / Rollingnews.ie Laura Hutton / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

PHIL HOGAN WAS the man in Enda Kenny’s corner when the future Taoiseach needed him.

It was less than a year before the next general election and Fianna Fáil were floundering. Back in 2010, the economy was in turmoil and Fine Gael was sensing another chance at power.

Out of what seemed like nowhere, veteran TD Richard Bruton had got enough support to launch a heave against Kenny. Standing firm for the Mayo man was his loyal lieutenant, Phil Hogan.

Big Phil – an apt name for someone who’s actually 6’5″ – had been in politics for almost 30 years at this stage. He had seen the heave coming and quickly swung into action to secure support for Kenny. He got on the phone to talk to members all over the country to shore up loyalty. 

And he was ultimately successful. Kenny stayed leader, and we all know what happened next.

Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan told TheJournal.ie in its oral history project on the heave that Hogan was “instrumental” in Enda Kenny remaining leader.

“I think if Phil Hogan wasn’t there the result would probably have been different,” Feighan said.

When Kenny led Fine Gael back to power for the first time in over a decade, the Carlow-Kilkenny TD was rewarded for his loyalty and given a key ministerial role in charge of the Environment, Community and Local Government. 

download (55) Leon Farrell / Rollingnews.ie Leon Farrell / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

It is a number of years now since Hogan was a central figure in Irish public life, with those three years when he was minister up to 2014 particularly sticking out. 

Until the Golfgate scandal that has eventually brought him down, he had become a figure who we’d hear of every few months in the news in Ireland – usually to do with whatever’s happening in Brexit at that time. 

But his actions in June 2010 to support Kenny started off a decade when Hogan became a key political figure – both at home and in Europe. Now, in his own words to RTÉ’s Tony Connelly last night, he has come to the “reluctant conclusion” that his political career has come to an end.

Hogan and water charges

The outpouring of public anger against Hogan in the past week didn’t come from the infamous golf dinner, alone. 

On an emotional segment on RTÉ’s Liveline programme on Monday, a woman grieving for her father who died of Covid-19 just last Wednesday described how the actions of Hogan had particularly upset her. Other callers used words like “arrogant” to describe the EU Commissioner. 

His public image was solidified by some extremely unpopular measures implemented on his watch during his time as minister, despite the introduction of policies that were welcomed such as gender quotas for candidate selection in general elections.

The country was on its knees when Fine Gael-Labour coalition took over in 2011. The government decided to accept the bitter medicine dished out by the Troika, and it was Phil Hogan telling us to take it.

The local property tax was one thing (and a really unpopular thing at that), but the proposed introduction of water charges actually prompted people to take to the streets in their hundreds of thousands. 

Coupled with the unpopularity of these measures themselves was a sense of public distaste for how Hogan managed these crises.

He told RTÉ’s Today with Sean O’Rourke in September 2013 that the Irish people had given the government a mandate to introduce water charges

The Irish Water affair – and how much was being spent on the new charging regime – became a debacle for the government as a PR campaign to try to convince people for the need to pay for water fell flat.

Irish people were furious they were being asked to pay for water when in January 2014 Irish Water CEO John Tierney told Sean O’Rourke that €50 million was being spent on consultants, just as the utility was being established. This spending was shown to include €86 million across consultants, contractors and legal advice. 

Hogan’s comment of “you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” when pushed on this spending didn’t help matters

Water became the main topic and Hogan was a central figure. In the run-up to the local and European elections in May 2014, Labour tried to distance itself from the whole affair. 

The government was accused of treating the public with “absolute contempt” on the issue and it was Hogan who announced how much the average household would pay (€240, although this was later revised down heavily given the outcry) in May 2014.

irish-water-financing-minister-for-th Laura Hutton / Rollingnews.ie Laura Hutton / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

Photographed smiling as he took a swig of water, Hogan told the public that “water pressure will be turned down to a trickle for people who don’t pay”

As public anger deepened, so too did anger against Hogan. Before the first mass protests in October 2014 against water charges, his eyes had already turned to Europe.

Big job in Brussels

Pop quiz time – who was Ireland’s EU Commissioner before Hogan?

If you said Charlie McCreevey, you’d be wrong. The former Fianna Fáil finance minister left his role as European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services in 2010.

Prior to Hogan, it was Máire Geoghegan-Quinn who served as the Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science until November 2014.

It’s in the hands of the government of the day to choose who they’ll nominate to be a candidate for an EU Commissioner role when the time comes. A senior figure is usually chosen as they’re seen as having the necessary experience to aim for some of the top portfolios in the European Commission.

The stars appeared to be aligning for the Taoiseach. Enda Kenny spotted a good opportunity to move the controversial Hogan out of the media’s and public’s crosshairs and into a key role in Europe.

In fact, the Trade role Hogan eventually took in late-2019 was also coveted by the Irish government in 2014.

However it was Agriculture and Rural Development that he took charge of in Europe in November 2014.

He said at the time it was his record of “being able to deliver in difficult circumstances” that won him the position

In a hearing before the EU Parliament’s agriculture committee prior to his appointment, he put in a polished performance convincing MEPs to support him in the role.

Irish MEPs Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan and Matt Carthy had promised to make things uncomfortable for the Fine Gael veteran during the proceedings  — but a format that meant they couldn’t follow up on questions helped Hogan win the day.

In the case of Carthy, Hogan read out a letter from the Sinn Féin MEP’s party colleague in Stormont, Michelle O’Neill. 

In her letter, the Northern Ireland agriculture minister warmly congratulated the Kilkenny politician on his appointment to a “prestigious portfolio”.

Hogan told Carthy that “there seems to be a little break-down in discipline in Sinn Fein, and I hope you won’t get into trouble with it”. This slapdown drew cheers from Hogan’s supporters on the benches.

In his new job as EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hogan was able to cultivate a fresh persona as a tough negotiator going to bat for Europe while being praised by the government back home for speaking for Irish interests.

international-green-week-2019 Joking with the governing mayor of Berlin Michael Muller in January 2019 Christoph Soeder DPA / PA Images Christoph Soeder DPA / PA Images / PA Images

A senior Commission official told Politico in 2018 that Hogan was seen as a “bit of a bruiser”, but the former minister was also able to network effectively and able to strike a deal.

He played a key role in the Mercosur trade deal between Europe and a number of South American countries, which drew anger from farmers at home. Hogan sought to provide assurances that “safeguards are in place for Irish farmers and consumers” in the deal. 

His role in the landmark trade deal between the EU and Japan was also described as “decisive”. 

By the time he was taking the role of EU Commissioner for Trade late last year, it was clear Brexit would be the major task on his hands.

He took his usual combative stance here, accusing the UK of showing “no real sign” they want the talks to succeed earlier this year. 

Next chapter

90348510_90348510 Mark Stedman / Rollingnews.ie Mark Stedman / Rollingnews.ie / Rollingnews.ie

Prior to Golfgate, the last time Hogan made the news here was to rule himself out of the running for a top job in the World Trade Organization in late June (if a week is a longtime in politics, two months is an eternity).

Hogan now finds himself out of a job after four decades in politics. It was really in the last decade that he became a prominent figure but, from water charges to golfgate, he has been associated with a long list of rows, controversies and confrontations.  

Across all of these controversies, it has been perceived he adopted an unapologetic tone that wasn’t in tune with the public mood on the matter.

Looking back to water charges in 2017 in an interview with Ivan Yates on Newstalk, Hogan defended the whole affair.

Yates put to him that he was the “bogeyman” of Irish Water, and asked if he had any regrets.

Hogan responded: “I think Irish Water has seen the test of time. It has come through the difficulties of any particular organisation that has been established and it’s now able to stand…”

The presenter interrupted to ask if he had “not one single regret”.

Hogan said that he would have that conversation in the future, but he wouldn’t have it right now.

Facing into retirement now at the age of 60 – at the very least, his retirement from politics – he will have plenty of time to mull that over.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    One of the most detested men in Irish politics ever

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:22 PM

    @Marty H: Gerry, Bertie & Phil would be the top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:57 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Gerry?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:07 PM

    @Marty H: Nailed on top three.

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    Mute Marty H
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about Charlie?

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:54 PM

    @Marty H: Charlie was a rogue, not in the same league as the other three.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Mehole & Donnelly are in the top 5

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    A man that managed to rub a whole nation up the wrong way and become totally hated.
    He pused and bullied his way to the top and basically sneered at everyone.
    He bullied the property tax into revenue
    He tried to bully water charges and even suggested cutting supply to a trickle.
    The people waiting in the long grass waited patiently and struck when hogans arrogance got the better of him.

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    Mute Euro McPúnty
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:34 PM

    @Michael Clinton: a proud Fine Gael man.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:52 PM

    @Michael Clinton: No Politician is indispensable only exception for Ireland was
    CS Parnell .

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    Mute Joan Murray
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:59 PM

    @Michael Clinton: actually, he rubbed a vocal minority rabble up the wrong way. Majority of householders signed up to the water charges and understand water doesnt fall from the skies straight into our taps, and that it is better if our sh##t is not pumped untreated into Dublin Bay, or the waters off Lehinch strand.

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 7:10 PM

    @Joan Murray:
    Well why didn’t the *so called majority* get off their larded backsides to protest to pay the tax…
    I’ll tell you why Joan, it was because YOU are the minority.
    People like you like to look down their noses at others, if you feel so bad then stop the nearest politician and hand him/her your money.
    As for effluent going into Dublin bay, that only happens when flooding and rain deluges the tanks.

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    Mute SC
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    Aug 31st 2020, 6:09 AM

    @Joan Murray: it was an attempt to privatise that bothered me. I have money and can pay but will not allow privatisation.

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    Mute Stephen Walsh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    FG & FF are rotten to the core end of

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: as opposed to SF who are shining lights of rectitude, probity & are unfailingly kind to furry animals.
    How lucky we are to have them.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:17 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Sinn Féin are living in your head rent free Justin.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:20 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Your right Jack, it is a constant marvel to me how they manage to fool so many people all of the time. Admirable in a strange sort of way.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:23 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Are you talking about FF or FG there Justin?

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    Mute Brian Madden
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:25 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: fool so many people? They have never been on government in the republic. FFG have been in government for over one hundred years. We have had Charlie and bertie and the burke’s and the Flynn’s. The list goes on and so much corruption.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:26 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: All of them Jack, every single one of them.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:32 PM

    @Brian Madden: Do you honestly think SF are any better? Stormont has been a shambles, the bullying at County Council level is well documented not to mention the Bobby Storey funeral circus, Martina Anderson & the Monaghan Co Councillor who decided to self isolate with her entire family in Donegal after a foreign holiday.
    FF FG & SF are all the same, do as I say not as I do.

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    Mute Brian Flavin
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:33 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: Gobsh*t ALL FFFGGP

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    Mute DCforChange
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:56 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: what about People before profit, The Greens etc. There’s more opposition parties than SF. Can you not just admit FF & FG are rotten to the core. Stop comparing.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:10 PM

    @DCforChange: I don’t know how many different ways I can put this, every single one of them.
    The parties you name are not alone corrupt but incompetent with it. The reason I name SF is because they are big enough to be leaders in a future government.

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    Mute ÓDuibhír Abú
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:30 PM

    @Brian Madden: And the; Roman Church, how low on Morals they are that they couldn’t speak up.!!

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:02 PM

    @ÓDuibhír Abú: Add in the Muslims, Sikhs, Jehovahs & jou begin to get the idea. Nobody is perfect, we are all corrupt & none of us has the right to point the finger at anyone else, we have all pulled strokes & taken shortcuts even with regard to Covid.
    Loads of people who fly in do not respond to follow up phone calls. Up to 50% of those who are supposed to be tested as close contacts do not turn up for their second test.
    Will they all get fired? Will they f__k!!

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:10 PM

    @Stephen Walsh: 100 years of FFFG with the backing of the Labour Party.
    100 years of kissing Archbishops and Bishops rings and cover up’s.
    And we still vote for them
    Why

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    Mute The Risen
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:19 PM

    Bye bye Philip. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya…..

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    Mute D'oh
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    Aug 27th 2020, 8:06 PM

    @The Risen: Farewell Fat Phil.

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    Mute Liam Dempsey
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:34 PM

    The Irish people know and admire a good politician when they see one. They also know a know a high toned skunk when they smell one. When Phil came from Brussels he rode rough shod over Ireland’s covid rules as if he was the law or God almighty. The law didn’t apply to him only the little people but he soon found out. The Irish people had their say eventually.

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    Mute Roger Dawson
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    Aug 27th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Liam Dempsey: Have you got a minute
    Tell us who you had in mind That is a good politician that we as Irish people admire.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:18 PM

    Phil Hogan is the happiest man in Ireland, big pensions, can play golf to his hearts content & will get to pick & choose his next big job.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:24 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: You’re right, the cartel always look after their own.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:35 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Its the way of the world Jack. Always has been always will be.

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    Mute Jacks R. Back
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:45 PM

    @Justin Gillespie: Especially if you refuse to countenance change.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:12 PM

    @Jacks R. Back: Theses the problem Jack, there will be no change, different faces maybe, same corruption.

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    Mute Jimmy Mac
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:16 PM

    He is one of the most arrogant think I ever heard, over payed big headed F—Kers , glad to see him get the sack.

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    Mute Dave Collins
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:40 PM

    Phil…C U Next Tuesday!

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    Mute Michael Clinton
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:50 PM

    You will find this boyo heading up a vulture fun soon enough.

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    Mute boss hogg
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    @Michael Clinton: just remember enda Kenny now works as an advisor for an American vulture fund within Ireland.him and that weasel Hayes are two beauties

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    Mute Tom Heffernan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 4:14 PM

    And all he will be remembered for will be This debacle he got himself into!

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    Mute kevin mc cormack
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    Aug 27th 2020, 6:07 PM

    I read recently he also said Ireland should look at raising it corporate tax, in order to access COVID-19 grants from Europe,he has a cheek to call himself an Irishman, he’d sell the shirt off his own back,

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    Mute Logan Shepherd
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:04 PM

    Ah come on lads. As your one in Frozen said “let it go”

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    Mute Johnny Merren
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:31 PM

    Great letter in Irish Times today
    Sir – Obfuscation, evasion and the recitation of rules are essential in trade negotiations.

    Phil Hogan should be the next director general of the World Trade Organisation. – Yours, etc,

    Dr JOHN DOHERTY,

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    Mute Niall Sheridan
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:49 PM

    From…..
    To some handy number / sinecure somewhere – “well done good and faithful servant “!!

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    Mute Chewey Bacca
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    Aug 27th 2020, 3:03 PM

    National Hero ! Standing up to the CCP and living life to the full. We’ll all be doing this in 12 months. Ahead of his time.

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    Mute Lorcan O'Neill
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    Aug 27th 2020, 9:41 PM

    I know nothing about this man but when I see him the only thing that comes to mind is that he looks like a bully !

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:25 PM

    @Lorcan O’Neill: google his previous form lor an he’s a truly vile pos

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    Mute Maurice Dodd
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    Aug 28th 2020, 10:24 PM

    Big pig Phil

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