It is in the interest of Irish society and Irish people that living in Ireland be seen as a privilege, and not a right.
Neither politicians, nor the public, should buy it.
Relationships can be toxic, and exploitative, and terrible for a person’s self-esteem, all the while remaining entirely consensual.
In a democratic society, the right to speak your mind is of paramount importance
The best argument for Byrne’s pay is that her skills are demonstrably rare, not that they are essential.
to the vast majority of people the idea that the Americans and the British are the global baddies simply does not wash.
Make the licence fee optional – then those who trust RTE can pay for it.
“The first person they prosecute will end up a martyr”.
Ireland already has an elected consultative forum, the Oireachtas.
We would do well, when resisting those who want to silence others, to avoid becoming the very thing we profess to hate.
Overall, it is difficult to look at the medium term economic situation with anything but pessimism
This is, in short, not a road that a free society should go down. The Green Party, having killed the proposal, should have the thanks of a grateful nation.