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Nearly every player at Man City could have gone to a team playing champions league football. They all chose the big pay cheque. Let them keep it. Norman
Ask that Fianna Fail clown. Who caused our problems in the 1st place. Then tell him and his bunch of corupt buddies 2 go jump of the nearest cliff.
Its sunday morning and i am listening to a politician waffeling without saying answering any of the questons put to them.  i am a simple guy on the street with no job. I have managed to get my son out of this country with the few bob i had hoped would see me into a few more years in relative comfort.   At this point i am on the verge of going to government buildings and punching a politician in the mouth. Anthony in Dublin
What an outrageous slander by your guest! I watch Glenn Beck every night and your guests comments are TOTALLY at variance with Glenn Beck's philosophy. It is obscene that your guest was given his own platform to voice his rubbish. Eamonn, Terenure.
I'm a teacher heading back to school tomorrow. I'm on 43k with two small kids and a husband laid off so am the sole bread winner and struggling with a fairly modest mortgage of 230k. I did not cause this mess and i am tired of the easy pot-shots taken at the public service without an understanding of the job. Reform must come from the top now. I can't give any more, Elaine. I'm from cork.
Cut public service wages again says your capatalist goon, will he pay our mortgages with his millions? Idiot.
Whether O'Brien likes it or not S and P hugely influences Investor behavior . One more downgrade and Ireland will NOT be able to issue in the international Capital Markets. What will he and FF have to say then?
I am the father of 3 teenage girls, oldest is 17 finished leaving cert and she has to be home by midnight or ring to seek more time and to allow me decide if she is safe, just heard u say powerless parents! Sorry truth is lazy parents
There are many parents who are powerless over their children. Children especially teenagers are very loyal to their peers and sadly the same peers often are involved in high risk behaviour. Anne
Hi, doesn't it beg the question, why those kids in Kerry n that girl in Dub were allowed at that hour? What were the parents doing!! IAIN
Talking about civil rights, we should have a look at our own system of direct provision - a totally unjust & racist process, leaving people in limbo 4up to 8yrs. Makes me embarassed to be Irish. Emerald, Cork
I know its a recession but could that speaker please afford to say King after Martin Luther to give the great man his full title. Martin luther was a different person completly.
Jesus Sean, I'm a chauffeur and I just had two important dignitarys in the car. I collected them from the airport, I said i'll put Newstalk on so they can catch the Irish headlines. Upon turning on 106 the topic of discussion is a spider biting its penis off ! Would it be possible to have a warning in future :) pat
I just saw a young lad go by me on the road on a piebald horse wearing a Celtic shirt and a top hat. God I love Tallaght!
Most interesting fact of the day ... The Canadian national animal, the beaver, will bite off his own testicles to show a superior male rival he is not a threat if he is in a situation where he feels in danger from the other beaver. Kevin in Canada
I have lucid dreams all the time. Sometimes if I acknowledge that I'm dreaming too intently I wake myself. For example if something is out of focus and I try and look at it clearly in my dream I've opened my eyes in bed and woken up. After particularly good days I sometimes have dreams where I can fly but can control what happens. Feels amazingly real. Mike.
The unions were set up to defend workers when they had no rights. Workers now have so many rights, so much legislative support that it's virtually impossible to fire somebody and no one in the Public Sector can be made redundant. Unions now protect an aristocracy.
Non-practicing Catholics still believe in Heaven. An unbaptised child isn't allowed into Heaven according to what they have been taught. So it's like a spiritual insurance policy for their child
Did jesus preach to the educated or uneducated...religion shouldnt have anything to do with education.
I baptized both our children because i want to give them every advantage. It was not a moral decision it was a pragmatic one.
The church have a vice like grip on schools and they don't want to give this up.
George, Hill Street Blues is a great theme, reminds me of my Dad and I watching it with his arm around me on the couch when i was a nipper. Tom in Bray.
Paul Gogarty is a publicity seeking ningkompoop! Hope we are the back of him in the next election! Paul
The summer always died when we would all gather around the kitchen table to cover the school books with spare wallpaper.  I always remember those days as dark and rainy.  Maura
I WANT ONE! I WANT ONE! I WANT ONE OF THOSE WICKLE COWS! Soooooooooooo cute!!  Sorry … got a bit excited there.  Am an adult again.  Those cows sound very interesting Sean. Carry on.  Danielle aged 34 and a half
Sean, you're talking about budgets again after telling people to stop talking about budgets in The Examiner today. If you dont stop I'll hunt you down and beat you with your own column. Trevor Laffan, Cork.
Sure, What do they need new roads for in Mayo and the likes? Sure can't the ould Ass & Cart get them to the Mart, the pub and to Mass of a Sunday. Janey Mac, they'll be looking for running water and indoor toilets next! ... Anto, Dublin
Ivan, FF supporter Any proposal that involves digging up Stephens Green is disgraceful. Daragh
Ivan, it is more expensive to provide services to rural areas. At the same time, these areas geneate less wealth. Only fair solution is a 'rural dwellers' tax so that individuals choosing to live outside major urban areas pay their fair share. Bren in shankill
The vast majority of people and in turn tax payers life in Dublin so of course Dublin is the priority. The good me the many outweighs the few. Terry Dublin
Ferdinand was a legend in DCU.  I graduated this year and his graduation speech was inspirational.  Ferdinand for taoiseach!  John
Why are exercise bikes so darn uncomfortable???  I did a spin class last week and I was walking funny for a week! I've had medical examinations more comfortable! Dearbh
Thats right F. Fahey, blame the public servants not the useless politicians that have banjackeds this country. Youre a failed politician yourself. Ask people in Galway. Great interview Clare-not. Catherine
Well done mr Bruton. At last the voice of reason and common sense. The country will have a real chance of throwing off gombeenism if he were in charge. Peter, Wexford.
Alan Nolan sounds horribly like Bertie when he told the young people of Ireland there was never a better time to buy property. The fact is there is more value in the second hand market and they are going to try and extend the scrappage scheme - but they don't want people to know it and tell them to go out and buy cars now. Would you let a developer say this on the radio about property? John, Foxrock.
How can we take road safety people seriously when training is still not mandatory? Pat Cork
You are a nice man Mr Clifford, but you are very naive. A sociopath or psychopath is incapable of empathy - whether lower, middle, or upper class in origin. Anne. Dublin.
If you take Donegal out of the statistics Ireland would be one of the safest countries in the world for road deaths. We've got to get serious with them. Introduce a 30mph speed limit for the whole county until they have got the message and changed their behaviour. -Simon, Dublin.
“Dublin people dont know anything about gaa” - what a stupid thing to say…
Well said Ger. Tell those do gooders on your panel come live beside these scum bags, they would'nt be long coming down of there pedastals. Give the scum bags more guns an let them blow them selfs an there ilk to bits. Mark , Galway City
Ger, From a thugs point off view callely and his ff backers are doing no different from them they just simply hide behind a different set off rules made up on the spot.
I live in donegal and boyracers are the problem at night, we want more guards on the roads at night . R donegal
I have nothing to forgive Tiger for, he neither slept with my wife or beat me at golf. Sean, Crumlin
We have an obligation to treat those who seek asylum with respect. When we fail to treat them so, I welcome protests. How else are they to be heard? It's our fault that it takes years for those people to be processed so they have a chance to begin normal life in a normal community. Niall
What are you on about george? Its nobody's place to decide whether they forgive tiger other than his wife! Us Irish get confused sometimes!
Well said George. I agree with every word regarding the asylum seekers. They should look along the quays to see our homeless problem and be grateful for whatever they are given. Steve
George I would like to remind you that they are thousands of illiegal Irish in the USA, and it would be terrible if buses pulled up and moved them on from their homes. Catherine from Athlone
Property Tax my arse. They should reduce their slice of the pie. Leave more for the less well off. They enjoyed it long enough.
The bottom falling out of the country & economy & the dail going for a 3 month break. They hav to b joking. Absolute insult to the citzens to Ireland. James in Westmeath.
What gets me is people forget about the levies we pay and all the government are doing is finding new ways to take you last few shilling off of you.
I don't own the property i am in the bank does. Let them pay my property tax. Des
Women should be forced to resit their tests every 6 months. Jack
What are you on George? Landing is the only part of flying where the computer is NOT in control. The captain lands, every time. If I thought a computer was landing planes I wouldn't fly. DJ
What are you on George? Landing is the only part of flying where the computer is NOT in control. The captain lands, every time. If I thought a computer was landing planes I wouldn't fly. DJ
George dearie you cannot overtake on the inside lane its against the law
There should be a conscience clause in this bill in terms of civil partnership - not for the civil servants who work in registry offices but for the religious ministers who are eligible to carry out marriage on behalf of the State who could be sued for refusing to officiate a civil partnership. Nick D.15
disagree with Ben Dunne .. We gave a job for the summer to a school transition year student because he came and asked for two weeks work experience for no cost He proved himself and we thus gave him a job. Paul
How about IQ tests for public representatives ? Billy bullet
George. The 10 most beautiful women in the world. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Sorry George I guess I just like HALLE BERRY
Why cant we chemicaly castrate instead of culling george? shane palmerstown

The Country is on its knees, people are unemployment and Trevor Sargent takes on the Stags, there is more important issues. Paul in Dublin
The "trauma" the stag suffers is nothing compared to what 98% of the electorate who dont support the greens are being but through by these eco fascists. Jd Dublin 6.
Wasn't "Big John" used in a 70's ad to promote how to lift heavy items properly: "Big John was a muscular man, he had a lot of power in his two big hands. He never much worried about carrying weights ...... etc "? I'm not kidding about this.
My favourite word is Lexiphanic. It's a word used to describe the use of pretentious words.
Sean, over 16 years ago we brought home a little furry dot from the local animal shelter. Our lovely cat was loving and friendly and even converted 2 previous "cat haters", now both cat owners. We had to take the heart-breaking decision to put her to sleep shortly after Christmas last as she was so unwell and was beginning to suffer. We were all devastated. Moral of story - not all cats are snotty feckers. Honest.  Desperate Housewife
The public don't want Kenny George, I think you are ignoring the opinion polls!
Congratulations F.F They outlaw headshops. Push drugs users back to the street dealers. In turn, F.F have funded organised crime to further wreak havoc upon society
Brutongates failure stinks of self interest. The dogs on the street know Bruton is the best man for the job. I'm gutted. Sean, Limerick
Clare, Ivan, re the item on the news does that mean a retail customer is legally entitled to get the corporate rate? Thanks, Ronan
Re exams  Simple solution. Allow text books and examine on students comprehension rather than ability to remember.  Gary in Raheny
I'm ashamed to say I cheated all through school, by the time the Leaving came around I was a pro, micro script on notes deposited around my person, aware of what info is where and being left handed I write hunched over the desk making it much easier to conceal my crimes. Anon Dundalk
Fianna Fail are not low in polls due to tough decisions. They are low due to the disaster they created.
Is Batt O'Keefe having a laugh or are FF really living in denial. Nobody wants these self serving gombeens in governmment anymore.
Ivan - how can you leave Batt O Keefe get away with "we are a party who puts the country first" Nauseating
James reily says timing is wrong but does not defend enda kenny as leader!
George, am I missing something? Our only prayer of economic recovery is inward investment. Our biggest investor is the UP. Yet false outrage over what is quite typical Israeli action would have s sever relations with Israel, which wouldn't bothertheIsraelis, but would guarantee the Americans. Again, am I missing something? Paddy from Dublin
Why cannot the Israelis see the hugely ironic similarities between Gaza and the Warsaw Ghetto? Kevin Oldtown
I wish Brian Cowan showed the same courage with the Bankers as he has done with Israel. Martin in Dublin.
George, bring back Michael! Or have him on a few more days a week. Maybe you could have an hour where your two shows link up and have callers from Ireland and Boston, think of the ratings! Enda in Galway
Hi George. I teach in St. Patrick's Academy. Islandeady Castlebar. Co Mayo. We offer on-line teaching services for homeschooled children for subjects that parents need extra help with. Mr. Ward. Maths Teacher
George its parents duty to teach their kids life skills anyhow, but this must be combined with formal education not instead of it!
The evolutionary view would say that our bodies are not 'optimised' for health, but rather for reproduction. Most of the things that keep us healthy until reproduction in you youth are the things that kill us in old age. Death is not so much a failure of medicine, but an evolutionary hang-over that we may never resolve. Darren. Navan
We should get rid of Eamon Ryan and carbon tax and this country will be a lot more attractive to investers. G . Lee in Cork
Im moving to australia in 4months. Shud i start buying aussie dollars now? My savings are being hit by the dropping euro i presume?
On the cost discussion re: Pfizer, they've closed a plant in Puerto Rico, a low cost economy. It's not all about costs. Eddie
The workers at pfizer seem to be less perturbed by the losses than the media judging by your vt. Does that not tell you something.
Ivan, You promised me a heatwave!! I spent a small fortune getting my car washed and waxed on Monday because you promised me a heatwave. Now its covered in mud from roadworks! I'll never trust you again.
Claire, Google also accidently collected the same data in Germany and elsewhere. Regards liam
There are a lot of good large and small Irish charities working in Haiti. I work for Haiti Connect a small charity that is working together with Haitian charities to bring internet access to schools, hospitals etc. This access will be used to deliver e-learning and tele-medicine applications. Haiti needs ongoing and long lasting support! Evert
The EU is to blame for the recession because they gave us the housing bubble through low interest rates. They owe us. Joe wexford
George, isn't it strange how the constitution protects the pensions of government ministers but not the pension of an office worker? It protects the salary of a TD but not the pay of a nurse? It shields the bonus payments of civil servants but not the Christmas payments of those on social welfare? Declan in Dublin
George the Budget is just the first big step. The EU intends to control every facet of our lives. We shall all rue the day we sleepwalked into this union. Goodbye democracy hello facist state. From Susan in Co Roscommon
My wife is always on a diet and whenever we go out to eat, I'll order the steak and chips and she'll order the zero calorie boring option. But then when the meal arrives, "oooh, Cant' resist" and she'll helps herself to half my chips! I haven't had a full portion of chips for years!  No wonder she never loses weight. Whoever heard of the " eat half your husband's chip diet!" Rob
Lets not forget that the people of Ireland voted in this Government who made this mess. Paul in Dublin
Richard Boyd Barrett is like a bananna, he was green then he bends and now he is yellow. Joseph in Cabinteely.
Caring parents and criminal gangs are delighted that headshops have closed. Bizarrely, its 1 thing they have in common today. Shane from Cork.
Hi George , there is a big cocaine problem in Ireland and the cheap substitute from the head shops brought it into the light , most young people will just go back to cocaine . Paul
High Street drug emporiums? Like pubs? The govt has just given money back to the drug dealing gangsters on the street. We could've regulated the head shops and made millions in tax. Govt mess up again. DJ
We should count during the night for our elections like the british. Joe wexford
Ivan and his lovely wife always bought drinks for his supporters when he out remember well from el in black water
Are fg trying to lose the general election by appearing even less patriotic than ff?! Enda kenny and getting rid of irish, they really mustn't want to be in goverment
Irish cannot exist in the vacum that is Education. Irish has to be visibily seen to survive, eg: bilingual signage on cereal boxes / shop fronts / new road signs We can't just blame the primary schools, society must engage the language - Luke, Breathnach
HI GEORGE I WAS BEATEN WITHOUT MERCY BECAUSE I COULD NOT SPEAK IRISH PROPERLY I DETEST IT EVER SINCE ANN SLIGO
George, the reality of the situation is that most secondary graduates view the irish language as a hurdle to be overcome in the leaving. Having it forced on you at an extremely stressfull time in your life is now way to foster a love for the language. Ronan, Cork
Hi claire. If i pay someone out of my nett salary to mind my kids, it means i've paid tax on that money already.
Hey Fionn, its no wonder the Irish political parties don't want US style TV debates. As little charisma as Gordon Brown has, Irish politicians have even less! Peter in Cork
Harvey girls? Kinda like "Hooters" girls. I swear I only went for the food! Jd
Fionn please tell Frankie that he might ass that one could bounce penny's off but that does not mean I want to see if too often!  Men of Ireland … PULL YOUR TROUSSERS UP AND GET A BELT!  You do not live in the hood you live in Claremorris!  Aine.
The children can use the same tunnel as the badgers on the M3! Gerry :-)
Poor Gordon Brown, a voter asked him an honest question. We cant have that, he's the bigot.
Hi Claire I have gaurdianship from the courts for my daughter , but her mother won't let me see her , what do I do ?
Angry and disillusioned with the gra. Their carry on at the conference is disgraceful. Paul a disappointed guard
The GRA only articulated the thoughts of a lot of ordinary workers and those who have lost jobs. Damo, Finglas.
Whats wrong with telling it as it is. Who ever says it, about time
Joe Duffy is great. Without him I would not have found Sean Moncrieff. Or John Kelly on Lyric. Or did some gardening.
George I really support any TD who holds on to their pension. This country is gone crazy. No one in their right mind would become a politician - I have a business I have lost money for the last 12 months and just survivng but i dont begrudge the people who run my country a good income and if that includes a pension so be it. F... the begrudgers. Adrian in Sligo
I do think that  TDs work hard for their money but I think it angers people when they hear the words  'We are entitled to it ".... Oran in Bettystown
Bertie has put his hands up! We'll have them wearing shrounds in Leinster House yet.Barbara
Hi george, call me cynical but in just 24 hours one after the other they're handing back the pensions. So I ask whats the catch. John, Clondalkin
Have we lost our minds as a country asking a former leader to hand back his pension. It is very petty. John in Cork
The Irish have no respect for the countryside, especially farmers, travellers and the youth / students of the country
If everyone was fined for littering we would clear the national debt in two years. This country is a disgrace. Ann in Cabinteely
George, I fully agree with you. I lived in the US & was very pleased to see the guys in the orange jumpsuits cleaning the highways. Certainly community service for all the reckless bankers. Stephen. Celbridge
For heavens sake its the whole dail pensions system thats wrong not the individual. Tom
I sincerely hope that Mary O Rourke will run for the Presidency We need her in the Aras Shes the only honest politician left - Brid, Donegal
Mary hanifan is hardly in a position to call for people to give up pensions when she continues to hold her teaching position and all the benefits that go with that.
Ivan & Claire, could what's happening in Greece now, be a forerunner of what will happen here in 2015 when our Irish debts fall due???
The price of a two portions of fish and chips costs approximately €16 it is cheaper to order a chinese take away and have it delivered. A bag of chips costs €2.50 A four stone bag of high quality potatoes costs €10 lower the price of chips and cheer us all up please.
Carriers are making fortunes back already. We are paying millions to carriers for charters to get out products that are in backlog out of china. Sean in limerick
Claire this just means Mr Boucher can now retire at 55 on 160K per annum instead
How come the 700 million euro that bank of ireland has put into its pension fund has not been talked about.
I think Michael O' Leary is right, this isn't a mess created by the airlines and if the EU had half a brain between them they'd cop on and realise the travel insurance companies should be liable here.
Why aren't the public interest directors of the b of i being named or interviewed on air?
If Fingleton wants a 'way out' he should give the €1 million to charity.
If your butcher sold you a steak and made it compulsory to buy your spuds and veg from him also he would do very little business. This is what Apple does with the iPad. They design it so that music and books not bought from the iTunes store will not work on it. Andy.
When are the Gardai going to start doing what the GAA are clearly incapable of: enforcing discipline.
If I'm taxed too much to live in Ireland to pay for bank bailouts etc. due to reckless behaviour of others, I'm leaving Ireland
Usual from eamon gilmore. He just tells us what the people want to hear. The king of populist politics will find it harder when having to make real decisions in power.
Paid €18.99 for my Ryanair flights but have had €28.99 refunded! I MADE money from the ash cloud!
Refs are assaulted at club soccer matches all the time but we don't hear about it. Not sure why.
Hello,I wish people would stop saying that this is worse than September 11th.People are still alive are'nt they.Yes in my little insignifant oponion shutting down all Airports was the correct decision.God works in misterious ways.Barbara
George, I've been in this country since last sept and I'm shocked by the passive acceptance of such levels of corruption, cronyism and incompetence. I'm heading back to the U.S. soon and would advise anyone who can to get out and not come back. Rebecca. Cork
If the Irish government started wasting resourses and money sending the navy out in a non emergent situation I would be pissed off! These people stuck abroad have been inconvenienced. no one is in imminent danger and no one is to blame, it's an act of God that in comparision to say massive earthquakes in Hati, Chile, China etc really isn't worth the panic and outrage
I'm the youngest and I'm not the favourite.  It's been explained to be that because everything has always been done for me I am a little useless!  It's true. In a crisis I have 3 older siblings who take over and if I'm allowed to make a cup of tea I'm lucky.  Still, I can do what I want and nobody makes a comment.  Johnnie
After spending 10 lovely years in your country, I have to in back to France to start a new life again. I had a little restaurant but now due to the recession I have lost every thing i worked for. Also I am leaving behind my favorite station which is yours . Can i get Newstalk in France?  So long to you all and good luck for the future.
Regulator, central bank, former minister for finance, etc all failed in their duty of care to this state.
Chaotic regime that Nationwide (and anglo) were, please dont overlook the regulator office and finance ministers in this.
Why are we waisting tax payers money investigating irish nationwide . Tell fingleton he will be thrown in jail if he doesnt tell us how he ran the place .
Would'nt it be great if all T.D.s were stranded forever
Ivan\Claire , I've been in this country since last sept and I'm shocked by the passive acceptance of such levels of corruption, cronyism and incompetence.
George we should send the govt jet to rescue stranded citizens. Put it to good use for once. Fin
Ask the Minister for Transport why did they send the goverment jet for one TD to vote in the Dail but they will not use the Navy to get thousands home
We're not all stranded- just got off the julia in cork, 2 extra sailings today - imogen
Nature's kicking arse and man is powerless.
Stephen Gately Station? Do they think we have all gone Stark Raving Bonkers?
When there are so many great irish political figures-historical,i cant believe that guy wants to name a station after stephen gately.
A station named after a guy that mimed to music. I've heard it all. His death was tragic and a shock, but come on! What next, B'witched Bulevard, Westlife Way.
George,  what a great day, sun out, people happy, our management got us beer for the afternoon to enjoy in the office, no mention of nama, government, wage cuts etc. We need more sun in this country! Philip enfield.
George I'm an asthma sufferer and can feel a signficant change in air quality is much worse today. . . Adam from clonmel
George, I have the answer to all our problems! Put a tax on unnecessary verbiage! Cormac in Dublin
Ivan is creepy. Tiger was the one who did the dirt. Claire should have not let him away with comments like that. Tee. Dublin
Well said George about Tiger Woods. Nothing a woman could have done justifies his appalling behaviour. I believe Mr Woods has contempt for women. Anyone condoning what he did needs to look at how they view women. Stand firm on this George. Maria
Get real Claire. Speaking as a man, I can tell you that ALL men are cheats whether in thought or deed. I'm married and I've cheated. Why? Because the opportunity was there. If I get another opportunity I'll do it again! Any man that tells you any different is a liar. - Sean
I don't see the problem, satisfied men don't stray, tigers loaded all she has to do is look after his "needs" and she'll live like a princess. Not a bad deal, I'd do it!! Jt
Ivan yates is brilliant - 85 people in our office, split in gender all male agree with Yates and some of the ladys too - speaks his mind fair play!!
I'm embarrassed for Ivan. There's calling it as it you see it and then there's just stupid irresponsible sensationalistic, crass comments. C'mon man. I thought you're better than that.
Mornin folks. Word has it, its actually not volcanic ash, it nama ash, ash of 22billion euro, enough to cover the british isles an beyond! Gene from cork
George, the financial regulator is a breath of fresh air, any chance we could make him Taoiseach instead. From John in dungarvan
When they were building the Sydney Opera House they ran out of money, the governement set up a lottery for this project.  Can something like this be set up for the Ghost Estates to get people into them. Tighe in Dublin
Hi,how can u compare us to florida,or detriot. We are a small island,very small!Tom
Ghost Estates, dont put elderly in the middle of nowhere
New financial regulator gives me hope that some good might come from the economic disaster in the shape of more intelligent regulation. Every cloud.... Ciara, Newbridge
Hi George live in a village in Cavan, objected to various developments locally and lost the objection now have 120 vacant houses in a small village. Stephen
Hi George. It is so Irish to talk about bulldozing houses. Not an original idea in sight. We need a single housing voice to deal with the entire surplus stock above politics. There is some chance of that. Brendan
don't think we had the celtic tiger it was a balloon, Fianna Fail just kept putting hot air into it and now its burst. Well done George on keeping it going get well. Karl in Sandycove
I really believe a lot of men use their wife as an excuse when they don't want 2 do something! I've seen my own husband do it! Elly, Cork
George i work in a hotel bar, worked until 6am both fri and sat last wknd on more than 12hr shifts. Still only earned 10euro an hour, and they want to cut that... ??
George just to clarify tips for waiters are taxable, revenue assume waiters earn a certain amount of tips. And the service charge is also taxable and vat paid
Hi George, your pronunciation of 'yoghurt' is the correct one. Good for you! Ann, Cabinteely.
Hi George, I don't know why this minimum wage issue is causing such a fuss! It should be lowered for all new entrants into the Market and maintained at the current rate for those currently in employment! This is so simple yet it's not even been mentioned!
A lot of the people who are employed in restaurants are foreign nationals who are currently earning lower than the mimimun wage. John in Dublin
I'm confused George - I thought the Croke Park agreement was an independently mediated deal between the unions and government? So why are the union leaders now stepping away from it if they agreed it with Mr Mulvey of the LRC?? Disingenuous negotiating methinks!! Brian in Galway
I worked installing tills in hotels and restaurants once, and was never able to fathom some of the prices I was asked to put in. One hotel in Galways pricing policy consisted of them asking me what price I thought a drink should be, and just adding 2 euro. No working out margins, just pulling numbers out of the air because they thought people would pay anything.
Ivan, we need a root & branch shake up of governance in this sad little country .Before hitting workers,public & private,we shd slim down the Govt,slash those after presiding recklessly over the economic collapse. Frank D 16
I am a primary school teacher. Im disgusted with the public sector's attitude. We have to take a pay cut like everyone else. I wish teachers would start appreciating what they have.
JLC rates are way above min wage, no provision to plead inability to pay, no representation for non union employers and employees. Our tourism industry won't recover whilst eating out is expensive. We need a vibrant restaurant trade.
Ivan I am just back from a family holiday to Florida. We, a family of 5 and a grannie, ate out most nights in mid range restaurants. The most expensive bill was 54 dollars. This weekend we decided as a last gasp celebration of easter holidays ending to have lunch in our local restaurant We had 3 main courses and 2 bowls of rice and chips for my youngest kids We had no drinks only a jug of water The bill - 60 euro and that is recession pricing!! Pa
Welcome back George. Whats happening in nursing homes is symptomatic of us as a people. We fool tourists that we're warm and welcoming and yet we treat our own like s h 1 t. Its like the married couple in Father Ted, who own the local shop, ripping strips off each other behind closed doors but express their love for each other when Father Ted calls. Aside, results like this are depressing and appalling! Gene from Cork
It's a pity there wasn't an outside regulator to shut down this arrogant out of touch so called government. . John, Rathgar
George, I love the way you call a spade a bloody shovel. Oopey
Hi George. At last we have a regulator who has no ties with the elite - Let him do his job without any interference
Why don't the public service unions not target their employers income rather than the public. e.g. refuse to collect tax bills less than €30k, or whatever appropriate figure ? Der. Cork.
An expert is someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing. The deise dub
I've heard a economist defined as someone who can tell you today why what he told you yesterday would happen, didn't!
The 3 greats of Cuba are health, education and sport.  The 3 great failings are breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Nobody could 'do anything' when Ryanair required intervention to secure 500 engineering jobs in North Dublin but now we have almost every politician from the Borders lobbying the financial regulator on behalf of Quinn group.
Is'nt it great, we have to borrow money to give to Greece. Doesn't seem logical, from a country which is not far behind them. Pat
My father was a chef, he once asked a woman chef to seperate 60 eggs, she did and then threw all the whites away, they were needed for a mergingue !!! Veronica in Gorey
Sean did you know that while you and I can lead a horse to water Samuel Beckett could make it drink. Fact. Eamon de Valera's Ghost.
When Samuel Beckett jumps into water he doesn't get wet - the water gets Beckett'd
Samuel Beckett can touch MC Hammer.
Samuel Beckett was the original Stig on Top Gear. From patch
One word testosterone. A recent experiment gave young women testosterone and their driving behaviour changed drastically and they became more aggressive. Ronan in Galway
I am a male driver and have always driven safely. I am paying twice as much as my younger sister who is still on her provisional. Why should i suffer just because i am a male. That is blatant sexism no matter what way the insurance companies paint it. Do you think women would stand for this if it was the other way around? Peter cork
Men are more likely to be involved in an accident because in general men have more driving hours. If you divide annual premiums by driving hours, men are getting better value for money. Paul in Mullingar.
Would the huge insurance premiums for young drivers have anything to do with amount of lunatic boyracers on the road, racing, spinning wheels, skidding, doing doughnuts, speeding and causing insufferable noise levels! These drivers are a threat to all responible road users and need to be put out of business. Kevin in Cork
I am a teacher of 8 yrs and dont get paid 4 any holidays . I work in the classroom 23 hrs a week, i coach 4 hrs a week unpaid, pre and after school study 6hrs unpaid, school tour in holidays unpaid. Y are we getting slatted 4 standing up 4 our rights by the media but quinn workers arent? Whats the difference? Can u ask them to define the following words- bonus, overtime and holiday pay? Typical private sector unfair over paid greed.
Quinn has been effective in regional development.  How much would it cost to replace those jobs. Marian.
When will teachers understand that their pay increases over the last 7/8 years were based on bubble revenues and are going to have to be reversed - John Dublin
Our company would have gone out of business 10 years ago, if quinns had not come into insurance industry.  We need to 'cut quinn some slack'. It would b bad for irish industry if he goes out of insurance business. Biffo3
Just in kerry for school hols with the wife and kids... Its might be all bad news but am currently walking through killarney national park listening to newstalk... Sun coming up and stunning views... What bad news! ? :) nathan from navan.
Are we still on about patriotism today? Mark twain said your country deserves your loyalty all of the time and your government only when they deserve it. Mark. Firefighter.
The teachers are acting like the kids they teach. They were indulged for too long by their fellow teachers and public servants in government
RANDOM TEXT / Well you can tell that cheating bastard his bags are on the porch
I've been day dreaming about stealing my boyfriends iPhone and digging a big hole and burying it in the garden OR turning my boyfriends iPhone off and digging a big hole and and burying HIM in the garden.  Between texts, calls, twitter, football update and the scrabble app he is never off the bloody thing.  I think I've lost my boyfriend as he's not interested in pressing my buttons anymore only his iPhone.  Is there a support group I can join??  Forlorn Orla
Thought you might enjoy this, a picture of Mc Chicken nugget in the shape of this fine island! With the anger that majority of people have at the moment I thought this could bring that patriotic feeling out in people.  Brendan
Give it a rest claire! These are thousands of jobs at risk and help should be welcome!! Even if it is from public representatives, that's what there job is!!!! Michael in Meath
There is a high level of anger in the private sector also, esp over the obscene high pay level that remains while we suffer cuts and lay offs. There conduct at their conferences raise our anger further. James, Wexford.
Here we go again. We scream for thorough regulation, and at the first show of proper regulation the politicians are lining up to score points and influence things. Nothing will change in this country unless we get rid of the lot of them.
Hi claire.the teachers on their annual moan.if a pupil in there class behaved the way they behaved yesterday ,that pupil would never see the inside of that school again.
While I have no time for Mary Coughlan, aren't teachers setting a bad example 2 their students in that they wont afford respect 2 a speaker. Eoin, Dun Laoghaire
Dublin taxi drivers support sean quinn he brought My psv insurance costs down from 5000 punt in 1998 to 440 euro in 2008. Give the man a break !
Teachers won't strike before the summer as their rediculous 3 months off is about to start!
I work for anglo. Maybe i should organise a staff rally and get our jobs guaranteed for life. What are these guys on? -as soon as we get a regulator who knows what he is at, then people complain.
Who would you support in that man's situation ? Get real. This is about people surviving for good sake. Mile in cavan
Well said Claire! this Quinn speaker epitomises everything that's wrong with this country-look after ur own self interest instead of seeing the big picture.no doubt Quinn employees will vote FF in the next election.let's hope d regulator makes some more unpopular decisions.
NOT BELIEVING THE SHOW TODAY / Sean, come on mate, cheese and maggot's . . Nice try . . Gary, Kenmare
OUR LAGER, WHICH ART IN BARRELS, HALLOWED BY THY FAME. THY WILL BE DRUNK, I WILL BE DRUNK, AT HOME, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US THIS DAY OUR FOAMY HEAD, AND FORGIVE OUR SPILLAGE, AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SPILL AGAINST US. AND LEAD US NOT TO INCARCERATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM HANGOVERS. FOR THINE IS THE ALE, THE PILSNER, AND THE LAGER, FOREVER AND EVER. - AMEN -  Denis
I had live drunk prawns in China. It was that or duck tongue. In the end I had both but the prawns were better. Little Emperor
Eh ... Barf and double Barf. Dave
Best of Luck Ivan, will we now see you cycling up to the press outside the Dail unclipping your helmet, ala John Gormley!!
Best of Luck Ivan, will we now see you cycling up to the press outside the Dail unclipping your helmet, ala John Gormley!!
Ah come on! Brilliant! Didnt know if i should cry because he is leaving or worse joining greens! We love him! Morna
The green party? Ivan dont do it.
Ivan for the greens!! Good April fools!!
Come on within! Come on without! You aint seen nothin like the mighty Quinn! Surely that should be your theme song for the day! Mat the moaner
Surely the former finanical regulator neary should be striped of his pension due 2 his incomptence ! Fingers fingleton should loose everything. John tralee
If Brian Lenihan is now prepared to admit that we're not in our current financial situation becuse of international factors only
This is Clearly only the tip of the iceberg, when residential mortgages and bad personal debt is taken into account 10 billion to Anglo will seem like a pittance. Ross howth
Why isnt brian cowan answering serious questions he precided over all this. People should be on d streets over this.
No mention of the man who oversaw all this mess BERTIE AHERN. Jim.
The reason for Late night negotiations is simple. Most chinese, chippers, pizza places dont deliver until after 7!!
I have just got broadband and I'm just outside Galway City and all I could get is 1mb. Andy
Union members are like vampires, they work best after dark, Rob
Late night negotiations are common in Australia. The logic for them is simple: exhausted negotiators are more likely to reach otherwise unacceptable compromises.  Ray, Marino
Manchester United's bid for a fourth consecutive Champions League semi final has received a major boost. Both Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand travelled with the rest of the squad to Germany this morning, ahead of tomorrow night's quarter final first leg with Bayern Munich. Rooney missed Saturday's four nil win over Bolton with a bruised knee, while Ferdinand was also absent from the clash at the Reebok due to a groin injury. Meanwhile Bayern are anxiously monitoring the fitness of their in form winger Arjen Robben. The former Chelsea star pulled a calf muscle at the weekend and is a major doubt for the visit of the Premier League champions.
Ivan, suck it up. You need to accept that you weren't as good a driver as you thought you were and your wife obviously should be doing the driving. Paul in Mullingar.
You see Paul Gogarty would like to run for mayor!!! God help us all
How can a capital in jection of around 9bn only amount to 70pct state ownership . If I came into this country with 9bn I could buy all the banks and still have some leftover to buy aer lingus a few yachts a plane or two and a good party.
You might not be able to escape the bad weather here in Ireland if you can't get a passport. Gerry
Axe The Late Late Show or at least rename it as it is no different to Tubridy Tonight. Tom in Drogheda.
Can you axe oireachtas report? Boring. Watching paint drying much more exciting.
Hi Ivan. I think Fair City should be axed.  Story lines are appauling and the acting is a joke. The same with Home and Away and Neighbours. They really are mindless crap. Keep up the good work ivan. From gavin driving to work for long nightshift.
The fact that pubs are closed on good friday & christmas generates more business as patrons more than make up for it on the days either side of there 2 days a year.
The bailout will not cost each of us €3000. This burden will hit taxpayers in the middle hardest. That basically means everyone up at this time in the morning getting ready for work will pay our own €3000 share plus the €3000 shares of numerous others rich enough or poor enough to still be asleep.
We should all be more worried about our relationship with jesus rather than been able to buy a drink or not-if you dont want to buy a drink dont . Ellie
Firstly, many people I know work on Good Friday anyway, and secondly I'd gladly give up a day off work to lessen the stranglehold of the church on this country. John in dublin
Typical of the rugby following,drink is so part of its culture and its marketing and promotion that rugby 'supporters' and the money thats associated with it had to be accommodated. Austin, Killarney
As a Leinster supporter, I am delighted that the Munster supporters shall have plenty of options, in Limerick, to drown their sorrows when they loose to Leinster on Good Friday. Allez Les Bleus! Tom, Rathfarnham.
Find it strange that Mary Hanafin was moved to culture. Could the Taoiseach be trying disarm any future threat to his leadership?
If a priest can marry he will have kids who will get inheritance,the only reason for celibacy is the Vatican keeping its wealth. Damien
Peig Sayers the world's greatest storyteller. Gerry Curran, Dingle
Weasel words from the Pope pulling the wool over the poor Catholic people s eyes. Beware of Wolves in sheeps clothing
My uncle died from Motor Neuron disease, completely devoid of any dignity. He would have opted for voluntary euthanasia. It is your life, your decision. Paul, Galway
We should all have a choice to end our life, but the circumstances under which we should allow people to assist others suicide should be very limited. Niall
Didn't seem to be too many young people at that mass. Padraig Galway
Glad ur back claire- the boys ran a muck without u last week! Esp ivan!
The cops are right, why should they use their own gear? The government are ten years bringing in a secure communication system for the gardai
Sex addiction is 4 rich people. Ordinary joes get hit by frying pans
While I could not condone what cardinal Brady did there are many social psychology theories and experiments that explain it. Look at the Milgram studies on obedience and the ash studies on conformity also theory about diffusion of responsibility and the bystander effect. Any 1st year psychology student will have studied these and know that anyone of us placed in similar circumstances to Brady would have done the same think. These studies have been accepted as explaining the behaviour of many in Nazi Europe. Clinical psychologist
Simple thing to do for anyone who thinks porn isn’t a problem is to type in dead porn stars on you tube and pay particular notice to their ages. Forget about the degradation it single handedly tears their emotions and minds apart.
Sean, myself and most of my friends who've gotten married and have had kids have all gotten rid of our porn collections.  It is a respect thing for your partner and kids. I've a facebook page entitled 'i had 2 get rid of my porn collection coz i got married + had kids'.
For the guy who wants to find a great place to propose to his lady, there's an island estate in west cork that is accessible by bridge. There are a few places to stay on the estate but the boathouse is right on the lake and in the middle of the woods. It is lit up at night then and reflects on the water. It is the most beautiful place I have ever been. Fresh eggs and honey from the estate, otters at the slip and the feeling of being completely on your own with your significant other. It's the only place I would even consider. The place is in west cork and is called Inish beg.
George what total nonsense, the UK is bust more bust than anyone else and the Tories still won't get elected in may. I laugh at that Brits false ego.
Go George! If I ever see John McCrirrick I'll throw a bucket of dung at him - what about British imperialism around the world?
The truth hurts. Just look how we treat immigrants. We are always patting ourselves on the back. He was right about our neutrality and our snobbish attitude towards immigrants.
John McCrirrick is an angry old man, but so much of what he says is true. We have been surfing the EU Funds and subsidy wave for too long and have become an unbelieveably arrogant and conceited people in the process. Ireland has deserved it's recent very painful dose of reality. Tom, D14.
I'm sick of people coming here telling us how wonderful we are when we ain't.
I say Sean old chap - delighted to hear mention of my old chum Sam Beckett on the wireless today.  It brings to mind one particularly amusing incident back in the early 1950s. Dickie Attenborough and myself were working as pastry chefs in Paris when the Seine broke its banks and in the resultant flood most of our stock floated away in the waist-high waters.  As we splashed outside in pursuit of fast disappearing trays of cakes, we encountered none other than Samuel Beckett himself.  "What are you doing?" he enquired.  "We're wading for gateaux." Replied Dickie testily.  Your chum, Brigadier General Sir Raymond Luxury-Yacht O.B.E.
Bloody hell, Sean. If Protestants aren't "really" Irish, what chance do we atheists have? From Jon in Meath
My Dad tried to turn our family into a family singing band but it didn't work.  He spend a fortune on drum kits, guitars and bodrans but we were very lazy … I use one of the bodrans as a tray for drinks.  Aine
Thanks Sean for having the Crystal Swing crowd on.  I turned up the radio and we all got to listen to something positive for a change.  Not a major fan of that type of music but they are just a little ray of sunshine. Paula, in a grey office in Ennis
That priest makes me cry. Paedophelia was a crime in d 60s, 70s, 80s and always. And so was d CRIME of d cover up. If I covered up a crime I'd b prosecuted, why not those who KNEW about these crimes. Dave. Portlaoise
The cardinal didn't do anything because he is a politician. If he contacted the police he would have been sidelined & not got promoted. He looked after No 1
Even talking about Smith has made my stomach feel sick and makes me feel like turning off the radio. That I won't do but everything about him is sick. Paudie Limerick
He's not going to resign in a month of Sundays
Scary thing is, after doing all of that, he went on to be primate of All Ireland, so he clearly impressed his superiors.
Fiscal restraint ! There will have to physical restraint if Cowen keeps running the country the FF way.
Brady says if hes found out he ll resign who let him call the shots
It's not those attending church who you should ask if they're questioning their faith, it's the hundreds of thousands of us who have turned away that u should talk to! I used to be a lay reader and Eucharisctic Minister, I'm 33 yrs old and refuse to set foot in a church now and will not be happy until we have a total seperation of church and state in this country.
Have the radio on with the cows in the shed. Every time movie chick goes mmm... The cows moo back!  Cavan man.
I was sitting down at the Spanish arch in Galway about 2 years ago when we saw a man in the water who looked like he was drowning.  I dived into the cold fast moving water without thinking only to find out that he was trying to kill himself.  We got him out and I had some explaining to do when I showed up at my friends house in a cop car soaking wet.  Roisin in Galway
"Whip me" said the masochist. "NO!" said the sadist. Mark.  Cork
As a former Nurse manager in Tallaght. The Management system in The Hospital is dreadful. The Medical Director has 2 answer quest also. This hosp has lost gud Nurses nd Consultants have left because of the shanbles of a Hosp. Angela Co Kildare
Is there actually any part of the Public Service which is Fit for Purpose, which is not dysfunctional?
Harney not taking responsibility is a common thread with this government. Batt o'keffe is doing exact same thing with NCSE regarding SNA cuts. Robert limerick
Another public employees union temper tantrum trying to prove Ireland is as bad a home for foreign investment as Greece. When will the government shut down there bullies and their gangs.
Wonder has that priest ever been in a supermarket the night before Good Friday? Boozy trolley central.
It is widely accepted that reform of public sector had to happen..the prob is it didnt happen fairly.
I am tired of been told how lucky i am to have a job i am a nurse with a masters who worked hard to get where i am i funded myself and had my friends from the private sector laugh at me when i was working long days nights and bank holidays for the past 20 years.
Unions destroy the country - Kevin
O my god George, how refreshing a woman speaker not feeling hard done by fair play to her . John
Face facts; "A woman's place is in the cave, barefoot & pregnant & chained to the cooking pot" - Paddy Joe
George- two women arguing on international womens day. Q e d i think!
Good on niamh kavanagh. She is sounding and looking fantastic. Good for her. Sean, Wexford
Here's the thing if you mention panela anderson you are a bigot but if you mention mary robinson you are to be commended! Brian in lucan
Had Niamh Kavanagh been better managed/advised or lived abroad, she'd have been a jazz singer of the calibre of Ella Fitz or Cleo Laine. . . . from Gman in Kilkenny
What business would the DDDA have in New York or Helsinki? John in Dublin
Were facing the financial equivalent of the great famine whats happened to the youth
Sean, i work in sales, and i visited one of my customers today. I asked how things are going and he said 'very well, but don't tell anyone!  People don't like to hear that this weather'. How backward are we? Woodsie
EVERYONE knows the HSE is a failure, an Irish failure. Beating up the new british guy that is trying to fix it does not move things on at all.
Why are the garda not called in to investigate these crimes, if a child died at your home would you be allowed to do nothing and call no one ? What is the difference between home and HSE !
Claire, what exactly did the ministers get for the country , after their last few Paddy's day junkets? Nothing! Perhaps Dell jobs ?
I think, by way of solidarity, all workers in the country shd hang topless calendars on the walls of their places of work 2day! Anne
I'm certainly no fan of developers but why should they be forced to allow a pre agreed price to be dropped? What do u think would happen if they tried to charge more if values went up???
This is ridiculous, George. Giving babies a choice as to circumscision? I was done when I was born, over thirty years ago. It's proven to be more hygienic and safer re acquisition of infection. It was always seen as good practice by lots of doctors and it definitely is. D.
Circumcision is done for hygienic reasons and also in many traditional african cultures its an initiation into manhood. Its perfectly ok
I was circumcised at age 22, it is a lot more hygenic but an absolute nightmare of an experience and traumatic
SMACKING / I tried time out with my 3yr old son - his reaction was to deliberatly pee on every surface.  After a few times I had to try alternative.  Susie
George this is a joke, alcohol causes more adverse effects then any other drug, we need to get real, better kids getting controled substances from a shop then murderous drug dealers. Stephen s tallaght
I'm an ex drug taker. I had a bad reaction to a head shop product. I haven't been right since. These products a used supplementary - in conjunction to street drug. And wont reduce illegal drug taking. Pat in Galway.
I got a "take away " menu in the door, the head shop will deliver the drugs to your home when you ring them for a small price, as a guard told me legalised drug dealing to your door.  Dominick
Why not make it strictly over 21s only allowed into head shops....If they serve under age close em down...adult choice! Paddy in Galway
I am so sorry Sean for the decrease in beer consumption - its all my fault.  I put on a wild pile of weight and I had to lose it before the wedding so the missus to be put me on the Weight Watchers plan and I don't have enough points for the beer.  It won't be for long though so tillage farmers don't lose hope.  I'll be back.  John Joe Jack Pete.
Can you ask Keith or David is it possible to hypnotise a 5 year old to stop grinding his teeth at night and a 2 yr old to eat a more varied diet than dairy, toast and cookies?  Kevin in Kill
HEAD SHOP / Could you advise people listening, who insist on taking these harmful drugs from the head shops, to keep the packaging from them on their body. My friend collapsed and nearly died because the doctors had no idea what she had taken to put her in this condition. Dermot.
They are telling us if we all dont take out pensions it will put pressure on public finances but what about the ridiculous pension system for the public sector and even more ridiculous multiple pension system the incompetent government give themselves, i think these pensions are the ones putting the pressure on the finances provided by the paye taxpayer
Ivan. I'm sick of pension companies. I put 60k into my pension between 04 and 08. It's now worth 45k. It should be worth nearly 100k by now. Michael smith
Pensions are a waste of money. As Ivan may know, the odds of dying b4 65 are 8/13. Im puttin any extra off my mortgage. My target is to clear it by 46. Then i can think about pensions and have 2k pm spare from having no mortgage. Trying to pay both simultaneously wud be suicide. Rob.
What about mothers who work at home minding their own kids with no income- how are they supposed to pay into a pension?
Why should I be forced to contribute to a pension that is likely to lose value? its just giving the banks more of my money. They can get stuffed.
Public sector workers have had to make compulsory pension payments for years. It's about time all people have to make similar compulsory payments.
George. Most people have turned their back on the church. Yet we still have to endure this good friday bullshit, although, it's huge busness for the off licence trade!
George. It looks like rugby is doing what the penal laws failed to do! We have really lost the run of ourselves now. Pat Lawlor. Killarney
Delighted that newstalk ìs analysing domestic violence as it is on increase with the recession and there is v little analysis of it in the media.anne
I have to cycle up the quays several times a week and it is a very dangerous area. There is no reality to narrowing the lanes - there's no room as there is. Arthur
I've had a deposit on a new house since last july. I have had my mortgage approved. However, the builders bank will not play ball with the builder&release money for the house to be finished, until that happens i cannot draw down my mortgage. Where's the banks liquidity&stimulus? Julie
Increase in pensions no surprise there as the national pension reserve fund will be drained dry to fund the zombie banks so beloved by the politicans, it is ruling by fooling on a gargantuan scale John Larkin
Rather than take 5% out of our wages it would be a lot better give a tax break or subsidy to couples who have more than 3 children-if we had a baby boom we wud have more consumers,we wud eventually fill all the vacant houses & they wud all be working by 2050 to balance pension deficit! Joe from Tipp.
Ive always reckoned they should put road markings in the over takeing lane like they have in bus lanes,its incredible how dosile many drivers are and how simple road markings work, commen sense is a rare thing,from the rule makers right down to the road users. Jack,santry.
My bro, drives his van, fone to d ear, eats a brekie roll, paper upon steering wheel, rolls ciggy wit other hand + chats 2 passenger, thank god it aint foggy. Sum man 4 one man. D
There is no link up between all three education levels in ireland and the only links to industry are dangerous as industry requires instant turn around and third level has a min three year turn around. System should create good vanilla grads who know how to learn who can then specialise . Nicola dublin
People come out with degrees and cannot speak two words together without ..'you know'..or stutter and it seems to be only the irish. Americans can speak clearly and have a great flow of words as do the english.Education how are you. Attention should be paid to expressing clearly and freely and none of your bad english like in ireland. No wonder things are in such a mess when we cannot speak clearly how can we think clearly. Ireland cop on. Joe
If you want to sort out the problem, give more points for honours maths. It won't happen because there's a pretence that all subjects are equally difficult. Alice Turner.
The Leaving Cert syllabus is much easier than it was when I did it 15 years ago. Ridiculously so, in my opinion, especially in the sciences. I know because I give grinds to LC students, and you're right! They have NO cop on!
Have been waiting for this issue re: high grades to arise. Totally agree that standards have slipped. College lecturers are under huge pressure from the college boards to award high grades to ensure college ranks highly and retains funding. THIS IS A FACT. Rachel
A man is a sex 'addict' when he gets caught offside.
George, what's a wild animal doing in a tank? It's no wonder it killed someone. They belong in the wild. Release it from its prison. C'mon this is 3rd person to die. Are they that stupid. Sam in Clare
Hey guess what? If that whale hadnt been imprisoned and abused its entire life those people would be alive today. That doesnt take a genius to work out.
George feck the tea party. Lets have a Guy Fawkes party. Blow all the muppets up and start again ! Michael H, Ringsend, Dublin
I take cinamon in porridge most mornings and have found that it decreases sugar cravings. It's also has relaxing properties,great before bed.
Is Eamon Ryan the only green in government? He sounds like it he says he is doing this and that and all on his own the rest of them should help him he needs help by the sound of him - BERNADETTE
If "victims" who were "forced" to over pay for property are to receive a bailout, do I get a (partial?) refund of all the rent I've paid out while waiting for prices to fall? (Prices kept high by idiots - sorry victims - who were prepared to pay stupid money.) If no refund of rent for me and others like me, why not?
B&Bs need to improve their standards stayed in a b&b in Wexford before and the rooms were a discrace for 70 euro a night, hotels provide a clean room and a decent breakfast, no sympathy rob Dublin
B and B's charging anymore than 50 euros is disgraceful. All it is is a change of sheets and a breakfast that costs the propietor about 3 euros to produce! 20 euros would still generate a profit!!
Eamon ryan is a nice guy & very able politician but we don't need green issues /agendas at the moment, we need business minded politicians to get us out of this mess. Martin from D2
"my nama" is only a way of artifically keeping up the value of property. + encouraging people to go out & spend i.e. Consumerism is totally anti " green" - chris
Ivan can u ask the minister about mortgages that were given to people who clearly couldn't afford to repay. Where the banks tweeked the criteria to make the paper work look ok. If this was proven would the mortgage holder have to repay it. Donal
My nephew love's the Kings of Leon, song Sex on Fire, he sings it 'my socks are on fire' Mark Westmeath
I was worried when I heard my 3yr old singing Spice Girls 'If You Wanna Be My Lover' only to hear her sing 'if you want to be my ladder' instead. Eunice, Dublin
Too old for Jaegger Bombs Sean??  I don't think so! Recently at my 30th birthday party I had my 70 year old mother drinking them. The grumpy farmer in tipp
A paper is like a renewable best friend: you buy it, stick it in your back pocket, carry it under your arm, stuff it into your bag. You read it when you stick your feet up, when you're on the bus or train. You handle it like an accordian player and it suits your body posture. Dog eared and crumpled you bring it home after work and it's still fit to tell you what's on the box. It's your best friend. And tomorrow there is a brand new one. Long live the paper! Martin
I'd like to commend Fr Kenny. I'm from Kilconly and I can tell you there is no room at the weekend mass. And weekday mass there's more & more going everyday.
We've had A La Carte catholicism for years - now its the continental breakfast! - Gary Leonard ( Tipp)
If that's what the church has come to, I am glad I left 23 years ago. Mass is not about rushing through it to get it over with. People should be honest and just not go if the only reasons they go is to get it out of the way. Pathetic. Regina. Carrick.
Michael O'Leary is a big child who's throwing his toys out of his pram when we all don't kiss his behind. Eddie
The spin machine is in full swing. Soon they will tell us that the recession is  O learys fault. Give him the hangar. It will take 3 years to build one. Neil, Wicklow.
Myself and my friends wont go to any Tom Cruise movie. If he is popular and gets a new movie role then more money goes indirectly to Scientology. Down with this cult.
Thanks for featuring that allergy doctor today sean. Both my sons have peanut allergies and it is a constant worry. We carry adrenaline for the eldest at all times. It is good to know there is hope out there.
I just passed a shop in Dundalk and in the window was a sign that read ...  Ears pierced while you wait!  Des
Hi, the greens are like a broken old record , they sold out all green policies from the very start . Maybe they should watch the dog whisper to learn how to handle FF . Dave in newbridge
Fianna Fail coalition partners are like those cloths you add to the coloured wash. It mops up the stains and then you throw it away. Alice Turner
Why didnt Willy and Trevor resign their dail seats. If a TD comes under scrutiny in the future for similar things what happens? Nothing? Im a prison officer and if I did what either of them did I would not be demoted, I would be fired!
Claire, let's not forget, Trevor Sergeant resigned promptly ONCE HE WAS CAUGHT!
Trevor Seargent for the Park. The theme is 'honesty'. It's a characteristic that is rare in Irish politics. Dermot
Eamonn Ryan is a decent man and one of the few shining lights of this horrendous government. For the sake of the country, I plead with him and his fellow Greens to now follow Sergeant's dignified and honorable example and pull the plug on this dreadful and shambolic government. Tom, D14
George, I am a lecturer in AIT and was told by a first year student that they could not do their course project because their internet connection was down. Mike in Athlone
Surely, if the actions of representatives are enough to resign as ministers, they should also resign as TDs. JohnM, Limerick.
Enough is enough. Greens are totally discredited and should withdraw from Government. Election now.
A lot of women don't have children now because they don't have to or don't want to, not like the past in Ireland when you were practically forced into it.
Having a child is a very difficult thing which changes your life massively so I'm not at all suprised with the research findings.
Ivan if the schools have to close due to this directive then no teacher should be paid for those particular days. Please tell the ASTI that productivity is required
What is the problem with the teachers? I was on a skiing holiday last week during mid term and half the people on the plane were teachers! The thing is as I work in the private sector I don't know if I'll be able to go next year whereas the teachers know they will be able to!
We must meet these society terrorists head on, internment is a real option. Had it been done last year after the murder of another innocent, this man might be alive this morning.
George re: president, there is only one man for the job, Bertie. He's a statesman who is respected throughout the world, and brought lasting peace to our island. Stephen kearon. Ballinaclash. Wicklow
George , people would do well to remember that the present resident of our whitehouse was not democraticaly elected . So why bother with an election this time around ? Gerry. Dublin 6
George - the office of State presidency should be abolished : we, the taxpayer and the unemployed , cannot afford such a useless luxury . John Dublin  22 .
would be shamed if as a country we elected bertie ahern to the office of president. Any faith I have in the people of this country would be gone forever - as would I
I would vote for Sen. Norris. I would emigrate before voting for Bertie. Owen. Dublin 13
What great news - I've always thought David Norris should run for president! Compassionate, passionate, eloquent & witty with a wealth of experience. I would vote for him, as would many other people. Tania, Dublin 12
Minister Lenihan, my pay has been demolished . I have 1200 a month mortgage . Is there any chance of a break for people like me. I cant even put heat in my home this month .
Ivan, come on admit it, Minister Lenihan is a legend, I know I would like him fighting my corner in court!
Sounds like the Green ministers are hanging on for the few months they need to qualify for their minister's pensions.
Another pie in the sky FG proposal + this is meant to be our alternative govt . Thanks ivan for showing up this silly proposal which has no figures to substantìate it.
Does fine gael think we are fools. They think they can reduce spending and increase output. If these are the alternative government we are screwed.
Do you think that in 20 years time we'll all be sitting around asking each other 'do you remember where you were when Tiger made his famous statment? Gerard
George how can Tiger have so much control of his game and not his love life. Illness my arse. Brendan
Totally agree with you George on the non-existence of rules of the road applying to pedestrians and cyclists. Have done the emergency stop myself as cyclist crossed junction on a red light and into the bargan gave me the fingers! I thought I'd killed him but he swirved around the front of the car as I was only able to stop 1/4 way across the junction! Noticed in the last couple of weeks 30kph has made pedestrian lights and rules of the road to pedestrians and cyclist more redundant as they dart between slow moving cars
George, lay off Kay Burley...she's hot! Have a thicker skin. We dont need more hysteria about religion. John, a Catholic, in Limerick.
Surely you're allowed say the word 'willy' on the radio- i mean small children say it every day. It's not a swear word is it?? I'd put it in the same category as 'bum' and 'wee wee'. It's political correctness gone mad!
That's two days in a row that Henry's said balls! He's really beginning to live on the edge. Alan, Laois
If Tiger says hes returning to golf i will be having a few euro on him winning all 4 majors this year. It is after all the chinese year of the tiger ! Jack the mad.
I agree with that texter who hates Jane Austins books. My Mr Darcey would be Johnny Vegas. Sean, Wexford
I read the book and its full of great zombie fighting hints such as planting cauliflower in your garden.  Cauliflower looks so similar to human brains so it keeps the zombies busy while you make your escape.Brian in Newbridge.
Is Sean off today because of the bank off with Tom Dunne? Has Tom Dunne taken him out?  I thought Sean could take him in a fight.  Tom comes across as too nice where as I think Sean could be a secret ninja.  Deirdre
When have bus fares gone down? Or tv licences? Or any state run services? James. Dublin
Hi George, is it possible for the Greens to garner favour with the public by bringing down this government..?? Eoin in Meath..
George, South Park is actually a very intelligent show. It deals wit current issues and in general promotes good morals. I have seen every single episode and the storylines are not only witty but apt. John, Cork
Irelands minimum wage is in line with the costs of goods and services. Robinson should realise that! Things in the UK are cheaper. Robinson should live on the minimum wage and see how he likes it! From angry Rob in Galway.
What happened to all the jobs voting yes for Lisbon would bring? No wonder we have the politicians we have, the Irish are generally stupid. Enda in Galway
Willie O'D for President!  Old school politics baby!
When I worked in Thornton’s restaurants we used to get the rabbits in with the heads attached, they came from France all rabbits have to have the head attached to prove they are not cats.
Sean the problem in ireland is that a lot of people will simple vote for a party no matter who is the TD. That way no matter who runs as long as the run for the party they get elected. You could run a dog in some constituencys and they would vote them in. Alan in Mullingar
Henry saying balls has made my day. How often i've wanted to say it myself in public but havn't had the you know whats. He's an inspiration to us all. GOD BLESS YOU HENRY MC KEAN!
I was working in Cambodia a few years back, we used go for steak and chips every Friday night. Then after 4 months we realized there was no cows in Cambodia, so we asked the lady in the restaurant what we were eating, she said 'Chowa' as in Dog……Sam
Such a load of gombeens in the dail today. And the country in the state It's in and priority should be jobs.
Green Party has coherent strategy: elected reps do realpolitik, Dan Boyle does conscience
Dan Boyle is a coward. 2 hide behind a twitter page & not have the courage 2 come out & back up in person what he wrote. The Greens & FF deserve each other!Pat
Say what u like about the brits ,if this were England o Dea would be gone by now . Mike clare
Amazing how quick gov. Can move to save their own skin. Greens should now be called yellows.
Shane Ross is correct. This country is a joke. Mary doesn't have a clue. When I get my Chartered Engineer status, I will take my 30 years of experience which is not required here, and my fluent French, and take it somewhere it is valued. This is the land of chancers, thieving bankers and developers, and their cronies in Fianna Failure. John Ballinteer.
Willie's defence seems to be that everyone's standards are equally low. Banana republic is an understatement. Donnagh from Kerry.
Well done the now unemployed S R T workers you are doing what the unions have failed to do I hope all the unemployed come out and support you. Bernadette .
Rather than ring a bell the speaker of the dail should be able to give electric shocks to shut them up. I would say good money to watch that. Garry in Ennis.
There may be nobody at mass to listen to the papal letter.
Re: Abuse. OUR PARENTS ALL knew what was happening, but did nothing. Parents have to share a lot of d blame. Johnny in Artane.
Why don't ye say that both parties accepted that a genuine mistake was made on O'Dea's part instead of telling half the story?
It's not by chance that the Catholic Church has survived for 2000 years. They know how to batten down the hatches. Eddie
CLAIRE IVAN THE ONLY REASON THAT THERE IS A MEETING IN ROME IS BECAUSE THEY ARE LOSING MONEY.THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IS A JOKE AND IS ONLY INTERESTED IN POWER AND MONEY AND HISTORY SHOWS THIS.WHEN WILL THE OLDER IRISH PEOPLE COP ON.PAUL TIPPERARY AGED 45
Michael O Leary only wants hangar 6 because it has Airstrip and roadside access. He wants to buy the site and open a check in facility there, that's why DAA won't deal with him, they know this and they need him as a tenant in the main building
It nearly doesn't deserve the oxygen of any discussion or publication. You can split that statement all ya like, there's no apology in there or road map for a future and healing. Feck em, we dont need them.  Enjoy your life, the planet and your loved ones. Gene from cork
No apology from the pope. Shame on him. He’s no better than the priests that abused. He part blamed the abuse on REDUCED FAITH. How dare he insult the victims by saying that.  Andrew, Athlone
How long do you think you have to leave it before u can go out with a good mate's ex? He broke off with her a year ago. Conal
I was raped at a party in 1995. Took me 13 YEARS to realize that it was rape, not just a dodgy situation I shouldn't have allowed to happen. I felt ashamed all that time - but I did NOT consent, and I was NOT cajoled. It's not true to say that "you know when you've been raped". Our culture makes it difficult to see sometimes.
This is more of the same stuff from Women's groups about the supposed huge numbers of un reported rapes. I'm a Garda with 15 years service and I would say that somewhere in the region of 75 - 85% of reported rapes are actually not rapes at all but are females who can't remember whether they had sex or not. If they cant remember having sex or giving consent they are not in a position to accuse the man of rape. Of course there are high numbers of rapes and sexual assaults which are not reported due to fear of the consequences and of the court procedure but there has to be balance, we cant just accept that every reported case of rape is actually rape. Cork Garda
If the Tanaiste can't tell a Quango what 2 do or who 2 deal with. Then what purpose does a government serve?
I dont understand deirdre de burca's motives. She resigns as a senator because she wasnt given a job outside the senate. J
I'm no fan of Minister Coughlan but I hope she bites that little creeps head off and spits it out. He's up to something......as usual. Cee. Dublin.
The way O'Leary is behaving, as a person, is wrong. The way he's behaving for the company is excellent.
Why can i buy 2 boxes of tablets in a chemist in spain for 54 euro same cost 40 for l box in lreland. Rip off lreland . Ann.
I'm a Kerryman who has followed Rugby all my life - my Weekend was shattered - much more than if Kerry lost an All-Ireland - I'm not alone!
Why didn't Michael O'Leary go public on his job offer last September?  Why wait until now? Ed in Meath
It didnt feel like rugby was a minority sport when we won the grand slam last year. Fair weather fans! Gill, Dublin.
Tell that listener calling it a "minority sport" get lost. There are many identities to ireland & gombeen/rabid gaa morons can go to hell with their envy, dressed up as the only real version of ireland. Keith Dublin 2.
George, with 400 thousands plus unemployed, even at 100 jobs a week being created, it will take 80 years to get those figures down. Truth is this government is not doing enough.! Mick, Dublin.
I'm in Cullahill, County Laois and 5 military helicopters in convoy have just past heading south just now.  The funny thing is Ireland don't have 5 military helicopters. Have we been invaded??
God we're only over Valentines and now there are Mothers day cards on the shelves.  I'm robbed! There's a card for everything these days and I'm expected to get them all. What's the big whack with cards? there are such a waste of money. Tommy the Butcher

Made Thai pancakes. Same as usual but with coconut milk., num num num :)


Personally i have had good a & e experience. But when bringing my daughter to tallaght and seeing all the people in the halls sent a shiver up my spine. Shane in arklow
I had a player with a suspected broken leg at a match in glaslough co monaghan yesterday, it took the ambalance 1.5 hours to bring the player to drogheda nearly 100miles away. What is going on? Brian
A friend with cancer waited on a trolley for 36 for a bed in Galway. She had a compromised immune system and lay by an old man with Swine Flu. This was at UCHG, a centre of excellence for cancer! My arse! From Rob in Galway.
It says St Johns in Limerick was one of only 3 hospitals working efficently and Harney actually shut down that A+E earlier this year. We would like to have it back and to have Harney sacked and locked up. F o'shea Limerick.
85yr old pensioner from rush waiting 4 days on a trolley for a bed in beaumont this week. This man in on a different planet with his statistics.
Cyber sex is absolutely cheating, i would feel rejected and like we had a problem if my partner did it - Emilie
Look behind the 'Tea Party' movement; some very nasty WASPish characters - Pat Burke
Don't agree with green politics and would not vote for them. Having said i believe they have progressed green issues more since they have been in government than previous or future 10 years outside government. Norman
Greens are in government to environmently tax us as much as possible while ordinary people get poorer and poorer. Hope they enjoy it cause once they get booted out they wont get back in again until hell freezes over.
Knowing maths and teaching maths are very different things. The problems with maths is curriculum based and nothing to do with the standard of teaching.
An Irish solution to an Irish problem... Why not just introduce same sex marriage? John Dublin
Typical... For all of clare byrne's reporting on our economic situation she remains blissfully unaware of peoples' problems. I would be lucky if i could afford roses from tescos...
Ivan, I read in the paper the other day that George Lee will be entitled to hand shake worth over 15,000 euro for 9 months service in Dail Eireann. I served for over 31 years in the Army as a Sgt, with numerous tours of duty overseas. My gratuity for the whole of my service came to under 60,000 euro. I would argue pound for pound that I did the state somewhat more service than Mr Lee. Or have I got it all wrong!
Tell Claire to stop bein a snob, valentines day is about showin how much u care not how much u can spend! I tink its great u can get roses for that price wen u consider d amount of unemployed males in the country!
Clare, you seem to be saying that you would only accept expensive presents - material girl? JD
37850 in expenses?? Am i hearing right - i earn nowhere near that and i work fulltime unlike that shower in the dail that are in once every 3days, if that.
Do u know how much water is re-directed from communities in east africa so we can buy flowers on valentines day?? If u must at least buy local . . Emerald, cork
It is an offence for the officers of the GRA to canvass members on industrial action. Why have these officers not been arrested? Pat Lynch
I hope the media now realises what a poor job it did in explaining the fiscal transfers that logic dictates the Lisbon & Maast. Treaties demand. Greece shows a common european currency does not allow sufficient restraint & discipline. The EU will only work if it has a common taxation, economic & monetary y & City Managers were among those that B. Lenihan exempted from wage cuts. We have far 2 much government
Why is Cowen at the EU Greece talks? Is it not enough that he made a complete B*****x of the Irish economy without letting him loose on the poor Greeks???
Why didnt u ask bank of scotland 2 b honest and tel us their corporate busines is also closed 4 business? They just cut my working capital 4 no reason. The dogs on the street know they are pulling out. John. Dublin.
Its sad to think that george lee's departure has caused a new makeover for enda.from now on he will be a puppet propped up by his front bench.mike
Twenty years ago i packed in a job with one of the big high street banks much to my family's dismay. I could see then that the industry was full of liars creeps and back stabbers. I have been proven right. Boff galway
Banks lent money they didn't have in the first place & are charging interest on it! It's called fractional banking. They're allowed to create money\credit electronically on a PC from thin air, up to 10 times what they have in deposits. Why can't they give us a moritorium on money they didn't have in the first place but continue to make profit\interest on? Why are you prevented from discussing this? it's time for you, journalists, to seriously investigate and demand answers and explanations on behalf of the public, not to be complicit by staying silent.This is too important an issue to ignore. -Jason D7 4052108

Hi Clare & Ivan. Bobby was an excellent guest, and an inspirational businessman! Too many SMEs bemoan the minimum wage & say they can't take a wage themselves. What does this say about their business acumen?
Question - Will i lose my tracker mortgage? Or will contract stand?
Can u tell bobby to sort out his toasting machines in shops. Painfully slow for people taking out sandwiches. Joe
If accusing lee of greed is so awful why did NewsTalk give that idiot Eoghan Harris 10 min to do just that unchallenged yesterday. You are hypocrites.
Good morning claire and ivan. I disagree with what ivan said about people not going into politics for money. Isnt the expenses issue in itself proof they do. John clondalkin
Your sports man should watch the Nani tackle again  - it was one footed and he won the ball . Don't simply read a paper report !
Dear Ivan - d td frm kildare is right. I was imposed onto a VIRTUAL primary care team whose meetings are in a RIVAL GP surgery to which i can never attend in dublin 5. We are now loss-making on our medical card patiens since all d fee reductions and our practises are being subsidised by d sparse private patients. On 6th march we have a major meeting to discuss the viability of continuing in d med card scheme. So d primary care teams are dead in d water... Dr.johnny
How can DUBLIN TDs claim 12grand to get to the Dail? I live and work in dublin and my boss does not pay for my diesel or bus fare. . . I dont get it.
Is there any provision for td's to clock out as well, so we can know how much time they actually spend in leinster house? And how about a monthly productivity report for each one, so we know what the do and he we are getting value for money?
I mean this...i am a nurse in d coal face, fast burning out. 220 primary care centres do not exist, except in dreams of dept of ill health. Ta. Allison
Is there any provision for td's to clock out as well, so we can know how much time they actually spend in leinster house? And how about a monthly productivity report for each one, so we know what the do and he we are getting value for money?
I live and work in Dublin, can i have 12k in travel expenses? I don't think so... What a joke. Ash, Dublin
All Party agreement on Dail expenses reform! Do the TD's not get it, how can they claim expenses without receipts? What Company would allow its employees to do this! Yet again they had a chance to get it right and build public confidence in the Dail and yet again they have missed the mark completely! Will they ever learn? How can they be so out of touch with reality in a time were they are actively reducing Public sector pay? David.
Ivan, ask Joe Higgins why Permanent TSB has one of the highest mortgage rates in the country? Are they offering to buy the loan book at better rates than other banks? Paul in Dublin.
Nelligan brilliant! Talks so much sense. Get him into politics! Siobhan from Donegal
God bless Maurice Nelligan he says it as it is ! Bebhinn, Midwest
Hi George tell FG to stop digging... they got it wrong about George Lee... get on with life.  Gerry in Limerick
George stop this nonsense of "protecting jobs" . Governments can't keep subsidising unavailable jobs that can only create a low cost business environment. Mick
George. Any chance of extending your singles night in Galway? There is a heap of us down here in need of your match making skills. Jules in galway
George, whats wrong with private provision of public health. The excellent french system is payed for by state but provided by private sector. Colm, Swords.
We train our Doctors by making them pay the full economic cost of their training. Why are we giving doctors a half a million euro in free education.
We need private hospitals to reduce overcrowding in public hospitals. Harney is right. Privatisation worked well in Holland. Joe wexford
We spend more per capita on our health system(both public and private) than Uk, France, Canada etc who have much better systems. Unions are stiffling reform.
George Lee thought he had nothing to do but slip into a telephone box, leap out in his cape and lycra, and kill all the bad boys and save the world. Robert.
Saw the haiti documentary last night. Fair play george and fair play to all who went. It appears to be a fantastic project and intend to get involved next time.
George. Kenny has played a blinder for FG. Why do people expect so much more from the leader of the opposition than they do from the Taoiseach. From Mary in Clonskeagh
George. Well done on raising the issue of the constituency based system. This is the cause of so much disillusion and apathy with our political system. Of course there is no Left/Right debate in this country, the majority of votes are cast based upon local pointscoring issues and not on any sense of ideology or direction. Tiernan Griffith Gray
Do the unions, such as Unite, live on cloud cuckoo land. How do they think that they can fight the decision by am independent company to stop trading in Ireland. I am sick of listening to militant bull. Paul in Mullingar.
I have travelled with my family across Wisconsin, Minnesota and finished in Chicago. Great part of America. I was near the twin cities when the bridge collapsed. Highlight was a town called Tomah, Wisconsin. Chicago is a great city. We had travelled from Yellowstone through Montana and South Dakota. I would recommend the trip. The people are amazing. Very friendly. Brian, Lucan
The unions live in fantasy economics land. Why dont they back the staff to take over the bank if they think its viable.  Mick
George Lee is a spoilt D4 brat . He will have no authority to speak about economic matters in the future . Don't know what good he is to Rte in the future ! I'd fire him from RTE as well !
George lee is like a spoilt child . He should have done his job per 27 thousand votes . Eamonn .
I think george has done the country a great service in exposing the body politic for the slow antiquated way we do business.
In all seriousness, I firmly believe George Lee went into politics with the best intentions, ie to oppose Fianna Fail's economics policies.  Only trouble is, he joined Fine Gael, and in only nine months he clearly realised they're exactly the same party, just with different coloured shirts. If nothing else he's made a Monday interesting for us! Sniffles MacGonagal
Arent chuggers techically harassing you for money?! So can they not be prosecuted under the new begging laws?! They are very intimidating. Rach
I write my wife "Love texts" all the time - little phrases on how much I cherish her and how much she means to me. She does the same to me. We are together just over ten wonderful years and married for the second time. Every birthday and Christmas I write a longer tome on the card. I have done this with my 3 children since they were able to read and now to my grandchildren. Romance has not gone away - we just don't go on about it. Conor
Sounds like palin is as negative, shrill, hollow, and nasty as ever. Scary 2 think she might b rep. pres candidate in 2012. Jackie
'CLAIRE' I WAS HASSLED FOR 15 MINUTES ON GRAFTON ST BEFORE XMAS, I ENDED SIGNED A D DEBIT FOR 20 A MONTH AND THE WANTED MORE, I FIND MORE HASSLE THAN PEOPLE AT ATM's BRENDAN DUBLIN.
Boards of management do not have to instruct teachers to make up lost days due to weather. Do we have minimum number of days for our kids to get educated or not. Or are agreements worth nothing. Martin cork
Not all charities guilty of chugging. Irish wheelchair association does not operate chugging.
Sarah Palin is a moron. Dara in cork
Hi George... It seems a farce that Mr Lillis only got 6 years 11 months when a prison officer caught bringing in contraband to Limerick Prison got 7 years... Something is very wrong George... Paul in Roscommon
Hookster, have you tried any Head Shop products?I had no interest in Head Shops until you all started debating them.... Now my curiousity is taking me to one tomorrow.
Love john waters honesty and passion! Adrienne
George, why can we motivate a country to boiling point over a silly match. Yet when it comes to our government we say and do nothing. I give up. Willie Limerick
George if we close head shops we will simply force decent law abiding drug users back to criminals. The numbers of drug deaths is insignificant compared to the number from drink. Lee in limerick
Sean, who do you think would win in a fight between a badger and a sausage dog? Aaron
Jim Corr and Charlie Bird - what a combo. Perfect coupling.
If Grainne Seoige had a voice like a fishwife, would she still be attractive? Mark. Cork
Nice segway ... Jekyl and Hyde into Mel Gibson.  Well as they say in the senate, 'all work and no play makes jack a dull beanstalk.  John
Ewstalk … talking female sheep. Tom
Your reporter at the chamber of commerce function sounds as if he got his script from the FF Press Office.
The incredible thing about the toll increases is that it will discourage motoristsfrom using most nationwide tolls and will reduce revenues. Paul in Mullingar.
Public servants take 15% paycut, Ivan says times are tough, get over it. Ivan's parking and toll charges go up, (along with everyone else's), Ivan says this is bad and gloomy. Ivan, do you consider yourself a Journalist?
With u all the way Ivan. Robbie Keane totally overrated. Why didn't he put a goal in the french net !!!! Mick kildare
Speed reduction did not prevent a serious accident on Eden Quay this morning
Sean, I'm tough and eating while listening to the podiatrist.  My Aunt had a really, really bad hammer toe (a middle toe) and eventually had to have it amputated last year.  She's sorry she didn't have it done years ago. Desperate Housewife  PS: I have lovely feet with long skinny toes, the only part of me that IS long and skinny.
Hi Sean! About feet … In the house I used to share a house with a few people, one of the guys was a bit peculiar. Arriving home to cook dinner, I discovered him with his bare feet on the kitchen table, using a hacksaw to cut off the dead skin on his heels and sandpaper to smooth them down. Needless to say, dinner was cancelled! Sir Lobster Random
Hi Moncrieff Team.  There is a newly launched website www.eazydayz.ie - it has a list of child friendly restaurants in the country. Sean
There’s a kids club every Sunday in Gandon’s in Emo, co. Laois.
Sean, I thought the Italian tradition of treating kids like royalty was a myth until I saw it first hand last year.  I was in Rome with my nephew who was 6 months at the time, and people were crossing the street to say hello to him! It was a joy to witness. Claire
Gilmore is easily the outstanding leader in irish politics. Straight, on waffle. He will certainly get my vote, brendan
Are we all not meant to be able to drive slow in housing estates. Some which have long roads between the entrance and your house. ! Dermot. Dublin.
Claire does this now make Bernard Mc Namara an official Zombie developer whistling by the graveyard ? Eamonn in Wicklow
It was a pleasure to hear Eamon gilmore giving straight answers. First politician I have heard doing that. Ivan sounded taken aback momentarily. Bryan Limerick
I am for a 30km speed limit in city centre. I would also want it in residential estates where children play. A person hit at 50km 9 out of 10chance of dying, at 30km 1 in10.
Claire, Ivan Why stop the limiting at 30 km an hour why not 10 km an hour that would be even safer - joe ringsend
Re haiti. Almost none of the money pledged to tsunami hit countries in asia was actually delivered. Jack Kildare.
Trade Union leaders need strikes to justify their massive salaries and like builders and developers are hated as they are now seen as scum looking out for their owm personal motivations as they recklessly destroy the irish economy. Anthony rathgar
30kmph Serves people right for voting for muppets from labour and Fine Gael.
30km an hour is complete bullshit, why don't the just take out the engines out of the cars and put peddle's in instead. Peter
Ivan, 30 kph is 18 mph. Tom
Does that man expect me to cycle to dublin from offaly every day?i already leave at 6 to avoid most of traffic & stay in work until 7 to avoid evening rush hour.whats the point if i can only go 30km during those times.ridiculous.
I 'm a cyclist. I'll be breaking the limit.
First day and the gardai on quays w speed trap-disgrace.
Hi claire i travel 100 kilometers a day on the roads. Before hooking the texters we have to re enforce the previous law of not to use mobile while driving. I see at least 20 people talking on the phone . I am texting you while i am on my way to work now in m 50. Thanks. Robin
Its pure nanny state. Anyone who texts and drives now will still try and bypass the code. And what a pain for commuters. - dave, tallaght.
It would suit the rsa better to concentrate on educating the full license holders who can't drive on motorways, frost or fog than helping private enterprise screw more money out of motorists under the gripe of road safety
Claire, we are in the age of technology so why can't someone develop voice recognition texting or a service that you can subscribe to that converts your voice message to text and sends it as well. Simon...
So civil servants aren't answering their phones today? Business as usual so!
I was in Dublin last week and i have never seen so many young people begging! I was shocked!
Isnt it ironic that the last time begging laws were enforced we were also living under a tyrannical government! Neil in cork
Get rid of the clipboard brigade they are most intimidating cant move in limerick with them they are worse than any poor misfortune homeless person. Siobhan
Its laughable that the punishment for beggars who break the new law is a fine of 400euro! How are they ever to pay that?
Anyone you see sitting in the same spot daily are virtually all professional beggars an certainly not homeless. I know a guy who lives next door to me and makes a good income out of begging. He gets welfare and is certainly not homeless. Most genuine homeless people actually dont beg at all.
Can workers claim inability to live on the minimum wage. Not everything has gone down. Niall ìn dublin
Claire, the government should means test all public sector workers pay to ensure the tax payer is not funding second homes, new cars mulpiple holidays etc and leave the pay of those that haven't overstretched themselver alone
The minimum wage also protects the specials needs and handicapped.some people expect these people to survive on wind.the catering and hotel industry were always into slavery
That restaurant owner has enraged me. Its none of his business where his employees live. When i was a student,my wages contributed to the family home. He is so arrogant,not every student drinks their wapes and even if they do, he doesnt have the rite to comment
After 13 years in the hotel industry iv experienced the good,bad and ugly side of the industry.the latest scam is the payment of a shift rate instead of the hourly rate, €6O per shift with no time limit on the shift:.iv witnessed shifts of 9 and 1O HOURS for this money.they cant get away with it. Pat athy
So the Dublin jersey is Red White & blue? The (Union) Jackeens are truly back! Paddy, Cork.
Abortion ,thou shalt not kill
Is anyone else surprised that only 60% of 18-34 year olds were in favour of abortion being legalised in Ireland? Conservative Ireland? Stephen, Dublin.
Coverage of haiti very good. Thank you ivan ger etc. Kieran from castleknock
Claire If Obama cant gt Massachusetts to support him what hope has he got. Is this the begining of the end of the new begining ?!!
Clare / Ivan Thank God common sense has prevailed in regard to the bank enquiry we cant afford the political enquiry proposed by labour Party regards Pat
Fair play ger and newstalk. those reports from haiti are superb. great work by all. dan on way birr to galway
If it is possible for something like the Haiti earthquake to have a silver lining it would be that the world focus is now on Haiti. A friend of mine was there 2 years ago and his opinion was that Haiti was a lost cause. Now it might have a bright future when this tragedy is dealt with. Billy
As the insurance companies know, older drivers are safer drivers... A medical at 70 is a good idea, but really we should concentrate on controlling the lethal 'boy racers' on our roads, not their grandfathers! Jim, Cork
Ten days with no water in Terenure! And the car washes in the city still running! And even when it comes back, I will have to get a plumber out AGAIN - my tank gets air locked every time the pressure gets low. Should I be taking a night course in plumbing for 2010? Ciara
My brother lives in clarecastle ennis co clare and for the last 8 years they cant drink the tap water. They spend a fortune bottled water -why arent the media reporting on this. The councils and gov have forgotten them. Linda, maynooth
There is at least a five hundred litre tank of water in all your attics. Surely this is lasting everyone the few hours the water is turned off. The only tap that wont work would b your kitchen cold tap
Anytime my water has been shut off i have not received any notice of it. What happens if i'm running the dishwasher or washing machine and the water is cut off. If the machine breaks, who pays! Patrick in carrickmines.
Personally i would prefer the county engineers out there fixing water supply than some politicians sitting round a table drinking tea and calling themselves an emergency response commitee. Which is what is happening.
My 79 yr old father lives in Rathfarnam Village his water pressure goes up and down each day and he is runing up and down the attic ladder with buckets of water...he is told by Sth Dublin CoCo that it is DCC's problem and Visa Versa....are these Civil Servants trained to blame everyone else ??.... is this "policy"..Mark
Why are you not talking about the water situation in Dublin? Are pipe problems being traced and repaired? Why is the media so silent?
We've had the floods. We've had the freeze. and now we have torn-up roads - more potholes than we've ever seen. So where is the councils fixing the roads? Where are those we pay our roadtaxes to? John in Galway...
I'm fed up with farmers always complaining about supermarket prices. Why don't they open there own supermarkets? Dave in Waterford
Claire, remember the 'Louise Woodward' Trial in the US 13 years ago? The chief prosecutor in that trial was a Ms Martha Coaxley, who's running in the Massachussetts senate race on the democratic ticket... Andy in Castlebar
ADRA Ireland is in Haiti helping the affected people-www.mycharity.ie/charity/adra
Hi all - any inquiry into banks in ireland must be held in public and we should NOT let any T. D. Or Senator be in involved. Otherwise, it will look like a snow job been done... From Ciaran Keegan in Cork
What's all this about the 3rd Mon of the year being the worst day? Frankly, I can't tell the difference - they're ALL dull, cold & miserable. John, Terenure.
Haiti may need everything... Ireland only needs one thing - a revolution. James, Wexford
There is no point having any sort of a private inquiry into banking. It's not like any other inquiry or tribunal. It affects us all. No fudge will be accepted this time. The government need to be straight with u -, after all, it's our money that's holding the banks together... Let there be no more messing the people about by this government. A full public inquiry broadcast on live tv is the only answer. John in Letterkenny
On a topic from Fri - I went to the same C of I school as Ivan, and we learnt the anthem in the language in which it was written as well as in Irish. Charlotte
Claire - my sister was targeted to grow lending by 8 million in small town in ulster with no business above twenty people. She was told to be cute and do it. Pressure drove this and greed from top down...
Claire\ Ivan - Firstly, welcome back Claire. Secondly, in all honesty, what good will a 'banking inquiry' do? It will not tell us anything we don't already know. If it does go ahead nobody will be held accountable for their actions or inactions , particularly members of government. The only thing it will do is to line the pockets of solicitors or barristers. If I thought for one second that those responsible for putting our country in such a dreadful state would face legal action, ousted from their cushy positions or indeed face prison sentences, I would be in total agreement with it going ahead. Otherwise it's like everything else this government has done to date: pointless, useless, and a gross waste of money. - Seanie
Bankers know too much about the bribery, corruption, collusion, and abuse of political patronage of the FF government since 1997 with their benefactors to  be vulnerable in society. (An Inquiry) is a waste of time. It is that simple. John, Dublin
Ivan and Claire - The Dáil bank enquiry will cost millions, and will interfere with garda enquiry... Regards, Pat.
Welcome back, Claire. Ivan is good but we missed your lovely voice...
Ivan - Honestly, what's the point of an enquiry into the financial screwup in Ireland? It's going to be yet another waste of taxpayers money as there will be no prosecutions, nothing will change in the way things are done, nothing can be achieved whilst those in power hold the puppet strings of those who investigate. We're part of Europe, why can't the ECB appoint independent experts from across the Euro Zone to carry out an impartial investigation which will lead to prosecutons and recommendations? Simon...
I have the opposite of that woman, i have a real problem trying to say yes.  Rev Ian Paisely.
Can Beths Wareham's book be made into a religion because she is talking sense on biblical proportions.  Carla
My colleague sitting beside me at work has spent that last 10 minutes talking to her boyfriend on the phone telling him all about what she's eaten today.  I know you never know what goes on behind closed doors but MAN ALIVE ... that's boring.  Claire, Galway
Hello. My name is Mick.  I am an alien friend. I have impregnated Sean with my child.  How can I help your people.
Ivan's constant slagging + condescending attitude of Tom Dunne shows off Yates's insecurities! IVAN GET A LIFE . JJ.
Can I say that I have switched to 106 from Radio 1 and I love the few minutes chat between Ivan and Tom. I am regularly screaming laughing at their chats. It sets me up for the day. Phil
Have to say Lads - I often let a roar at the radio when Ivan continually takes over Tom's wee spiel every morning! Cool the heels Ivan, cool the heels!
I can vouch for Conor's school not teaching the national anthem. Although considering his singing on Under the Boardwalk for Mr Kennedy, maybe it was a good idea...  Paul from Blanchardstown.
1916 was in the graphic novel series Preacher. It had an Irish vampire in it. Mark in Finglas.
I'm glad Tom pulled Ivan up because he always drags Tom off point when he only has 2mins to talk about his show - it's annoying ! Rory, Dublin
In Australia, due 2 water shortage people save shower & bath water in buckets 2 fill toilet cisterns. if we all did tis we would free up water 4 others...
It is almost 11 degrees, so turn taps off over weekend. All sorted. Except for the 60% going into ground. This is the broken system they want to start charging for. If service is interrupted can we then charge them? Graham. Navan.
Get over it, Jasus - Look at Haiti. Think yourselves lucky, you only have a break in your water supply... Bart. In Finglas with no water, but getting on with it.
D information is ridiculous dat is comin out from Dublin City Council! Also do not ring d line u r totally told wot seems like a pack of lies! Dis isnt good enough in 2010, we're not a 3rd world country! Dey need 2get der finger out! Rhona from Artane
No water in Lucan this morning! Felt bad until I heard ye talking about Haiti. Siobhan
Conor n Ivan: No water, poisoned water tables, no electricity, roads destroyed, transport impossible, poor building infrastructure, corrupt political system Haiti? No Welcome to modern Ireland! Eamonn in Wicklow
Any chance Ivan Yates could be a little bit more sensitive to the late Celine and her family? He seemed to really enjoy reading the tabloid story about her husbands affair... A disgusting way to treat this very sad story.
Jaysus, lads... It's fairly clear why Business loved Anglo - they gave everybody anything they wanted! That's the kind of relationship banking we can do without. Mike
Can someone please explain to me why its taken me an hour to get from Wicklow to the Glen of The Downs. We knew from last Sunday there would be ice last night. Great planning once again. Mike
I am fed up listening to reports about the road conditions the weather and the after effects of the cold snap. We are alive and we haven't just had a force 7 earth quake which has killed hundreds of thousand people. Get things into perspective. Regina . Carrick
Who is responsible 4 the state of the major roads? The n25 between Youghal and Middleton is like a piece of swiss cheese - full of major holes and very dangerous...
Morning, can we give this weeks lotto money to the haitians? Its four and a half million, who needs it!? We should give a chunk of it on an ongoing basis. Who woldn't feel happy about doing that? Forget the potholes, and i know they r bad, we can slow down and b careful and do something that really counts in terms of humanity. Can u find out about that? Well done to dennis . Anne thanksxx
I know this might sound heartless, but I could only imagine in the unlikely event of us having a natural disaster what we'd be like. Jesus, a bit of snow and frost and it's now day 5 without water. No news letter to let you know if there was going to be tankers or if its coming back. We are a joke of a country. If i could i'd be gone - is anybody in this country ever going to held accountable for anything?
Your analysis dead on ivan. I am just back from china where they are trying to put the property fire out there, ie. the bubble in prices - crazy inflation - properties totally out of line with real values(ie what rental return they yield). So in china now-if ya want to buy a second property-ya need 40% to 50% deposit. Govt attempting to dampen speculation !! Unlike our government who fuelled the fire here-with tax breaks and free for all reckeless credit availability. Tom in skerries
Rubbish lads. Get a grip. Iris Robinson is fair game on the basis that she preached moral values to others while singing from an entirely different hymn sheet. Now she's claiming the pressures of public life are taking their toll ... God forbid anyone take responsibility for their actions! Any claim she's coming in for undue criticism is talking rhubarb. Damien, Dublin.
I work at fas and management has little interest in developing new courses though the suggestions are fed up along the line by the staff on the ground meeting the public
ReBranding is the biggest waste of money in any corporate organisation. Let alone a public body known for wasting money. John West
Water turned off every nite since christmas in kinnegad-no info when call county council. Once dublin is hit it gets media attention- Dave
As you are now playing music, perhaps something by the muppets for all the local govt who blithely gave the ok for housing with no thought for where the extra water supply was to come from. Brian, waterless in kildare.
Where does my tax money go to? Yet again the local council can't grit the roads when needed, traffic moving by 20km/h on national road. Is it all going to benchmarked salaries and other perks? Cheers, andy in west cork
Funny that about the coffee comment your guest made. I saw a very pretty girl at a Centra shop in Limerick. We were both waiting to be served when she started looking for a packet of crisps. She picked a packet of Meenies and i must admit i found her more attractive for it.  Not sure why. Shane

Hi Sean ... I found a steak in the freezer from a year ago.  Do you think its ok to eat? Maria


I had an accident which was caused by uninsured driver. My insurance company made no effort to persue them. Cost me my no claims bonus and a huge hike. They were done for dangerous driving but I had to pay!!!! Helen in Bray
My neighbour is a brickie who became a developer, publican and hotelier, is insolvent but is currently playing golf in Portugal as he says he has his wealth well hidden, and the tax payer will pay his losses. This is a typical example of how FF and builders/developers operate outside the normal rules of society, and are above the law. But the tax payer will be hit yet again... John, Dublin
When did lusting after a teenager become a "medical condition", as Geoffrey Donaldson put it yesterday? Good on ya ,Mrs R. Time to address the hypocrisy though... John
I had depression for three years and made very poor sexual and financial decisions - that were totally out of character - as a symptom. I feel very sorry for the Robinsons. I wouldn't wish depression on anyone, or any family...
Ivan , if you want some music to accompany the Iris Robinson story, then "Teenage Kicks " by The Undertones fits the bill! Nigel in Cavan
Can anyone do anything for themselves anymore "they weren't aware of the early childcare package available"... Don't these people ever read the papers, watch the news or speak to other people with young kids? What a laugh.
Shinners and Dupers both imploding....what are the chances of a party merger calling themselves Democratic Sinn Fein? Much more in common than we 1st thought... Herbie in Clonsilla, D.15
MATCH MAKING  I dated online since I moved to the US in 1994.  On return to Ireland in 2004 I found Mrs Right (Aisling) on Anotherfriend.com.  At our wedding there was a mutter when I said where we met. The acid test however is today we celebrate our daughters 1st birthday after 3 year together. I love our life together and thanks to an internet dating site.  The only way to go in my opinion and I kissed lot of frogs down the years!!!  Geoff

MATCH MAKING / Take up dancing if you want to meet a girl (swing, salsa, ballroom, set or tango) and role playing games if you want to meet men. Eimhear


IRIS ROBINSON / Peter Robinson should have 'grassed' up his wife if he knew. As first minister and head of a political party in power then how can he expect people to follow laws that he enacts if he doesn’t follow them himself. Anyone entering politics should be aware of that. It’s ok to feel sorry for them on a human level but justice has to be seen to be equal for all. Regards, Alan, Mullingar.
For what it's worth, the initial public hearings of the US Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission get underway this week - they are being referred to as "long overdue" in the States!
Good Morning, I'm guessing Meath County Council were working like Trojans last night, Louth County Council too..... I've driven from Navan and I'm nearing Dundalk travelling (cautiously) at 80 to 100kph. Temps have varied from -5 to -10. Excellent driving conditions. Dermot, Navan
Men might not nag, but criticism is not gender specific. Maybe French law will include denegrating language.
Ivan . Just to let you know . Am inthe army and for the next week a total of 15 guys and keeps are on standby for help to the HSC since yesterday. That's in the Kildare area . Lads have also been put on standby to help gritting .
How many local or co. councillors called for emergency meetings of their councils since christmas?
Why dont we do what we done years ago - each house and business clear the footpaths in front of their premises or house. Why dont we help ourselves? Joe, Dublin
Wear your golf shoes to avoid slipping on the pavements. I've done this for the last couple of days and have no trouble getting around. Andreas.
Sean I live in the wexford country side and have ordered winter tyres from germany. Even if we only get 2months of this weather a year it's worth having winter tyres.
Hey Sean, re: language & grammar. Why, oh why do people say 'I DONE IT' & 'I SHOULD HAVE WENT'? PeeBee
Hi Sean. A polish colleague of mine couldn't believe that we knew nothing about snow tyres. He changed to them months ago. He has no problems with the roads, just everyone else on them! Ken
I come from a village of 500 people in Gloucestershire. They had a snow plough to clear the main rds and for gritting. Don't blame the ministers.  It's the county councils who are responsible. It's a scandal and shows the general level of incompetence. Had guys over fm scotland and they could not believe a bit of snow could shut the city down. Richard

Its pathetic to see the country grind to a halt because of this cold snap. Dempsey should resign. We have thousands of jcb s ,graders etc lying idle because of the downturn,these machines should be utilised first before gritting is done. I lived in Canada for 6 years working as a fitter and you would not see this mayhem in the smallest town. It's a sin how our so called leaders are handling this. Alan


Wexford county council have plenty of beaches available. Can they not grit with sand? Noel
Ivan worth mentioning how crazy it was that bus lanes were not opened immediately for use during the period when buses were stopped yesterday - practical thinking is obviously too much to expect
Ivan what a joke this country is. Where is our tax money going? First the floods now this. Cowen is becoming more of a lame duck than bush ever was. Zero leadership
Everybody in Ireland knew we had a dodgy banking system. Everybody knew that there were people immune to the attentions of the Gardai. Saying one thing and doing another is the Irish way, and it always fails in the long run. But it works in the short run, and it isn't going to change. Alice Turner
Banks banks banks we now blame the banks, its not the banks fault it was our gangster goverments fault. Brian
Hi guys i was in america last summer and the atms there allow you to lodge money into them as well as take it out. Maybe they will install those around the country. Kevin cherrywood
The govt should cut all family home mortgages by 50% from Dec 31st and make the banks pay the cost of their stupidity and greed.
A 15 year old engaging in sex is commiting a crime how could a doctor prescribe in these circumstances
Gas n esb prices shud fall by 25pc asap if we're to have any jobs left in this country. Do u hear that mr gormley. It's an absolute disgrace that bord gais is giving out pay increases while small businesses go to the wall.
Little known american band?!! Only to auld lads who still think big tom is the king of rock
Rage against the Machine didn't get a number one, people sick of saccharine, manufactured pop got the number one. John, Lucan
If those young priests can't handle questions about their faith or how the church fits into todays society, what on earth are they doing becoming priests?
If the regulators office was not doing its job, will the pension of the last regulator be hit as punishment? From a fedup tax payer
Shame on him another priest lets us down again.....mary co limerick
Re your sex offender item: We have an appeal process in our Courts system. If this convicted man was not actually guilty, would he not have appealed?
Disgrace, cant even imagine the scene in the court.
As a woman I am horrified by what happened to the victim in court and the attitude of that so called priest.
Im from Listowel. That priest and those people who passed by the victim and shook the convicteds hand do not represent me or the town of Listowel. They should be ashamed!
Hav twin babies in d4, 2 bring them last wk €75! I pay almost €400 prsi per month! Sophie!
Hi i paid 50 euro to a GP in celbridge yesterday n and out n 5 min tom
When i pay my GP by cheque, he asks me to make it out to cash -"to keep it away from the taxman". His words. €60 a pop. Tony
Claire, the party will never be over for CEOs. At those salaries, pension & other benefits it is still in full swing. There is no proper pay proportionality in this little country whatsoever. . . . Eugene in Naas.
Gas Board quoted me E400 to move my gas metre 20 inches under the sink.this is their minimum price and they are the only ones allowed do this ie can't ask a normal registered contractor to do it.
Citizens arrest. Can that be applied to bankers or bishops?
Ivan there is such thing as criminal negligence. Why shouldnt the bishops be charged? Why should the religious get a free pass?
Obama just commited another 30,000 troops to war. He has reversed his electoral promise of withdrawal. Today he is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! Hitler would have enjoyed this New World Order! Angry Dave.
How can the public sector unions expect the support of the general public when they picketed a place for the dying and now treaten to picket children as they go into junior and leaving cert exams ! Alan. Dublin.
Claire, i run a small company and in order to keep the company going, my take home pay covers my mortgage and a car loan. I have cancelled my pension. We have 2 children and live on my wifes wages. I am not giving my name for obvious reasons.
Colleagues working in banks no change in der salaries my was slashed as pub servant Ann
As a public servant I am sore about the budget and its effect on my wages. But the biggest problem Im facing is that over the last 15 months my weekly pay is down by almost 190 euro. I dont even mind that if its to help the country, but the people I owe money to, mortgage lenders, credit unions, credit cards etc do not take this into account. They all still went their money now. This is where so many people are suffering. From Tom
My daughter + friend's at the airport this morning to see off a chiidhood friend. This budget is more about the young people. It's there country, + their future. Start talking about them + their future?. Geraldine cork
I know i will be in a minority but i think this was a good necessary budget Only quibble the political decision not to touch oap or extend tax base. Liam
Ivan - were the gardai and nurses worried about me a solicitor married to another solicitor when our profession was decimated with redundancies and pay cuts of 10-20% across the majority of firms. Its time for us all to share the pain.
Hey guys, I'm no economist but as a mother of 3 who is trying to feed, clothe and keep them warm on 350 per week, with no government help (we're waiting on a reply from F.I.S for nearly 2 months now). I am delighted to see that my children's allowance is being hit, but at least we'll have 7,000 hectacres of trees and a memorial to senator Kennedy. Delightful.
George unless we create jobs for our youths we will see a huge increase in drug related crime in this country. We the Irish, both private and public must stand side by side and get rid of these parasites in goverment.i am in the private sector by the way. Chris Jones.
Spike Milligan said.."all I ask is the chance to prove that wealth can't make me happy"
isnt it hard 2 believe jackie healy rae has ben promised a 42 bed hospital but yet the gov are closing wards around why are we so "thick" taking this? Kevin galway
Brian Lennihan being described as a poor man! FF + Banks got the country into this mess. We reap what we sow! Simon...
What do you call a zoo with no animals? A shitzu!
Nothing happens to bankers a man goes to jail for no dog license what is wrong with this picture
Tiger woods has changed his name to lion cheetah
Hi Ivan/Claire, what's the difference between a Cadillac and a Titleist? Tiger can drive a Titleist 300 yards without hitting a tree! Cheers, Paul, Navan
God! This Woods business is so seedy and shoddy, for all their money, I rather be dead than live in their world. Anne.
Got bed and mattress delivered from north saved 1000 Euro 50%
If ur listeners are upset at unions running rings round gov 4 1.3 billion they should be angry at bankrters getting billions 4 zombie banks!
Clothes are twice the price here,even between branch stores of the same companies.Drop your prices and people won't travel. I had to to stay in business.Kevin
This proposal to reduce working hours in the public sector instead of salary cuts is trulu crazy! It does absolutely nothing for competitiveness and reduces services to the paying public. John, Terenure
Hi, unpaid leave is there already but has been stopped. When u did ask for it the managers were turning you down. Were does that leave us?
It's not just shopping trips? A lot of people are going North for dental treatment ect! (Martin. Rathgar)
Even if excise was reduced, you could be sure that our nation's shopkeepers would rip us off for a few weeks more as they fumble in the greasy till. Fuzzy Dunlop.
Very good points from that guy in gort. Why pay vat if no help. We send money to all places in the world and these flood people should now get help from eu etc
I'm driving car crying for that man michael. Ivan is right charity should beghn at home. God bless him. Siobhan dublin
For gods sake will this goverement please do something for the people in this country forget about banks recession etc help these people today please
First class Ivan. At last. Somebody came out and said what needed to be said. The best bit of commentary I personally have heard since the start of the recession and the analysis thereof. I have a big mortgage but I can't blame the government, banks, developers, or anybody else. I applied for it and signed my name. By the way, I also have 2 kids so cuts will affect me also. I'm self employee. Tom in Tipp.
Ivan, u cant bale out people who made decisions? BANKS ?!! Derek.
My husband is unemployd, i make 25k a year with 1 child & 1 on the way. I have a managable mortgage & use child benefit to heat my home & feed my family. I dont care if some1 on over 100k cant pay 4 their overpriced house, i cant afford to feed my family!
Anyone else think the strike might actually be good? In that we will all realise how unnecessary many of those jobs are when after the strike the nation DOESNT grind to a halt. Mark
The secondary teachers are only picketing for 90 minutes this morning before hitting the shops and cafes. Wrap the red flag around me comrade and then we'll go for a cappuccino.
Unions claim to support the poor and weak, but do they? Social welfare recipients, those who have waited months for health appointments and students of schools for children with moderate learning difficulties are all fodder to their demands. Such hipocrochy! Hawkeye
This country cannot afford a welfare state or big wages. There r millions of chinese n indians willing 2 manufacture products 4 a fraction of the wages that obtain here. People need 2 realise how well off they r. MM
Very harsh Ivan! Jedward were so enjoyabl-ther's no reason 2watch XFactor anymor. Every1 takes themselves so seriously on that show+they wer a pleasant relief!
Typical response from cork city council - what a shambles . Hire and fit replacement pumps until main pump is repaired
Hopefully brian cowen will find time to thank the staff of corks mercy hospital who have worked night and day to keep the hospital running.
Send john gormley over to galway - the people of bandon really appreciated yesterdays photo opportunity. Tony o leary cork
Are people in cork with running water opening their homes to those without water to shower, wash clothes ect? Would be a nice gesture.
Any ideas 4 drying out a car that was caught in a river flood near ballinasloe got to go to cork 2day
It is good to hear that a current member of the FAS board, Niall Saul, is performing so professionally and seeing that the truth comes out. Donal, Dublin
Pity more people like that man are not running fas-he would sort it out. We need people like him to speak out and let us know what is happening.
The economy is sunk, now the country is sinking! Jim, Stillorgan
No water supply in douglas cork Derry Nash
Please give out the number of the first person who texts to say we should all relax because football is only a game. On nights like last night its so much more than a game. Heartbreaking stuff. Ma Maximus
Andy Reid would certainly have taken the last free kick better than McGeady! If we relying on set pieces how could we leave him out?
Ireland were hard done by, but don't agree with the theory that there was a bias against them. The world cup groups both in qualifying and at the finals are seeded and the ref had an easy opportunity to give a penalty to france.
Morning lads , thinking outside the box for a moment but maybe its a blessing , people wont be over borrowing to go to the world cup and in turn shorten the depression of our home economy , john wexford
Video evidence would not have helped? Check the match reports on FIFA.COM. They are the only reports in the world not to mention the handball. It seems no FIFA official saw anything wrong with the goal not even the FIFA reporters with access to a TV to see the replay. Colm
If u work in a fruit market u get to take home a bag of fruit as a perk. If you work in a bank you get to take home a big bag of money
We are in recession over a year now and we are still waiting for the gov to decide what they are going to do to get us out of berties legac
The irony is that if the aib guy received the extra pay of 133 the state would receive far more in tax and prsi rather than the just 12.5% in extra corporation tax with the increased profit!! Martin, dublin
The worst trauma most people experience is 2 lose a loved 1. 2 lose ur child is even worse. Pls pass on my heartfelt sympathy 2 that man and his family. Donall
The minister is right, monopolies become corrupt and useless just look at the FF monopoly over the past 20 years. Alan, Mullingar.
Politician in question answering shock! Well done Eamonn. Joe, Monaghan
Waffle, he will kill the economy. Let's all stay in bed and collect the dole!
Eamon stop dreaming. I cant pay bills. My husband not working since august just started 2 weeks ago getting 104 euro a week. I am care assist. In hse. I am on 550 a week take home. I have 4 children one with illness. We are f****d. I will take a pay cut but what about my mortgage from bos ireland . Help me and i will help you
Trade Unions' relationship with labour is their version of Fianna Fail's tent at the races. Voters beware! Alex
I never voted fiana fail but I will now.labour don't realise the mess we r in.respect!the public sector are grossly overpaid.
Business people i.e bankers and developers, have been running this country and we have been bankrupted as a result. From tom in dundrum.
Let them march until they have holes in their boots. They have no public support. The government have no reason to appease them
Could ivan be reminded that its not just teachers striking next week. Parents may also be striking in other jobs. I'm a secondary teacher. If people wanted our conditions why didn't they all join us? People saw d money and went for it. Tough luck folks. D gamble hasn't paid off. Now leave us alone. Paul in west cork.
Ivan. I'm paying tax out my ass. I'm private sector. I work my ass off. I get no pension. No job security. Didnt have it better in the boom. I get no value for my tax money. Bad health service, bad education service, no public transport etc. But i should pay more tax so that teachers can continue to earn huge money for a part time job? Give me a break. Their in lala land. Dave.
Typically out of touch judge. European law will never allow the death penalty re introduced. Brian.
Back on a diesel smelling train from drogheda to dublin. Bring back the bus service barry kenny!! People preffered the buses.
Message for Ivan and Claire,i am a public servant,living in Wexford,working in Dublin,overdrawn in my bank account,can't afford another pay cut,i need help!
Like alan i took a gamble last wk 2 make som money, i backed a horse and it lost, can i get my money back
We need the minister to help us get our money back from dubai banks and the dubai goverment
Clare and Ivan I listen to your programe every morning til 730. Its great to have wonderful news, for a change! Our local curate worked with Fr Sinnot 30 yrs ago in Dublin in homeless shelters! Its marvellous news.
The economy can only be improved through exports. Ireland, unlike Germany and the UK export cars. There is no economic argument for helping car dealers. Eoin in Galway.
Hi, simon cowell didn't save jedward. The public did. Glad 2 c them still there, wud be boring otherwise. Sharon
Perhaps parents insist on anti biotic because it cost 60 for visit and if they need to go back in few days with same child for anti biotic they ill be charged another 60 . Stephen
How come you've been banging on about the public service all morning yet the fact that aib are sticking two fingers to the government and wont appoint anyone to their top job other than one of their own cronies gets a one line mention in the business news! Not to mention the huge salary on offer. Bit of balance folks! Eileen
Another slight recession silver lining: the reappearance of petrol stations on sites previously set aside for apartments. Latest example to be seen at old ashurst site on the n11. Less travelling to fill the tank
Only a clown would take up a challenge to drink and drive in light of the fact that its thru drink that many people are killed on our roads, its a smack Eugene from cork
Pub carparks full at w ends drink driving a joke
I've never heard such rubbish in all my life! I'm sick of this "rural Ireland" excuse for drink driving. There is absolutely NO excuse for drink driving. I live in rural Ireland. I enjoy a drink. Do I drink and drive? Absolutely not. When will Irish people get it into their heads that it's possible to socialise and enjoy yourself without alcohol? ... Paul, Roscommon
As a father of two chldren delivered by the home birth team from Holles Street, one in hospital and one at home, I can say it is an utterly different experience to our first child's delivery in the conventional way in Holles Street, but I would totally echo the need for it to be thhtly controlled and monitored as the doctor said.
Hi claire & ivan, re protest 2day i am in public sector am not attending protest 2day & am resigning from my union impact because there has not been one face 2 face interaction with my union & i through any of this.
Ivan that has to be one of the funniest things youve said. "as you know ive a fetish for the glass bottles site" Hilarious ! Barry im navan
I m sorry but what has negative equity got to do with losing a days pay? Either they can pay for their mortgage or they cant. The actual market value of the property is irrelevant. Brian glasnevin
If the banks are so important and have such a hold on the country then the state should own then. Simple as that. Denis in tallaght
Im a junior hospital doctor and in general yur txt about hospital hygiene is correct. Nowadays hospital cleaning is contracted out to contract cleaning companies. In the old days this was the responsibility of dictator style nurses and nuns. But at least they knew what clean meant....
I live on an estate where the builder has gone bust. The "bond" he paid was just €10,000. The rough dirt road alone will cost the new residents committee €70,000 to tarmac. The council dont want to know about us and wont finish the work or even hand over the €10000 bond to pay for some of the work.
Labour county councilors were as much responsible 4 the crazy rezoning as anyone that caused housing schemes 2 b built in unsuitable places. Pat, blessington.
The gov say Unions are delusional, well they themselves are delusional to believe tax cannot be changed, it must, now, Luke
I don't understand why the media is making such a big deal about the liquid drugs story. Yes, it is terrible that 3 people are in hospital due to it but they are probably hundreds and houndreds of people who are forced into casualty every weekend because of drink . Every weekend more than 3 people die from drink yet this doesn't ever make the news! S
Typical news talk. supporting cuts to public sector. What average worker in public sector is on bonuses, none. a biased into by ivan yet again
Wish the unions would get a grip. Stop saying they have taken pay cut with pension levy when it has in reality just brought them to the real world of paying the same as every other worker who pay for their own pension.
Claire, the teachers and all other public sector didnt have 7.5% taken from their pockets, it was a pension levy and is gets full tax and prsi relief. Vincent in swords
I have MS and government advice says I am in the high risk group. However my neurologist and MS advise groups say this is wrong. Can you square this? Comor, blackrock
I was at knock yesterday and i seen 3 hail marys in the sky! Mary harney appeared in an aer corp helicopter headin to castlebar to open an off liscence. Mary coughlan broke through the clouds on the government jet headin to donegal for the sunday roast and lo and behold mary o roarke appeared from behind a black cloud in a hot air baloon and all the miracles from the bertie book of revelations were laid bare. Mat athlone
Claire re retailing standrds is it just me but I hate shop assistnts hasslin me in stores? Let us browse in peace ! Eamonn in Wicklow
I thought we could make a profit on nama. Are they now saying we can only ever break even? Surly not? Jesus wept this is unreal. Niall dublin.
Its ironic that they take 3 months off in the summer and then seem delighted with themselves when they debate till 5 am. Liam
Hi guys, i was unhappy with the tainiste this week, she came out and said we should all shop down south instead of going up north this christmas, without offering any reason why...shops down here are slow to change prices, so i don't think there's a logical reason to shop down here. What do u think? Mike
How can Mary Coughlan ask consumers to shop here when the government has cut the pay of 350,000 public servants and want to cut more . If you slash their pay they have to search for better value elsewhere. Cutting public sector pay has cost jobs and increased the dole numbers.
Claire I recently got married. I went to a retailer in Liffey alley and picked the rings. I went to the same retailers store in newry and saved 900 euro on the exact same rings from the exact same retailer. I'd like the tanaiste to explain that!
We go to NEWRY every 8 weeks and spend around : £1500. We've had a pension levy and large mortgage.its the only way we can survive.
Hi was in Enniskillen on Monday and 90% of cars in Asda carpark was from republic. Driving out of town 2/3 of cars into the town from republic. We saved 40% on Irish prices on the shop. Ex berocca tablets in Asda 2 euros per tub in local chemist 10 euros per tub.
Ive no probs going up north. Im getting 3 crowns, 2 fillings and polish on teeth in the north. Cost £1100. Here cost €2600! Alicia tipp
Irish back benchers confirm their status as ignorant, short sighted appeasers of vested interests. Mark dublin 8
Lads there are no people on the apprentice who deserve to stay beyond this week. no cop on or street smarts. Emmet
Claire/Ivan, Are you sure that's what Mattie McGrath actually said? To be honest, I didn't understand a single word of what he said in that clip! I thought he was actually commenting on Liverpool beating Man Utd. on Sunday! - Paul, Roscommon
Maybe its time 2 Privatise the prison service. Its worked in the UK, France & Germany. Paddy, Cork.

The drink driving laws are being changed to come into lime with europe. That's what we get for voting yes for lisbon - niall


Claire, their is forced incentives for prison officers to take sick leave through a system of actually pre determined rostered sick leave days for prison officers where no illness is present whatsoever - its become a 'hidden' perk of the job. Its a disgrace, we are paying for this situation! Sick of the 'not in my back garden attitude'. The country is recked.

Clare / ivan, what is the exact percentage of people in the public service under 35k? How does that compare to the intels, the newstalks of the world


Totally agree with simon...not able 2 say anything about immigrants without being called racist
Thats colonialism. And the brits have done it all over the world.
Nick griffin regularly holidays in west cork where he has a holiday home.gerry bray.
I wonder, will Newstalk read all the comments or just the ones against the BNP? Reporter: is he not supposed to be impartial?
Alex White correctly pointed out that child benifit is really nothing more than a general income subsidy to people with children. If it clearly is not functioning the way it is meant to then surely it has to be refocused back on children that it will actually make a difference to.Pat
Hi im Listening to your show and your talking about child benefit cut.im a single mother living in a council house supporting my my 7 year old son on my own.i have bills to pay on my own an im working but still i struggle.i agree there taking it from the wrong people.its good to know we get your support keep it up and spread the word it might just help.debbie
The real elephant n the room is politician's pensions while receiving salary. Its a scandal. Why is it not being discussed n the media. C.j.
On child benifit. Anyone earning over 50 thousand euro a year should immediately be cut off. Easy and sorted. Mick dublin.
Im a public servent. Already im cutting back my weekly spend. Further cuts will hurt local business hurting the economy further. Dan.
Claire re Nick Griffin So much fr free speech....ie so long as u agree with me typical jack booted liberalism ! Eamonn in Wicklow
In 10 years public service. 2 days certifed sick leave. Brian swords
Newstalk? Sounds more like fox news with bogger accents
Admit it ivan you're getting old and rusty.
Ivan, your continuing attacks on the public service are disgraceful. You are making the ASSUMPTION that people are taking illegal sick days. The debate u shud be having is,why is this recession being used to erode workers rights?
Lower social welfare will force people out to work. Where are the jobs? patrick Dublin

I have a friend who doesn't want to claim the dole since he has been made redundant as he has enough savings to see him through for a good while. He was told he has to or he will lose his PSRI entitlement. Crazy or what? Gillian


Im sick of this whinging about people getting less money for doing nothing. Im workin my butt off and im down 10% this year already with more cuts to come.
Great idea cutting dole in half.Dole should not keep people in a particular lifestyle.Sustain them yes but not be able to hit the shops at our expense
Guys i have a 21 old brother who wont work in spars or fast food outlets. He thinks hes to good for that kind of work. This dole cut will push him to work, i think alot of these celtic tiger pups need a kick in the back side, the party is over
Fraud is rife Im social welfare. I could name At least 100 co-habiting single mothers in my town. Gavin kildare
Stop crying doran look at food supply security this time next year when the farmers will not be in existance
Liam doran is right. The ordinary worker is being victimised in every way. Whether they are in the public or the private service.. The fat cats get ri elderly or anybody in between.. Fancy talk and no action.. No accountabiliy.. John, rathgar
Claire, doesn't last nights ff meeting say it all bout what our tds consider important. It's an absolute discrace. Sack the lot of them!!! Frank d
Isn't is pathetic that at a time when the country is in crisis due to this Government's utter incompetence, minor reductions in drink driving limits is what exercises these clowns - many of whom are publicans. As Bob Geldof put it many years ago, 'Banana republic, septic isle'. JJ, Dublin
If the government cut my pay can i cut my mortgage repayments??? A pissd off public servant
Reports show accidents not caused by people with level between 50 80

Cant people understand that you dont need to drink to have a night out. People wake up. Luke


I dont drink myself and live in a town so I have no vested interest. The limit is low enough just enforce it. Once again we are using a sledge hammer to crack a nut .....and missing when we dont put the resources in place to see a policy through.


Is the ibec man crazy? Bank wages and prices are going up. Why should a teacher consider the national interest when the banks and bank workers won't? The banks are bankrupt let them feel that pain then we might be able to discuss public finances.
How many of the public servants who failed Catherine will be out on strike in November looking for better pay? Colm
Maybe not pay cuts but the public sector will have to contribute in some way like the rest of have had to do. Brian
Hi claire, was appalled to hear catherine and kids awful story yesterday hopfully she and kids can live in peace now, i,m sickened to be irish knowing the people in charge allowed this animal to get away with this.
Nothin will change here until the 400mil a wk we ar borrowin 2 maintain our standard of living is cut off and make no mistake it will be
Why are public sector expected to foot the bill AGAIN? Why not raise taxes so that everyone chips in?
At the end of the day, if ur go n out and driven u do not need to drink.
Its not just me, but my (teetotaler) wife says my driving is better and I am a lot more careful after (ONE) pint. I ALWAYS stay below 80 mg.
It is the "family oriented" pub that from my observations makes its money from those sad old men who drink from the time the pub opens until it closes. Cannot believe that backbencher. Charles
Hi Claire, drink driving is a big prob,but surely da amount of accidents due to drugs must b fairly big + we seem to have no stats for dat. Regards brian
It doesn't really matter what the legal limit for drinking is as the law is not enforced. To save lives we need the gardai out implementing the law.
The idea that ANY amount of drink, however small, is ok before driving is utterly appalling. This is an area where ZERO TOLERANCE should be rigidly adhered to and enforced. If you're planning on driving, don't drink! End of story! Deputy Kelly and his cohorts should be ashamed of themselves. - Sean
They're trying to start a mexican wave at croker. Kill me. Wayne in the canal lower
I'm a fan of Dunphy, but his comments the other night smacked of pantomime villain playing to the crowd (in cork accent) he likes himself a small bit boy (Paul, Cork)
Reckon Ken needs to use one of the Gillette packs you used to give away and shave his ears! Chumba in Cork
Sometimes its the family and external family that is the problem. No Baby P's please. Tara in Offaly.
"Who knows where we'll be in 10 years" - Claire
I think Ireland can do it - Jimmy via txt
Pat from Kerry txted in that he loved the show.
Great feedback for ye!
The show was great
Jsmith said the show was great

Photos

Kieran Mulvey, Elaine Byrne, Eddie Hobbs and Ger Colleran prepare for The Dunphy ShowMike Soden, Dearbhaill McDonald and Shane Ross happy after the first Dunphy ShowNewstalk 6 Nations Roadshow – SinBin, Limerick 27th February 2010Newstalk 6 Nations Roadshow – SinBin, Limerick 27th February 2010Newstalk 6 Nations Roadshow – Clancy’s, Cork 13th February 2010Newstalk 6 Nations Roadshow – Clancy’s, Cork 13th February 2010Newstalk 6 Nations Roadshow – Clancy’s, Cork 13th February 2010Eamon Keane with Mary Davis, Special Olympics and Ross McDonagh, Metro HeraldEoin McDevitt with Paul McGrathClaire with Bobby Kerr, Insomnia and Dragons DenPaul Mooney, NCI; Ben Dunne; Conor Brophy, Newstalk; Ross McDonagh, Metro HeraldSean and Paolo - Russborough House, Wicklow, April 2010

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  1. More feedback
    Great feedback for ye!
  2. feedback
    They’re trying to start a mexican wave at croker. Kill me. Wayne in the canal lower
  3. feedback
    I’m a fan of Dunphy, but his comments the other night smacked of pantomime villain playing to
  4. feedback
    Reckon Ken needs to use one of the Gillette packs you used to give away and shave his ears! Chumb
  5. Another Feedback post
    The show was great