Michael TurleyLocal Representative for Donnybrook, Sandymount, Ballsbridge and MilltownSupporting Chris Andrews for Dublin South East |
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February 16, 2006EU Services Directive AdoptedPosted 1664 days ago by Michael Turley on February 16, 2006 Mainstream analysis of the EU services directive seems to suggest that, by rejecting the "country of origin" principle, the European Parliament managed to reach a manageable consensus.Ireland, with an economy which has a healthy focus on the services industry, seems to be well positioned to take advantage of the directive. It is a pity that sections of the opposition (that is one half of a so-called alternative government) felt the need to attempt to stir up protoxenophobic sentiment as some form of half-baked protest against what should be a positive development for all European consumers. Printed in the 26 February 2006 edition of The Sunday Business Post Click here for more information and here for Minister Martins press release. April 20, 2004Irish Times LetterPosted 2331 days ago by Michael Turley on April 20, 2004 The Irish Times published a letter I sent about the previously mentioned David Adams piece.The Roots of Republicanism Madam, - I am writing to congratulate David Adams on his excellent column. His piece last Friday on republicanism was especially thought-provoking. Indeed, he seems to have reflected on the subject with greater depth than many who would call themselves republicans. - Yours, etc., It can be found on the Irish Times website here (subscription required) February 5, 2004Letter to Irish Independent: Hospital Consultants - 5th Feb 2004Posted 2406 days ago by Michael Turley on February 5, 2004 Sir - Hospital consultants find themselves in an extraordinary and unjust position where they could face ruin should they face a case arising from historic liability. There are a number of factors to consider:* If a consultant could face ruin from a retrospective case should the laws regarding medical malpractice not be reformed? * Why is the public perception of consultants so poor (except, of course, when we need an operation)? Is there a case to answer in terms of resistance to change? * Are there problems with negotiating bodies that they cannot come to an agreement after over 50 meetings? * Has this problem not been also arrived at internationally and if a solution was found internationally what is the extra dynamic in Ireland which causes difficulty? See http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=53&si=1121014&issue_id=10402 www.irishhealth.com has an article which provides good background to the issue. January 14, 2004Letter to Irish Times: HOSTILITY TO AN TAISCE - 14th Jan 2004Posted 2428 days ago by Michael Turley on January 14, 2004 If you have an Irish Times subscription you can view the letter at http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/letters/2004/0114/index.html#1073950616023Madam, - I am in broad agreement with Fintan O'Toole's column of January 13th, but I think we might reflect on why certain environmental and heritage agencies are regarded with hostility by certain vocal elements within our society. Mr O'Toole writes that "in some parts of Ireland admitting membership of An Taisce is to invite the pariah status of a paedophile". I can concur. I have met a number of councillors who physically wince at the mention of An Taisce. There is certainly a declared perception that An Taisce as an organisation is peopled by uninformed individuals ignorant of the living needs of ordinary people. While much of the criticism of An Taisce is undeserved and exaggerated, could it be that An Taisce has a number of questions to ask itself? Why is there such open hostility to the organisation, particularly in the country (surely malevolent developers are not entirely to blame)? Are all branches of An Taisce sufficiently informed when making formal submissions? Given the sullied reputation of the organisation, should An Taisce not be reformed so that, even if it does not gain full acceptance from all, at least confidence in the organisation would be fully restored for those of us who wish Ireland to defend and maintain what is left of its valuable heritage? - Yours, etc., January 13, 2004Southside People LetterPosted 2429 days ago by Michael Turley on January 13, 2004 See Southside People Website for letters section.Incinerator row flares again Dear Editor, I would like to respond to John Kenny’s recent letter (Southside People December 17). Aside from attacking my colleague, Councillor Chris Andrews, he mentioned that the PDs “favour the concept of community gain for communities that accept waste management facilities”. "Waste management facility" is the quaintest term yet for an incinerator. What community gain for Ringsend and Sandymount does he propose - free gas masks? Michael Turley November 4, 2003Evening Herald Letter 09/09/2003: Bin-Tax OpportunistsPosted 2499 days ago by Michael Turley on November 4, 2003 This letter (printed in modified form in the Evening Herald 09/09/2003) was quite severely edited so the main thrust was possibly lost. Basically, with this letter I was attempting to highlight the cynical, irresponsible and opportunist nature of much of the organised opposition to local government waste management measures.Unedited Evening Herald Letter 09/09/2003: Bin-Tax Opportunists I understand and sympathise with some peoples dissatisfaction regarding recent waste management measures. However, I must admit that I am uncomfortable with the cynical opportunism of many of the groups which have become involved. Their wider political and social agenda is rendered practically irrelevant by their tiny electoral representation and they are desperate to make short term political gain on this emotive issue. Is it not ironic that a disparate grouping of unpopular political movements claim to be somehow representing the people? Everybody knows that we are facing a waste management crisis in Ireland. We must all face the challenges responsibly. Waste management charges are based on the "polluter pays" principle and are, unfortunately, necessary so that we all appreciate the damage that improper waste management is causing our country. The real issues regarding waste management for most people are: * Why are the services and costs not standardised? * Why do we export waste to be recycled rather than dealing with it at home? * Why are there not more bring centres throughout the country? These issues are not as emotional or as easy to manipulate so its no surprise that the "anti-bin tax" protestors practically ignore them. The above was edited somewhat in keeping with the Evening Heralds more digestible style.  Irish Times Letter - 09/08/2003Posted 2499 days ago by Michael Turley on November 4, 2003 Irish Times letter published 9th August 2003. 
Letter to Minister Cowen - 29/07/03Posted 2499 days ago by Michael Turley on November 4, 2003 Letter to Minister Cowen Re: Democratic Republic of Congo - 29/07/2003July 29th, 2003 Minister of Foreign Affairs, Iveagh House, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2 Re: Democratic Republic of Congo Dear Minister Cowen, I am writing to you to request your support for an increase in the UN mandated intervention force for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As you are aware both Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have called on the UN Security Council to authorize the deployment of a rapid reaction force to protect civilians in Ituri, in the DRC. While we welcome the recent resolution increases the number of peacekeepers to 10,800 from 8,700, we would urge that a larger force be sanctioned as the current mandated force may be inadequate to deal with all Congolese armed groups and proxy groups of Rwanda and Uganda. Yours Sincerely, Michael Turley Candidate for Pembrooke in 2004 local elections If you are interested in events in the Democratic Republic of Congo or human rights in general why not join the Sandymount branch of Amnesty Ireland? Contact me at michael[at]michaelturley[dot]com or click here and I'll put you in touch. |
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