This site was created and is maintained by:
Manolis Kalaitzake – Ph.D candidate at UCD School of Sociology.
Stephen Kelly – Graduate of International Relations at DCU School of Law and Government.
We are keen to post a broad range of views on Labour’s participation in government with Fine Gael. There will be much to analyse and discuss over the coming weeks, months, and years. If you would like contribute please get in touch with us at irishlabourwatch[at]gmail[dot]com
I’ve been with the Labour Party since the 1970′s, occasionally migrating to the Socialist Workers Party and back again. I agree, Labour in government need to be judged fairly, on their actions and the consequences and in regard to their own social democratic goals. We expect inclusive policy initiatives in Equality, Healthcare, Education and International Solidarity. Labour has been prominant in championing the “Community Sector” we await positive developments there, will the quangos Fine Gael want to shut down be regulatory ones as he suggested or Community Sector ?
As well as policy inititiaves will we see measurable differences in emphasis in the delivery of services, acknowledging that a lot of the streamlining will come about as a result of Croke Park, but will service users feel more comfortable within the new regime ?
Liam, these two issues -the financing of the community sector and streamlining public services – are crucial and exactly the kind of things we would like to track. Would you fancy writing a short piece outlining the dynamics around these issues?
Labour’s first major sellout? This might be of help.
Issued by Dublin Shell to Sea
23 March 2011
Dublin Shell to Sea spokesperson Caoimhe Kerins has slammed Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte’s refusal to revoke the consents, granted by previous minister Pat Carey to Shell E&P Ireland, for the onshore section of Corrib gas pipeline.
The consents were granted in controversial circumstances on the day of the recent general election, despite High Court proceedings being initiated by An Taisce and Erris residents against last January’s An Bord Pleanála decision to grant permission for the onshore section of the Corrib gas pipeline.
Responding to Pat Rabbitte’s announcement, Dublin Shell to Sea spokesperson Caoimhe Kerins said, ‘While the new Fine Gael/Labour promised change, it appears that Pat Rabbitte is proceeding in the same fashion as the previous Fianna Fáil led administration. Far from a new broom being swept through government departments; the same old pro-corporate thinking prevails.’
‘The new Minister has accepted, without question, the advice of his senior Department officials, who for over ten years have consistently dismissed the real and genuine concerns of Erris residents about the construction of a high pressure, odourless gas pipeline in a Special Area of Conservation. Erris residents have, on numerous occasions, been forced to appeal planning permissions for the construction of the pipeline on health and safety grounds. The success of these appeals has highlighted the very real risks posed both to local residents and the pristine environment of north Mayo.’
‘Despite hollow assurances from Pat Rabbitte that Shell’s application meets ‘’international standards’’ there is little clarity as to what those standards are. Nor indeed is there any indication as to what warning system will be put in place in the event of a leak. Given the fact that odourless gas will be pumped at high pressure through the onshore pipeline, this is an important issue that remains to be addressed.’
‘High Court proceedings are currently under way, challenging last January’s An Bord Pleanála decision to grant Shell permission to construct a four metre wide tunnel under Sruth Fada Conn Estuary, a Special Protected Area and Special Area of Conservation and in the interests of democracy and transparency the consents issued by Pat Carey should be revoked. Furthermore, the deal with Shell, which will see the company no royalties or little tax on the €10 billion worth of gas in the Corrib gas field, must be renegotiated.’
ENDS
FOR VERIFICATION AND COMMENT – CONTACT: Caoimhe Kerins – 085 8328130
In the light of Minister Rabbitte’s intention to issue new gas and oil exploration licences regardless of the outcome of public hearings, should there not be an article about this subject on this website?