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Lowry, Healy Rae accused of ‘attention - grabbing tactics’ Government holds last minute talks to secure Independent support for budget
Ellen Nagle INDEPENDENT TDs Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry are being accused of taking advantage of their balance of power by using their Budget votes as “bargaining chips”. The TDs hold the balance of power as Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s coalition majority has fallen to just two votes. The pair have been in intensive talks with Finance Minister Brian Lenihan and Chief Whip John Curran about Budget matters ‘regarding their constituencies’. But Ministers have accused the TDs of milking the attention and simply biding their time to try and make the most of their position. Fianna Fáil TD Ned O’Keeffe has criticised the way in which the government has allowed Deputy Healy Rae and Deputy Lowry to dictate the passing of the Budget. Speaking on the ‘preferential treatment’ being awarded to Independent TDs in government he said, “I can’t understand how two people are going to decide the future of the country. It’s just attention-grabbing tactics. The Government are being far too accommodating.” One of the issues causing concern among members of the opposition is Mr Lowry’s alleged demand that certain ‘gaming legislation’ be put in place to facilitate the approval of a ‘super-casino’ in his North-Tipperary constituency. Mr Lowry denies that refusal of his proposal would
BUDGET D-DAY Reports and analysis PAGES 4 -5
How today’s budget will affect homeowners PAGE 7
Kevin Myers PAGE 23
Editorial Comment PAGE 25
be a ‘deal-breaker’ adding, ““I have not used it as a bargaining-tool. I would like to see the legislative framework changed so that permission could be sought for other such projects. The casino would create jobs in the area.” However government sources confirm that the report on gaming legislation was being finalised and is expected to be brought to Cabinet before Christmas. Deputy Healy Rae said that his final decision has yet to be made, but insisted that allowances to the elderly was the was the one thing that he would fight for in the Budget. “The old age pension will not be cut. The free travel, the free electricity allowance, the television licence and the free telephone rental - we will moot for the Budget that these cannot be taken away,” he said. One of the most pressing issues for both Mr Healy Rae and Mr Lowry is the announcement of plans to cut TDs and ministers’ pay and pensions. Continued on page 4
Independent TDs Michael Lowry and Jackie Healy-Rae; accused them of holding the government to ransom over budget pledges. (PA/Carson)
2 NEWS
Irish Independent
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Santa has ‘hijacked’ Christmas Church of England bishop Dr Alan Smith has urged parents to give fruit to their children this Christmas, claiming that Santa Claus spirit of Chri. stmas has been “hijacked”, writes Jade Nolan. Dr Smith, the Bishop of St Albans, has told parents to put inexpensive presents, like oranges, in their children’s stockings, to counteract the materialism of Christmas. He spoke out against the “pester power” and greediness of Christmas, saying that the real message of St Nicholas has been lost.
Missing Swords girl found A TEENAGE girl has been found safe and well after going missing last week, writes James Ward. Nicole Kenny, 15, from Swords in Dublin went missing from the city centre last Tuesday. Gardaí appealed for information on her whereabouts over the weekend. She was found in the early hours of yesterday morning. It is not yet clear what happened to the girl in question over the past week but Gardaí confirmed that she had not been harmed. The Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in the matter.
First fully licensed barbers The first fully-licensed barber shop in Ireland opened its doors yesterday in Firhouse, Dublin, writes Jade Nolan. Scholars Barber Shop will open during the day, seven days a week, offering customers the chance to combine both a pint and a shave at the south Dublin pub. Owner Barbara Murphy said she wanted to offer Irish men the “truly authentic Irish barbershop experience”, saying “It is a perfect opportunity to leave your worries at the door, come in and have a pint and a shave.”
Formula for perfect Christmas The formula for the perfect Christmas has been calculated by a maths expert, reports Jade Nolan. The experts estimated that the ideal Christmas would involve 7,000 calories, three weeks off work, 15 centimetres of snow and no more than 10 hours of shopping. Maths teacher Chris Green carried out the research as part of Oxfam’s “Unwrapped” scheme which aims to assist poor communities around the world at Christmas time.
Children suffer affects of drink abuse Patrick Fawcett CHILDREN in Ireland are unable to have normal lives because of their parents’ drinking as they are unable to drive them to school or other activities following a binge, according to Aoife Griffin of the ISPCC. “Some children can’t bring their friends over or do the normal things you’d associate with childhood,” said Ms Griffin. “The children who took our questionnaire showed that it is doing untold damage – not just when parents get drunk, but also because of the effects it has the day after.” A survey published today by the ISPCC showed that one in ten Irish teenagers say that alcohol abuse by their parents affects them in a “hugely negative way.” Nearly eighty percent of teenagers said that parents should not drink in front of their children. “Many teenagers believe alcohol should be drunk in moderation,” said Ms Griffin. “But there are a lot of children who say they’ll never drink because of their negative experience of growing up with alcoholic parents.” Nearly a third of those who took the survey believed that teenagers should not be allowed to drink at all. Teenagers are happier for people their own age to binge drink, rather than adults.
Half as many thought it was acceptable for adults to drink as it is for teenagers. A quarter of teenagers admitted to binge drinking in the past month, with nearly half saying that they drank alcohol. Of the young people who admitted drinking in the past month, 63% said that they had been drunk. More girls admitted to drinking alcohol, but more boys said that they did binge drinking. Aoife Griffin said that the culture of drinking in our society has lead to a number of difficulties for the children. She said that children spoke about emotional and physical abuse at the hands of parents. She said that it was In the survey, teenagers said that alcohol abuse “shortened their childhoods.” “We’re encouraging parents to look at their own drinking patterns, and see when they’re becoming destructive,” Ms Griffin said. Many of the adults in Sarah’s life drank when she was growing up. She says that it made her think that drinking was fine. “I thought it was something I could do – I just thought it was something fun to do,” she said. “At times it could be embarrassing when my father or my aunts or uncles were drunk. I guess it was just a normal thing to do, but it was still worrying seeing them lose control.”
Promoting Christmas gift cards from Lifestyle Sports at Stephen’s Green shopping centre this morning, Georgia Salpa and Nadia Forde prepare to head some footballs. (Photocall Ireland)
Heart disease kills more women than breast cancer warns charity Patrick Fawcett Heart disease kills more than three times as many women as breast cancer. But a new survey carried out in the North showed that only 12% would call emergency services if they suffered symptoms. “There’s a lot more coverage of diseases such as breast cancer. I think women are more aware of the dangers of breast cancer from organisations like the Marie Keating Foundation,” said Mairéad MacMeel.
Ms MacMeel, a fundraiser for the Irish Heart Foundation, said that many women still associate heart disease with middle-aged men. They assume that their symptoms must be related to other causes such as indigestion. The British Heart Foundation carried out the survey in the North. It found gaps in women’s knowledge both of symptoms and how to respond to a heart attack. Many women said that they would sit or lie down rather than call emergency services if they experienced symptoms.
A report by the Irish Heart Foundation says that over 5,000 women die in Ireland every year from heart disease. Over 60% women still think that breast cancer is the most deadly disease affecting them. Less than a fifth of all women realise the danger of heart disease. Women often have different symptoms to men, said Ms. MacMeel, which leads to confusion. “There is the idea many people have in their heads of heart disease,” she said. “They think you’ll experience terrible pain in your chest.
This is often the case, but women are especially prone to having other symptoms such as dizziness.” The Irish Heart Foundation encourages women to drink alcohol in moderation, eat healthily and give up smoking. It also recommends getting half an hour of aerobic exercise five times a week. Symptoms women might experience during a heart attack include: * Chest and back pain * Throbbing or aching in one or both arms. * Breathlessness and/or
inability to catch your breath when waking up. * Clammy sweating. * Dizziness - unexplained lightheadedness, possible blackouts. * Anxiety -unusual nervousness, feelings of impending doom. * Edema - fluid retention and swelling usually of the ankles or lower legs. * Fluttering - rapid heartbeats, palpitations. * Nausea -gastric upset. * Feeling of heaviness, such as pressure-like chest pain between the breasts that may radiate to the left arm or shoulder.
Irish Independent
Tuesday 7 December 2010
NEWS 3
Electric shock ‘scientifically Lenihan voted worst second unjustified’ says journal year in a row Michael Fenton
THE use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), commonly known as electric shock therapy has been found to be scientifically unjustified to treat mental illness by an international journal. The journal, which is due to be published next week, claims there is strong evidence that the treatment can lead to persistent and permanent brain dysfunction. It
also claims there is a significant rise in the risk of death. In Ireland, the use of ECT can be administered under a voluntary basis, although if a patient is involuntary detained it can be administered without consent. In 2008 400 psychiatric patients were administered 2,700 ECT treatments. At least 43 of these cases were involuntary administered. The authors of the journal, Dr John Read of the University of Auckland and Professor Richard Bentall of
the University of Bangor in Wales claim that if there was an evidence based approach to study ECT it would end up in “the historical bin of previous treatments thought to be effective in the past.” When contacted concerning the upcoming report The College of Psychiatry of Ireland said they would have their own members look over the journal before comment. Professor Bentall claims the short term benefit by the minority receiving this treatment does not justify the risks
involved to all ECT patients. The College of Psychiatry of Ireland maintained their position on ECT treatment which is that it is beneficial to a small minority. This is why in the Mental Health Act 2001 they want the word “unable” retained. Andrea Ryder of the College of Psychiatry of Ireland said this would protect the rights of the “small minority” who benefit. The issue was discussed in the Seanad in 2009 but as of yet has not been addressed in the Dáil.
Vicky Kavanagh BRIAN LENIHAN has been voted among the worst finance ministers in the world by the Financial Times for the second year in a row. The survey, marked by a board of economists, ranked Lenihan 19th in the list, making him the worst Fi-
nance Minister in Europe. Judges made their choices based on the ministers political skill, economic performance and credibility on the markets. Speaking about Lenihan’s 19th ranking, the Financial Times said that he had been “overwhelmed by the crisis in Ireland's banking system and the implosion of the country's economic growth.”
New complaints of ‘X Factor’ fix Catriona Rigney FRESH complaints of an X Factor fix have emerged after Mary Byrne was voted off the show Sunday night. Viewers have bombarded ITV with complaints after the X Factor announced at the last minute that there would be a sing off for the first time ever in the semi finals. Instead of viewers having the final decision in who would leave the show as they were told they would, the judges had a chance to save a contestant. Irish viewers complained
that the judges’ decision to send home Mary and save 17-year old Cher Lloyd was a result of comments that Mary made about main judge and show producer Simon Cowell on Saturday night’s Xtra Factor show. The Ballyfermot singer disagreed with comments that Cowell made about her and fellow finalist Matt Cardle performances and said that Simon could never make his mind up about anything. The final decision went to Simon Cowell after both Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole saved Cher and only mentor Louis Walsh opted to save Mary.
Newstalk plays wrong ‘you firer’ clip James Ward
Send your cards now says An Post A postman busy at work in Dublin last month before the snow. Insert: An Post’s Christmas stamps. (PA, An Post)
GET YOUR Christmas cards in the post soon. That’s the warning from An Post, as yesterday was the last day for guaranteed delivery of overseas mail for Christmas, writes Eimear Doyle. An Post spokesperson Anna McHughes said it is time to start thinking about the holidays; “It’s all frosty and icy outside so hopefully this week we can start thinking a little bit more
about Christmas. There is still plenty of time to post your Christmas cards but yesterday was the last for guaranteed delivery of overseas mail. “ Back in the country severe weather conditions have affected postal services provided by An Post, and the continued adverse weather has seriously curtailed deliveries all week. While they say they are
delivering post to all main businesses, delivery on many secondary and minor roads is proving difficult, and in some cases impossible. Some areas in the capital were unable to receive post yesterday, including Dublin 3 and Dublin 5, but mail could be collected with suitable id. Other areas of Dublin 6, 13, 18 and Glenegeary were subject to severely restricted delivery and collection servic-
es. All deliveries in Dublin 15 were cancelled, and mail was not available for collection. An Post say they greatly regret this disruption to service and are working around the clock to minimise the impact of the current spell of bad weather on services. Customers are advised to be careful when travelling to collect mail as ground conditions maybe very difficult.
Newstalk bosses were left red-faced yesterday after revealing who was to be fired from last night’s ‘Apprentice’ on their breakfast show. Presenters Chris Donoghue and Ivan Yates had intended to air a clip of Bill Cullen setting the task for this week’s episode. Instead however, listeners heard the business man tell 22 year old Will McCreevy that he would be leaving the show.
A shocked Ivan Yates exclaimed “I don’t believe that” as the clip ended. This was the penultimate episode of the programme, with only three candidates now left to compete in the final. Donoghue later apologised for the mistake, which he put down to human error and promised listeners that they had not “completely let the cat out of the bag”. The gaffe occurred around 8 am, a full 13 hours before the programme was due to air. TV3 declined to comment.
Soap hits 50 with a bang Klara Heron Three favourite Coronation Street characters are expected to be killed off this week as the street is hit by devastation in honour of the shows 50th birthday. Soap fans will be shocked by the scenes they see as the street is caught-up in a week-long drama following a massive explosion causing a tram to crash onto the set. Cast members said they were reduced to tears as they watched the preview of one of the most dramatic storylines in the soap’s history. On Thursday the show
will be broadcasted live in an hour-long special- the first time this has been done on the show since its 40th anniversary. Viewers should brace themselves for an emotional rollercoaster as characters such as Ken Barlow, Rita Sullivan and Ashley Peacock will be seen lying unmoving in rubble. The drama unfolds on the night of Peter Barlow’s stag in the Joinery pub, where the original explosion occurs. He will be left trapped in the ruins of the Joinery with his fiancés lover Nick Tilsley, and revelations are expected to unfold among the rubble.
4 NEWS
Irish Independent
Tuesday 7 December 2010
BUDGET 2010 SPECIAL
Ireland braces for a bleak mid-winter a
Homeowners won’t recieve bailout in budget Eimear Doyle
Political Correspondent HOMEOWNERS will not receive a bailout in the December budget according to Finance Minister Brian Lenihan. Tens of thousands of homeowners will instead be referred to a deferred interest scheme that Minister Lenihan hopes will combat the arrears crisis. Paul Daly, a homeowner in Mayo, says this may be a useful option for some, but only if they manage to increase income quickly and resume payments. “This could prolong the problem for many and could end up being a trap in the long term.” “With 40,500 homeowners over three months behind on repayments reflects the fact so many bought when property was overpriced. I have sympathy for them, though not from those who borrowed at unrealistic multiples of earnings.” Under the plans, lenders will be asked to allow hardpressed homeowners repay two thirds of their mortgage interest and defer the rest for up to five years. So far, more than half of financial institutions have agreed to the proposals drawn up by the Government’s mortgage and personal debt group and Mr Lenihan says pressure would be put on the others to follow. As well as receiving a €100 billion bail-out loan from the IMF, the government is implementing €10 billion in cuts and €5 billion in new taxes, many of which affect Irish homeowners.
Breakdown of 2010 Bud Vicky Britton
Political Correspondent INTERNATIONAL commentators are now commenting on the contradictions of Labour and Fine Gael’s new policies. Fianna Fail argue that Labour’s proposals are closer to Sinn Feins rather than Fine Gaels. Sinn Fein said it would order the IMF ‘out of the country’ – Gilmore argues that he will force the IMF, EU and the ECB to renegotiate a ‘better deal’, but doesn’t say how.” The divisions of proposals could prove dangerous for the parties who most likely will be forming a government in the next election. If any of the above parties make it government there’s no doubt some of these proposals will have to be tweaked or dramatically altered in place as their freedom to act will be greatly constrained by the European Commission and the IMF. The proposals, some of which are listed below are quite broad and don’t go into specifics. They were also announced were too late to have any direct impact upon today’s budget.
A property tax in the form of a local service charge could be introduced as early as next year, and could gradually be increased each tear until 2014. Water charges are not to be introduced on this budget, although a charge is expected to be applied within two years On a positive note for those with mortgage debt, the IMF has accepted the need to protect vulnerable homeowners from repossession but insisted any relief measures would be narrowly targeted. Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Director General Tom Parlon summed up the reaction, saying, “While disappointed that the Minister has indicated his intention to abolish mortgage interest relief in the longer term, the CIF does welcome the fact that he has provided a transitional period of 18 months for first time buyers.” “This means that first time buyers of new homes in 2010 will continue to qualify for maximum mortgage interest relief for purchases during the year. The value of this mortgage interest relief is conservatively put at €10,000 over a period of 7 years.” Mr Lenihan said “We are committed to solutions that are fair and appropriate to the current circumstances of Irish homeowners. The Government accepts their mortage and personal debt group’s recommendations and wants to see them implemented without delay.”their mortage and personal debt group’s recommendations and wants to see them implemented without delay.”
Social Welfare Reduce most social welfare payments by about 4.1%. This will see a reduction in the rate of Unemployment Benefit/Jobseekers Benefit from €204 to €196 per week. FF:
Would cut social welfare rates by €6 a week next year rising to €18 by 2014, excluding pensioners, carers, the blind and disabled. They reckon it can save €250 million next year tackling welfare fraud. They want to cut 736 million in total. FG:
and safeguard vital public services and social welfare. They instead plan to abolish the PRSI ceiling thus raising €119.5million
Who to tax? In the interests of fairness, 48% (1,051,000 of income earners) will continue to be exempt from income tax in 2010. A further 40% will pay at the standard rate and 12% will pay tax at the higher rate.
FF:
They insist Higher tax rates on personal income would be counterproductive. LAB: Want to introduce a new 48 per cent tax rate for those on incomes of over €100,000 FG:
Cap TDs’ salaries at €75,000 and Senators ‘salaries at €60,000, with a maximum cap of€100,000 and €80,000 respectively – Saves€4.8 million SF:
Minimum Wage cuts Plan to reduce minimum wage by 8.65 to 7.65 in a bid to spur more job creation FF:
Fine Gael said that it would reverse the proposed cut in the minimum wage if it gets into Government after the upcoming General Election. FG:
LAB: Opposes slashing the minimum wage by one euro as they think it will increase social welfare payments and ultimately cost the taxpayer more.
LAB: Labour wants to cut €216 million from Social Welfare.
SF:
Will protect people on low to middle incomes
FG:
SF:
Also ruled out any cuts to the minimum wage
Job Creation Aim to create 100,000 jobs while still achiev-
Homeless shelters may be cut Ellen Nagle
Political Correspondent FUNDING for homeless shelters may be cut in today’s Budget despite massive increases in people needing help in the freezing temperatures. The Capuchin Day Centre in Bow St, Dublin has said that they are expecting their €450,000 annual allowance to be halved and have called for emergency fundraising in an effort to keep the service running for Christmas. Mary Marshall, a volunteer at the Centre said. “These people just want a hot meal
and a place to get out of the cold. You see Ministers being driven around in State Cars and getting outrageous pension packages and they think they can justify cutting our funding. It doesn’t make sense”. Volunteers at the Centre serve up to 250 breakfasts and 400 hot lunches to the homeless daily. Each morning a stream of people queue outside where 900 shopping bags filled with basics like bread, milk and tea are handed out each week - a figure that has doubled
over the last year. It costs 1.2 million Euro each year to keep the Centre running, with just over a quarter of that given by the Government. The rest is made up through donations and fundraising and all staff are unpaid. In the worst weather conditions to hit the country in almost 30 years, a coordinated Cold Weather Initiative has been in place across all homeless services in Dublin since November 5th 2010. More than 100 people are estimated to be sleep-
ing rough in Dublin city and homeless agencies warn the numbers are rising. The Centre’s founder, Brother Kevin Crowley says that the government is ignoring the problem “right under their noses”. He argues that cutting social welfare will see hundreds more queuing for food parcels by this time next year. Speaking about today’s Budget he said that everyone in the Centre was ‘terrified’. The Centre was founded in 1960 in an effort to meet the growing number of homeless people dying on the streets.
Irish Independent
Tuesday 7 December 2010
NEWS 5
BUDGET 2010 SPECIAL
as the December budget from hell looms
dget proposals by main political parties. ing the 3pc deficit target and €15bn worth of cutbacks by 2014. LAB: Will aim establish a 500m job creation fund stimulate job creation in the short term, and create the conditions for new, sustainable job creation in the medium to long-term by up-skilling our workforce.
Brian O’Sullivan
Political Correspondent CHILD benefit is expected to be deducted by as much as €40 a month in today’s budget. Speculation is mounting that first and second child allowances will be cut by €10 each, with €20 being deducted from subsequent children. The outcome of this means that a family of three children will be €40 down in benefits each month. Mother-of-three Katie Murphy from Ballynitty, Co Wexford will feel the brunt of the cuts just as much as anyone else in the country. Soon after giving birth to her third daughter last April, her husband Stephan, a fully-qualified electrician, was forced to go to London in search of employment, leaving Katie with Ella and their two other daughters Lisa (6) and Bria (4). “When Stephan left it was hard to cope being alone with the girls, but we saw it as a short term solution to a long term issue. It was either that or we all move,” Katie said. But the cut in child benefit
Deputy Ó Caoláin also claimed that the party’s proposed employment and financial stimulus package would create an estimated 160,000 jobs over the medium term and save countless other jobs SF:
Politicians Salaries FF:
Don’t intend to cut politicians salaries.
PAY cuts for TDs and ministers are not included in Fine Gael’s fouryear budget proposals — despite plans to slash welfare payments by €18 a week. Instead they propose to cut no. of politicians by 35%. FG:
LAB: Plan to impose a pay cap of €190,000 for all public servants and politicians. SF:
Want to Cap TDs’ salaries at €75,000 and Senators ‘salaries at €60,000, with a maximum cap of€100,000 and €80,000 respectively – Saves€4.8 million
could see Katie and her three children being forced to leave and join Stephan in London. “Everyday I think about going but want to stay here in Ballynitty, it’s a healthy place to live, despite the economic situation we’re in at the moment. I suppose that’s the main reason for staying here. I could never imagine bringing my children up in a foreign country,” Katie said. “It’s the cruel reality that faces us every day that we will be unable to provide for our children should these measures be implemented,” she added. In the UK there is speculation that there will be a three year freeze put on child benefit, commencing in April of next year, and while €40 euro of a cut may seem slim pickings, it still gives families an income, albeit in a smaller amount. “While it would be a worse state of affairs if child benefit was frozen, it still sends a shiver down my spine to think of a cut with increasing bills and cost of living it is only a matter of time before family such as ours will be forced out of the country.”
TDs using vote to bargin Continued from page 1
Fine Gael accepts the Govern ment’s suggestion for a €6 billion adjustment in next year’s budget; Labour and Sinn Fein don’t. When Fine Gael and Labour launched their budget policies Enda Kenny warned against the dangers of a leftwing government. Mr Gilmore has still failed to rule it out.
t despite increase in demand The Centre operates on an “Open Door” policy and asks no questions. The staff don’t keep any records or statistics in order to protect the privacy and anonymity of those who attend the Centre. As well as food and water, the Centre provides facilities such as showers, radiators and television. “It just gives people a sense of normality. They can wash and feel clean. They regain their dignity. That is all they want.” Over half of the homeless who collect the food parcels are Irish, and the majority are men who have been home-
Child benefit to be cut by as much as €40
less for long periods. In the past year, the number of families collecting food parcels has risen drastically. Because of unemployment, parents are forced to bring their children to the Centre during school-time to get their lunch. Volunteer Mary Marshall said, “It is very difficult for people to queue in the street for food. They are ashamed, of course. But this is how bad it’s got. People have told me that without the Centre they would starve.”
one thing that he would fight for in the Budget. “The old age pension will not be cut. The free travel, the free electricity allowance, the television licence and the free telephone rental - we will moot for the Budget that these cannot be taken away,” he said. One of the most pressing issues for both Mr Healy Rae and Mr Lowry is the announcement of plans to cut TDs and ministers’ pay and pensions. Tánaiste Mary Coughlan last night said the budget, which will be announced by Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan tomorrow, would include a reduction in politicians’ pay and pensions. “All these pensions and salaries will be reduced accordingly on the basis that, although people have forgotten that we did take massive reductions in ministerial pay, as did the Taoiseach last year, all politicians took reductions in their salaries and their expenses on the basis that others had to do with less,” she said on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics. If Mr Healy Rae and Mr Lowry vote against the Budget, it will face defeat unless
some opposition TDs abstain or vote against it. The Government majority also includes three Fianna Fáil TDs including South Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath and Dublin North-Central Independent Finian McGrath who both remain undecided. Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-East Lucinda Creighton said she would consider abstaining on the Budget if Mr Lowry and Mr Healy-Rae rejected it. She said Fine Gael had “responsibilities to ensure that the budget goes through”. However Fine Gael did not uphold Deputy Creighton’s statements saying, “We cannot support a budget we haven’t seen from a Government we can’t trust.” The budget will be presented to the Dáil this afternoon. Despite speculation that it might not be passed, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin remains confident that their talks with Deputy Healy Rae and Deputy Lowry will secure their votes. Speaking today, Fianna Fáil TD Ned O’Keeffe said “The special treatment being awarded to Fianna Fáil backbenchers makes them look like doormats. It’s a joke”
6 NEWS
Irish Independent
Tuesday 7 December 2010
FROZEN OVER
Traffic accidents increase due to black ice and fog Jade Nolan THE ICY road conditions have caused havoc across the country. There have been dozens of collisions and road closures since the weekend. The East and Southeast remain the worst hit areas, with the M50 and M1 motorways still affected by black ice and fog. There were several minor collisions over the weekend on these roads, with speeding drivers being warned to lower their speed and avoid unnecessary overtaking. Noel Brett of the Road Safety Authority said black ice can be particularly treacherous and that current conditions are “the most dangerous to date”.
“We are concerned about people driving way too fast for the current conditions,” Brett said, “and we are encouraging people to use public transport.” In Cork, Gardaí were faced with an accident every five minutes over the weekend, forcing several road closures in hilly areas across the county. Secondary routes in Youghal, Macroom, Bantry and Clonakilty were yesterday described as still being “treacherous”, with temperatures falling to minus 7 in parts of the county. Limerick City was also hit by black ice, with motorists being urged to take extreme care when travelling on the Limerick-Ennis route. Water supplies throughout the country were being
affected by the big freeze also, with Waterford County Council turning off supplies from 9pm to 8am every night in order to conserve water. Meath and Westmeath county councils have urged residents to reduce their water usage over the coming days. Authorities in Kerry have warned people that the 20 per cent increase in water consumption over the last week may result in water shortages, with the increased usage putting a huge pressure on supplies. Eastern and southern areas will not suffer any further snow showers over the coming days, but roads in all part sof the country are expected to remain dangerous. Black ice and freezing fog are forecast for all areas over the next week.
Fears grow for health of elderly Catriona Rigney
PEOPLE are being urged to look out for the elderly after a third pensioner died as a result of the freezing weather conditions. Peter Irwin, an 85-yearold farmer from Mayo was found dead just yards from his home in Kilmurray, near Ballina. His body was discovered at 2pm on Saturday afternoon by relatives who came to check on him. Gardai believe his death was a result of head injuries he sustained when he fell in the icy weather. His death marks the third elderly person who has died as a result of the sub zero temperatures, and the second
Drivers risk collision skating on thin ice along the quays in Dublin, while (right) Danny Lehane braves the elements to do his weekly shopping in Glasnevin. GARETH CHANEY
death in Mayo. Last week 78-year-old Tom Connolly was found dead at the footpath leading to his house in Claremorris, Co. Mayo. It’s believed that he also died as a result of the freezing conditions. Last week Donal O’Connell (81) from Cork died with suspected hypothermia after falling in a field at Corrough, near Charleville. Gardai believe that he may have been attempting to turn his car in the field after it got stuck. The Health Service Executive (HSE) are urging people to visit and check up on older neighbours and relatives as it is still “too early” for the elderly to go out onto frozen footpaths to get food and supplies as they could severely injure themselves if they fall. Age Action is also urging people to do this.
Galway water shortages as ice grips county Eimear Doyle
GALWAY residents have been asked to take great care in preserving water in an effort to relieve pressure on water supplies. Spokesperson for Galway City Council said that “pipes are under pressure with some leaks” after the current freeze-thaw pattern due to the weather. He said it is vital people do not leave their taps running
all night to prevent the pipes freezing as this will lead to a depletion in water supplies in the area. A number of houses in west Galway were without water yesterday due to overnight freezing and the high demand coming from Clifton Hill reservoir. Water service crews are working to restore pressure for the water supply. The council has also asked for the public’s co-operation in water preservation by not leaving taps running.
According to McMahon Galway City Council Crews are also currently “tweaking the system” and working on repairing leaks in various parts of the city. The public is asked to notify City Council on 091 536 400 if they come across any major leaks. Meanwhile other Galway residents are experiencing water difficulties due to the cold weather. Local householder Ann Blehein describes: “When our house was being built
many of the water pipes were buried too close to the surface, so each time the weather reaches freezing point our water stops running.” “We do have water tanks in the attic but obviously they are limited. None of the roads around here have been cleared so it’s hard to get to the shop, luckily we have nice neighbours.” “We’ll have no trouble preserving water anyway!” To prevent pipes freezing McMahon recommended raising the temperature
inside your house, or possibly leaving the attic door open to keep the pipes warm overnight. The council has called for resident of the area to do their best to preserve water. They have also asked people to properly maintain their pipes because damages and cracked pipes are the main cause of the problem. The county council have thanked residents for their co-operation in water preservation by not leaving taps running.
Irish Independent
Tuesday 7 December 2010
NEWS 7
FROZEN OVER
Ireland in chaos, while Sweden takes cold in its stride A Dublin Bus gets skids on an icy Parnell St, while (right) the weather has made many secondary and by-roads impassable, but (below) public tranport has returned to normal after disruption due to heavy snowfalls throughout last week. LISA KEEGAN
Public transport back to normal after cold snap Jade Nolan
AS TEMPERATURES continued to fall well below freezing yesterday, public transport across Ireland managed to resume normal services. Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services began
operating as normal after a weekend of disruption, with only a handful of delays on affected routes. In the capital, the Luas service was running as normal, following disruptions and cancellations last week. Dublin Bus had to stop some of their nightly services over the weekend because of
Above, a Swedish snow plough easily clears the road, while (above right) Emma walks in the snow near her home.
Michael Glennon
the icy conditions, but they have since resumed. Army personnel were deployed in parts of Wicklow, Wexford and Meath on Sunday to help clear snow off of the main streets in the counties. While no further snow showers are expected for this week, Met Éireann is warning drivers to be wary of the threat of black ice and freezing fog. “Black ice is an even bigger threat than snow for drivers because they cannot see it,” Met Éireann’s Gerald Fleming warned. The head of forecasting added that temperatures for the following two to three nights will be extremely low. He said temperatures across
the country remaining below freezing. Towards the end of the week, some respite from the big freeze is expected, with temperatures returning to normal December temperatures of 7 and 8 degrees. While no further snow showers are expected for this week, Met Éireann is warning drivers to be wary of the threat of black ice and freezing fog. Bus Éireann and Irish Rail services began operating as normal after a weekend of disruption, with only a handful of delays on affected routes. While, in Dublin, the Luas service was running as normal.
IT IS a three-hour drive from Emma Norberg’s house to the Arctic Circle. She lives just a stones-throw from Lapland. As a child, along with her classmates, she had to take her breaks outdoors until it reached -16 degrees. In northern Sweden it’s not unusual for the snow to stay for half of the year. Life goes on. It’s a different story in Ireland. The big freeze of last January caused havoc and we are in the midst of an even colder so-called ‘snap’. We are literally on our knees. It is estimated that absenteeism, loss of production and delayed delivery caused by the snow costs the moribund Irish economy €7m per day. So what type of revolutionary thinking sets the Swedes apart? How do they deal with six months of snowfall? While they are naturally adapted to deal with huge volumes of snow, it’s not as radical as you might think. They believe that it is worth spending money clearing the paths and roadways to avoid losing millions in productivity. The councils are on standby to hit the streets as soon as the first snow falls, and work 24-hours-a-day to keep the commuter trails open. They pay contractors and sub-contractors to clear the smaller thoroughfares so that pedestrians can get to work. “Where I come from men with ‘regular’ day jobs also work on call during winters and get up at 5am to clear the roads from snow if it is falling heavily,” says Emma, who comes from Skellefteå in northern Sweden. “When the snowing ‘escalated’ I was very
surprised to see the panic that arose. To me it was still only a light snowfall; 3-4 feet of snow would not surprise me at home. My boss couldn’t come in to work because of the traffic coming to a standstill,” adds Emma. In Sweden householders are obliged to clear the snow from in front of their homes. Shop owners must clear in front of their own premises. Some of the main streets in the bigger cities have heated pavements. Emma, who works in the city centre, was taken aback at the commotion in her office last week. She said, “For three days in a row last week we all got an email in the office from the board urging us to make our way home by 3pm considering the ‘weather conditions’. I was looking out the window to see where the tornado was at. I found all the hysteria very strange.” There is only one snow plough in Dublin and the council are reluctant to use it due to the disruption and damage it would cause. Meanwhile, in the private sector, management at Dundrum Shopping Centre clearly appreciate the potential loss of revenue and have purchased a snow plough and gritting trucks to make the area safe. On many paths around the capital the snow has now been packed six inches high and the freezing conditions turn the top layer to treacherous ice. The HSE says that accident and emergency departments have reached “crisis point” with weatherrelated fractures. In Dublin there are 2,400 kilometres of pathways and Transport Minister Noel Dempsey says it’s not possible to clear them all. He advises people to “keep the hands out of the pockets” and “shuffle along”.