Italy & Spain hold Germany to ransom as debt deal becomes possibility

Backed deal

Spain and Italy took on the Germans last night at the EU summit and did what the government here have failed to do since they came to power. Play hardball and win.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said an EU agreement to bring down borrowing costs for indebted nations will ease the burden on Ireland’s taxpayers. via Hope for Ireland on bank debt as Eurozone nations reach deal | BreakingNews.ie.

Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy and Italy’s Mario Monti threatened to block further progress at the summit unless they received assistance to curb soaring borrowing costs. The deal still has to be ironed out, but is expected to be for countries who adhere to strict austerity programmes with a wider goal of moving Europe toward fiscal and political union. New French president, Francois Hollande – attending his first summit – backed the move.

‘Bad night for the Germans,’ said Faye Ecoruin.

The tanaiste Eamon Gilmore said the move was a ‘game changer.’

‘He hopes so,’ said Larry Bird. ‘But I think people have seen what he stands for already. Anybody’s way, but Labours way.’

Though the details have to be decided, The Irish Bull would like to extend a cautious thank-you to Spain and Italy for their hardball approach in standing up for the interests of their respective peoples.

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, Eamon Gilmore, economic sovereignty, Enda Kenny, Europe, Faye Ecoruin., Francois Hollande, germany, Italy, larry bird, politics, spain, The Irish Bull

Pearse Doherty vindicated: Personal travel expenses actually double his allowance

Contender

Pearse Doherty is not in breach of any rules regarding the use of his parliamentary allowances – because his travel costs were high enough to merit the full costs. via Oireachtas confirms Pearse Doherty did NOT breach expenses rules · TheJournal.ie.

‘He is a contender,’ said Marlon Brando.

The Oireachtas confirmed this evening the Donegal TD was not in breach of expenses rules. They found that Doherty drove 45,000+ miles in 2011 – which would almost double the amount he was actually paid. The allowance is capped at €11,273.

‘It’s a long way to Donegal,’ said Larry Bird. ‘A long-long way.’

The TD has called for all expenses to now be vouched and called on the government to set up such a scheme. It has been a good few days for Sinn Féin after yesterdays historic meeting between Martin McGuinness and the Queen.

‘Next poll should be interesting,’ said Faye Ecoruin.

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, expense claims, Faye Ecoruin., larry bird, Pearse Doherty, sinn féin, The Irish Bull

Noonan ends tax-relief for home buyers

Michael Noonan is making attempts to kick-start Ireland’s distressed property market – by winding down incentives for first-time buyers.

Too buy, or not to buy

‘Wtf?’ said Mickey Moore. Whatever that means!

There will be no extension to a generous tax relief deal for first-time buyers who buy before the end of this year, Minister for Finance Michael Noonan insisted today. via Mortgage crisis: Noonan warns no extension of tax relief for first time buyers – Property & Mortgages, Personal Finance – Independent.ie.

Anyone buying next year will not get the mortgage tax-relief. The minister warned potential buyers to act fast to avail of the current scheme.

‘Cynical,’ said George Oilwell.’He should have waited. He could end up with egg on his face.’

The move coincides with a slight rise in Dublin house prices – but a further fall nationwide was recorded. The collapse of the property market has seen a fall in price of between 60-70% from their peak. With supply outweighing demand and contractions in bank lending the future for property in Ireland still looks dismal.

It is estimated there is anything up to 345,000 vacant units in Ireland following the catastrophic policies pursued by successive  Fianna Fáil administrations.

‘They should be giving them away,’ said Larry Bird. ‘Back to the communities.’

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, economy, fine gael, first time buyers, George Oilwell, house prices in ireland, irish property market, larry bird, michael noonan, Mickey Moore, mortgage tax relief, property in ireland, The Irish Bull, vacant housing units in ireland

Irish economy shows further signs of decline

Worry

The volume of retail sales fell in May, showing a marginal decline from April. via Retail sales dip slightly in May – The Irish Times – Thu, Jun 28, 2012.

Worryingly the annual fall stands at 2.1 per cent.

‘Monies drying up fast,’ said George Oilwell. ‘Last time I seen a 50 was on my birthday card last year.’

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, George Oilwell, irish economy, michael noonan, retail sales in Ireland, The Irish Bull

Floods cause millions in damage

Parts of the country have been hit by serious flooding following overnight downpours. via Floods affect Cork, Kildare and Tipperary | BreakingNews.ie. 

Belfast

Cork and Belfast were the worst hit with many homes and business’ under water and without power. 50-70mm of rain fell overnight leaving parts of Douglas, Glanmire and Clonakilty submerged.

Met Eireann have said the worst of the rain has passed as they confirmed June was the wettest on record.

‘Summer?’ said Larry Bird. ‘I think the seasons need looking at.’

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, flooding, Ireland, larry bird, The Irish Bull

Former Fine Gael councillor jailed for corruption

4 years

Former Fine Gael town councillor Fred Forsey has been sentenced to six years for corruptly receiving payments from a property developer. via Former town councillor sentenced to six years for corruption | BreakingNews.ie.

The sentence was handed down this morning after Forsey had been found guilty of six corruption charges last month. Two-years of the sentence were suspended.

“Suspended?’ said ‘The Hatch’ Moore. ‘Why. He fought this all the way?’

Forsey has maintained his innocence throughout – claiming the payments received were a loan. His ex-wife gave evidence during the trial, recounting how her former husband had said he was going ‘to get in’ with the property developer. The developer has not been named.

Judge Gerard Griffin said Forsey’s crime was in the ‘medium-range of seriousness’ in terms of the findings outlined in the recent Mahon Tribunal report. There have still been no arrests in connection with wrong-doing laid out in two recent tribunal reports. Both made adverse findings against a slew of high-profile politicians and public figures.

‘Is he the fall guy?’ asked Larry Bird. ‘I think he is.’

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, 'The Hatch' Moore, corruption in ireland, fine gael, fred forsey, larry bird, mahon tribunal, The Irish Bull

When Martin Met Liz

It has been a symbolic day in the history of the two Ireland’s.

Handshake

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness has shaken hands with Queen Elizabeth in the Lyric Theatre in south Belfast this morning. via SF’s McGuinness shakes hands with queen in Belfast – The Irish Times – Wed, Jun 27, 2012.

‘Respect,’ said Mickey Moore.

Also present were President Higgins – who defeated McGuinness in last years Irish Presidential election. McGuinness, who is Northern Ireland’s First Minister, was granted permission last week to meet the reigning British monarch by Sinn Féin. Despite widespread media cynicism south of the border, it is seen as a vital move that will further the Irish peace process.

‘Even I didn’t see it coming,’ said George Oilwell. ‘Progress. It’s the only way forward.’

 

Filed under: The Irish Daily Bull, George Oilwell President Higgins, Irish peace process, martin mcguiness, Mickey Moore, northern ireland, queen elizabeth, sinn féin